Every day brings a new story…grab a cuppa and let me tell you about our Persian rug.
30 years ago, when we were young and stupid, we bought a deceased estate federation house. It was in a seriously dilapidated condition – no inside toilet, no hot water, no laundry, no shower. The tiny kitchen had just half a metre of bench space, divided into three sections. It was partitioned into pokey rooms for use as a boarding house and in such a state of disrepair that it had lingered on the property market for 14 months before we bought it. Even so, we could barely afford it – if it hadn’t been for my parents’ legendary generosity, we wouldn’t be here today.
We were coming from a little unit, so of course, we needed furniture. We borrowed an extra $3.5K to cover this, which in hindsight was a small fortune.
Anyway, we walked into a cool shop in Ultimo called Nomadic Rug Traders and…we both fell in love with this Meshkin Kilim runner from Northern Persia (Iran). See, it really IS a Persian rug. An antique, tribal, handwoven runner from circa 1900. At five metres long and over a metre wide, it fit our hallway perfectly…but it cost $2,500. Yup. Madness, I know. We had to furnish the rest of the house, including appliances, wardrobes and lounges, with the remaining $1,000. We sat on beanbags for a year!
But oh, how we LOVED our rug. It lived in the hallway for ten years and made us happy every time we walked on it. When the kids were little, they rode bikes on it and dropped crumbs all over it. Then Small Man developed severe eczema – at its worst, his skin was peeling off in sheets – so we had to roll it up and put it away. No fabric furnishings allowed, the dermatologist said. I sewed a cotton bag to store it in, then we packed it carefully in mothballs and crossed our fingers, hoping it would survive.
Today, more than 30 years after we bought it, we pulled it out of storage. I nearly wept when I saw that it was still in the same condition as when we’d rolled it up all those years ago. We washed the underlay and vacuumed the rug before returning it to its rightful spot in the hallway.
It’s amazing how much more I appreciate it now than I did back in the 90s! Over the intervening two decades, I’ve become increasingly fascinated with tribal and handmade textiles, but this is where it all began. And it speaks to the adage to buy once and buy well – it was an impetuous and mad purchase, but 30 years on, it still brings us so much joy! ♥
That’s a beautiful story; and I am sure the rug is worth a fortune now.
I don’t actually believe it is – textiles haven’t really held their value since the 80s and 90s, plus it’s been very well trampled. Having said that, its value to us is priceless! :)
Just beautiful … understand your sentiments totally!
That is stunning. Is there a significance to the symbol in the main part of the rug?
I *think* they might be tree of life motifs. I’ve photographed the rug upside down, I think.. :)
I once ‘squandered’ half my house deposit on a painting. 7 homes and much renovation later, it’s still the first thing to go up on the wall, I still love it, and wouldn’t ever part with it.
It’s beautiful, and was clearly worth the madness.
exactly…you are right
Bravo for the brave decision of gping with your heart and investing in something beautiful. How wonderful fate conspired for you to put your fabulous rug away for future enjoyment (notwithstanding the horribleness of eczema… I have psoriasis… I do understand). I’m not one for keeping things for good but it was treasure you stashed, and I’m so happy you get a second chance at appreciating its loveliness… in the same home you bought it for ♡
It is beautiful!
Don’t you love it when an impulse buy proves to be a lasting joy? It’s gorgeous.
The designs and colour blends in those traditional carpets and rugs are forever fascinating. The craftsmanship is admirable, the comfort and pleasure if gives one in the family home is never ending. well done you
A beautiful rug! The earthy tones are always comforting. They last a long time, standing up to the wear and tear of every day life in an amazing way. You’ll be able to enjoy it for many more years.
Wise beyond your years all those 30 years ago …
A beautiful Rug. I love the history of it more.
An awesome story, and an awesome hall runner! Absolutely beautiful!
It’s beautiful!
When your heart speaks, there’s no ignoring it. Such a lovely rug with so much of your family story woven into it.
OH what a marvelous story! Bean bag chairs definitely worth it. GOOD JOB for a good purchase.
The story of your house is as lovely as the story of the rug. Do share more about the house! And I hope that Small Man’s exzma is better. And so glad the rug has survived well (I still get sad at the story of my grandmother’s dress stored so carefully but the metal decorations rusted through it when they took it out)
That is very beautiful, i can see why you went completely over the top for it. I actually held my breath when you wrote about unwrapping it … imagine!
It’s beautiful!
I so love this story, Celia. That runner is a thing of beauty ….. xx
Beautiful story, and beautiful rug!
I found my way here via Emilie’s gorgeous book, so thrilled to have found you!