Handwoven High Pile Rug c. 20th century

This handwoven high pile rug, maker unknown, is a small, tactile world of fiber. The palette is earthy, a comforting blend of creams and browns, punctuated with touches of golden yellow, a bit like a woolly pointillist painting. The texture is the star here. Dense, tufted loops create a topography that invites touch. You can almost feel the give and spring of the fibers beneath your fingers. Notice how the maker uses the different colors of yarn to build up texture, creating soft, organic shapes that seem to emerge from the pile. That dark patch in the center, it's like a little vortex, pulling you into the rug's embrace, a reminder of the way a simple, repeated gesture can create something complex and deeply satisfying. The rug reminds me of the work of Sheila Hicks, who also explored the possibilities of fiber as sculpture, embracing its tactile and textural qualities. It’s a testament to the power of process and the beauty of the handmade.