Oriental Rugs Dictionary
Arraiolos Rugs
Arraiolos rugs are needlepoint carpets produced in the town of Arraiolos in Portugal. These textiles are created by embroidering wool yarn onto a canvas foundation using a cross-stitch technique. The tradition dates back several centuries and was influenced by Moorish decorative patterns introduced to the Iberian Peninsula. Arraiolos rugs typically feature large-scale geometric or floral designs and were commonly used as decorative floor coverings in Portuguese homes. Although technically embroidery rather than traditional pile weaving, Arraiolos rugs occupy an important place in European textile history.
