Хасковските килими
Haskovo Rugs

Summary/Abstract: The author has made a study of the development of rugs produced in Haskovo in the 19th century on the basis of the models preserved. He indicates the importance of rug-making in the town as one of its population's basic means of livelihood. Accepting the view on the affiliation of the Haskovo rugs to the group of Eastern Bulgarian rugs, established in literature, he also indicates a number of their original features which give him grounds to differentiate them in an independent sub-group. On the basis of an analysis of the motifs and ornamentation the author indicates the mid-19th century as the boundary line in two basic types: in the first half of the century geometrical designs predominated, while in the second half stylized Nature elements came to the fore, chiefly flowers and birds. Certain differences, although not of great importance are also indicated in the colour schemes and the complete resolution of the designs. The reduction, followed by the almost complete disappearance of the market for carpets, which occurred to a very great extent in the last two decades of the past century, led to a decline of Haskovo rug-making. Today its models are some of the finest work of Bulgarian folk weaving.

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