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.

Le Jacquard Francais Tablecloths are Ready for the Holidays!

The best thing about the holidays is setting your dining table for family and friends. Finding the right tablecloth to set the mood can be difficult unless you have access to a variety of choices. Well, you can find exactly what you need right here!

At R.H. Ballard we stock Le Jacquard Francais and Garnier Thiebaut tablecloths, napkins, placemats, runners and tea towels.  We have everything needed to create a stunning table, and starting with Le Jacquard Francais Tablecloths and Napkins you can't go wrong.

This year, Le Jacquard Francais came out with some stunning designs perfect for holiday entertaining. Let's start with the best, Siena in Ruby Red:

With an intricate Italian motif throughout, this Siena in Ruby is a 100% linen tablecloth that will last for generations to come. This linen cloth will endure through countless dinners with friends and family. Imagine your lovely china, glassware, Christmas displays, and of course lots of candles! It's just a beautiful statement of elegance.  Siena also comes in two other colorways: Pearl (grey, silver and ivory), and Ivory (creamy ivory, taupe and eggshell), as seen below:

Other holiday options I recommend include Kabuki in Lacquer Red, which is a 50/50 blend of cotton and linen, with Asian motifs and a complex jacquard weave with a striped border inspired from kabuki designs. This tablecloth feels very luxurious to the touch, and the kabuki motifs are artistically rendered:

For a really hot and contemporary statement, I love the Rajasthan in Pomegranate, in 100% cotton, which has a delicious mix of fuschia, eggplant, hot mustard, and pink. This is an Indian inspired design with architectural images and a contemporary twist. It also comes in Curry, Ginger. You can have a lot of fun decorating a Christmas table with this bright tablecloth!

The Marche Chinois in Saffron, is probably our best seller over the years.  It is versatile, can be used throughout the year for many different occasions and looks lovely in any setting. It is 100% cotton, and has an intricate display of a Chinese Market all around the border:

If you have a more neutral dinning space, and you enjoy a more contemporary look, the Tanger tablecloth in Alabaster is for you.  This cloth is 100% cotton and is woven in white, taupe, grey. The motifs are Moroccan tiles with large graphic foliage as a background. It also comes in Bougainvillea and Colbalt:

Lastly, our ever popular Sari in Paprika, easily sets the mood for your Christmas Table.  With a deep red center and Indian-inspired Sari motifs along the wide border, you have a stunning statement.  This cloth is 100% cotton and also comes in Muscaris and Graphite:

There are so many Le Jacquard Francais tablecloths that will suit all of your holiday entertaining. Go now to R.H. Ballard to see all tablecloths available for you!

American Realist Patton Wilson Joins R. H. Ballard

R. H. Ballard Gallery is proud to represent Patton Wilson.  This American realist recently was the recipient of the prestigious Pollack/Krasner Foundation Grant, and has been exhibiting his sophisticated realist paintings for over two decades throughout the United States.  His still life paintings are carefully constructed compositions painted from life, taking  months to finish. Wilson creates work in oil, egg tempera, casein, and egg oil emulsion. Going back and forth between these media and the appropriate painting surface keeps him intrigued with the creative process.  Each of these allows him to interpret ideas in different ways. 

Come visit the gallery and View Patton Wilson's most recent painting "Flutter" pictured above.

For more information or to view new works as they become available, please contact Robert H. Ballard at 540-675-1411.

Click here to see the artist's Bio. and larger images