Lotto Rugs at R.H. Ballard

In searching for unique new rugs, I found the Lotto Rugs, produced in Armenia by Megerian Rugs.  These rugs are faithful renditions of the historic Lotto rugs.  Named for the Venetian painter Lorenzo Lotto (1480-1556), who used these designs often, as pictured here, the Lotto rugs constitute a transitional stage between the first Ottoman period and the floral art that would dominate the rugs of the 16th and 17th Centuries.  These rugs are cherished holdings in major museums throughout the world.

In the Lottos the field is activated by angular arabesques forming rows generally octagonal or rectangular motifs resembling grillwork.

The arabesque, though created by an Islamic artist after the 7th Century conquest, did not make an appearance in Turkish carpets until the beginning of the 16th Century.

These rugs, with their overal designs and limited pallet are ideal for both modern, rustic and elegant situations.

Megerian rugs are the finest reproductions of these four century old designs using ecco friendly dyes and time honored hand knotting techniques. Emmett Eiland, in his book "Oriental Rugs Today" states:  "...Megerian is among the most respected of all rug makers today."

These fine rugs connect up with the important reproductions of the Mamluk Rugs as well as the Sultanabad rugs, carried by R. H. Ballard, all produced by Megerian and representing true collectable antiques in the making.  To view a large selection of designs click here.