Ziegler – the evolution of the hand-knotted rug

The story begins in the early 1870s, with the establishment of independent rug production in what was then Sarough (now Arak), by the Anglo-Swiss company Ziegler & Co. of Manchester. With the permission of the Shah of Persia, the Swiss businessman ‘Philipp Ziegler’ was the first European ever to be allowed to have his own rugs made locally and independently, based on Persian designs.

Originally, the company successfully exported domestic cloth products, with the special trade relations of the British Empire and its ‘protectorate’ facilitating this expansion. In 1872, a decree was issued allowing foreign companies to produce autonomously in the country.

From old to modern

Not only did the demand for Ziegler's cloth products increase, but also, in particular, the demand for oriental rugs in Europe. Affluent buyers, including the nobility, gradually developed their own aesthetic ideas and desires, which were of course promptly served at the appropriate prices. Although Ziegler drew inspiration from classical designs, he developed new interpretations of them with his well-heeled clientele in mind.

With success: these adaptations quickly made Persian rugs sought-after objects in the salons of the elite. Unfortunately, this development was brought to an abrupt end by the effects of the global stock market crash and the subsequent world economic crisis of 1928/29.

Nevertheless, the Ziegler remained popular, and in the following decades, production gradually shifted from Persia to Pakistan, Afghanistan, and India.

Authentic echo

Even though the rugs are no longer made in their original place of manufacture, their prestige remains undiminished. A special feature of modern variants is the so-called stone washing, which gives the pile an antique look after knotting. This technique, in which the Oriental rug is rubbed with stones and bleached in the sun, produces a unique finish that softens the colours and makes the pile appear slightly worn.

They are still hand-knotted using traditional techniques and high-quality virgin sheep's wool. This wool is also spun by hand and then dyed with natural plant dyes, which gives it its natural colour brilliance.

Occident filters Orient

The Ziegler was created to combine oriental aesthetics with the preferences of a Western audience. While the time-honoured oriental rugs were appreciated, Ziegler & Co. recognised that its clientele was looking for something specific: a rug that would blend into the already well-appointed and elegant rooms without overwhelming them.

The result was rugs in soft tones and with understated designs, which nevertheless retained the charm and craftsmanship of their predecessors. The highly varied patterns were initially borrowed from the tastes of the Safavid period, with the widespread central medallion of Oriental rugs being replaced by evenly distributed, flat, decorative floral motifs.

Rugs reduced to the essentials

The colour palette is deliberately restrained and is characterised by the warmth of the colours and the delicacy of their decoration. Beige tones often dominate, complemented by accents in red, blue, green, or brown. However, it must be emphasised that, due to the modern diversity, the number of types is constantly growing. The source of inspiration from original Persian models is too deep to allow new deviations and stylistic innovations to emerge.

In most cases, the colour spectrum is reduced and the face of the original is visually calmed. This results in elegant offshoots that complement modern, sophisticated interior design styles excellently and sometimes in a less complicated way. It is fair to assume that there is no other oriental rug that can match the versatility of the Ziegler rug.

Vintage, for everyone online

The Ziegler is known for its extraordinary versatility. Thanks to its subtle patterns and colours, it lends a refined delicacy to almost any interior design style with its vintage look and can therefore be used in a variety of rooms. Whether in the living room, bedroom, or hallway – it creates a warm, inviting atmosphere and sets stylish accents.

For easier orientation, you will find our wide selection of models in the following 5 subcategories, which represent the respective characteristics:

• Ziegler Modern

• Ziegler Ariana

• Ziegler Bachtiari

• Ziegler Shal

• Ziegler Kazak

oriental Ziegler is available at any time in our online shop in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colours. You can take full advantage of our after-sales services; with fast delivery and free shipping in both directions.

Noble rug - easy care

A Ziegler is not only a decorative element but also an investment in high quality and durability. To ensure that your rug retains its beauty over a long period of time, regular care is essential. Although the sheep's wool used is naturally dirt-repellent, it is recommended that you vacuum the rug regularly to remove dust and dirt. Ideally, do not use a brush attachment to protect the pile.

If the rug becomes heavily soiled, professional cleaning can help. Ziegler rugs are typically dyed using plants as the source material; this makes them particularly resistant to fading. Nevertheless, it is advisable to turn the rug from time to time to ensure even wear.

Alternative Ziegler

Choosing a Ziegler rug means deciding on a unique work of art; a statement that will enrich your ambience for decades. Made with the greatest care and using the best materials, they offer an unrivalled combination of tradition and modernity. They are beautiful, durable, versatile, and can easily withstand the demands of everyday life.

Back then, they were deliberately adapted to European tastes and today they are considered an affordable alternative to Persian rugs. The popularity of these rugs remains undiminished and they continue to fascinate with new variations of a traditional craft.

FAQs:

What distinguishes a Ziegler from other Oriental rugs?

They are characterised by their light colours and subtle ornaments, which are specially designed to suit European tastes. They combine traditional elements with modern aesthetics and are among the most versatile types of rug.

How are the rugs made?

The hand-knotted oriental rugs are mainly made in Pakistan and Afghanistan. They are made of high-quality sheep's wool, which is dyed with natural vegetable dyes. After knotting, the rugs undergo a special stone wash to give them an antique finish.

Are Ziegler rugs durable?

Yes. The use of high-quality wool and the hand-knotted workmanship make them particularly resistant to wear and tear. With proper care, they can retain their beauty and quality for decades.

How do Ziegler rugs fit into different interior styles?

Thanks to their subtle colours and classic motifs, Ziegler rugs are extremely versatile and go well with almost any interior style. They can be inspiring in both modern and traditional rooms and exude the inviting charm of hand-knotted rugs in every room.

How do I properly care for a Ziegler?

They should be vacuumed regularly to remove dust and dirt. It is recommended that the rug be turned over from time to time to ensure even wear. Professional cleaning is advisable for heavier soiling.