Among the more distinct categories of rug patterns available, the designs attributed to the Mamluks stand apart for their visual power, angular patterns, and balance in design.
The Mamluks originate as a distinct culture rising from a slave and solider class to become the dominant power from the 13th until the 16th Century in what is now modern Egypt. During this period, Mamluk influence shaped much of Northern Africa, the Sinai Peninsula, and the Levant for close to three centuries.
During this period of political influence they also merged and combined textile patterns that they brought with them from regions as far away as modern Afghanistan and the Caspian Region as well as all points in-between and blended them with a distinct Egyptian design sensibility to produce an enduring signature rug style that has remained as bold and forward as the people who innovated it.
Mamluk carpets have been appreciated for their bold and angular style and geometric precision since they were a 'new' style of rug. Most likely introduced to Europeans by returning Crusaders, and simultaneously begin to appear as visual indicators to denote importance in several Renaissance Period artworks. Here, one has been used as backdrop to signify the focal point of Jesus in a depiction of The Last Supper.
The Last Supper by Ambrosius Francken C. 16th Century
The root of these rug designs begins with predominantly Turkic speaking peoples brought to Egypt as slaves and trained to become a soldier caste. Through time and gathering influence the Mamluks rise to prominence to define an era known as the Mamluk Sultanate Period, beginning in 1250 and lasting until the Ottoman conquest of Egypt in 1517. During this nearly three centuries of dominance in the region, the Mamluks halted Mongol expansion in the Levant, and effectively ended the Crusades in The Holy Land.
Their rugs carry many of the influences stemming from the origins of the captured and enslaved groups that coalesced in a larger Mamluk cultural identity. Influences can be interpreted in rugs from Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Persia, and even the Balkans, with Caucasian influences being seen as the most prevalent. However, the most distinct aspect of Mamluk rugs is that they adopted a very Egyptian design sensibility, relying on geometric precision and very evenly balanced visual weight.
This modern produced Mamluk pattern rug has been hand-knotted in Afghanistan and measures 9x12.
Mamluk rugs are said to have an almost kaleidoscopic effect as a result of this design choice and quadrants often mirror one another with incredible accuracy. They have a bold appearance and the bluish pistachio green color is one of the signature elements seen throughout this period of rug and carpet production.
This contemporary 2x3 was meticulously reproduced by Woven Legends using the same hand-spun wool and natural dyes found in original examples
Modern Rug makers like Jan Kath have incorporated Mamluk patterns in to very cutting edge rug designs blending the old with the new.
Jan Kath often seeks to illustrate the passage of time with his designs and Mamluk rugs are ideal for this.
Mamluk rugs bring a powerful visual presence to any space and we are happy to say that we have several in an array of sizes. Come by and see these, and many other rugs at our NW Portland gallery.