Oriental Rugs Dictionary

Triclinium, Audience Rug

In Certain Islamic countries it was customary in important dwellings to arrange rugs and carpets in the main chamber in a certain manner. The main carpet in the center with two runners along side of it and a wider runner (Kalleh, head) on the upper end. When a single rug is woven to represent this arrangement, it is known as an audience rug or triclinium (after the 3 couches surrounding the meal table in ancient Rome). These terms are not native to Islamic countries nor do they correctly suggest the function of the rug in a household.