Images(3)

Carpet Sample

Maker A. and M. Karagheusian

PeriodCirca 1950 - 1955

Place MadeFreehold, New Jersey, U.S.A.

MediumWool, jute, cotton

Dimensions74 × 27.5 in. (188 × 69.9 cm)

ClassificationsA. & M. Karagheusian Rug Mill Collection

Credit LineMuseum Collection

Object number2020.514

DescriptionA rectangular carpet sample with a large and lively stylized pattern depicting freeform feathery swirls in white, yellow, light blue, and dark blue on a rich brick red ground, all in woven cut pile wool. The short ends of the sample are bound in cotton twill tape, with "A GULISTAN CARPET BY KARAGEUSIAN" woven into the tape. On the back of the sample is glued a large blue and yellow label reading "Ridgefield / Wilton / A / Gulistan / Contract Carpet / Woven on power looms in the U.S.A. / This Gulistan carpet is especially manufactured for / commercial use. Gulistan carpets are all-wool pile, / woven with 100% imported virgin wool, offering / the maximum in resiliency, durability, and service. / Available in colors, patterns, and textures of un- / surpassed beauty for every decorative and wear / requirement, making Gulistan the choice for many / of the country's foremost hotels, stores, theatres, / and public buildings." Also noted on the label is the pattern and color number "DX244-5."
Curatorial RemarksArshag and Miran Karagheusian emigrated from Turkey during the government's persecution of the Armenian people in the late 19th century. After living for a time in England, the brothers came to the United States and began a small carpet import business. In 1906, the brothers purchased the old Rothschild Shirt Factory complex on Jackson Street in Freehold, New Jersey. There they imported carpet looms from England and invited seasoned weavers from the British Isles to relocate to Freehold as their first employees. By 1928, with the introduction of the "Gulistan" line of high-quality carpeting, the company became the second largest privately-owned carpet company in the world. At its peak, over 1,700 men and women worked at the Rug Mill. The company produced carpeting for Radio City Music Hall in 1932 and the United States Supreme Court building in 1935, and for such notables as movie star Jean Harlow, who sent the company a lock of her famed platinum blonde hair to match a custom carpet, and Fred Astaire, who purchased Karagheusian-made carpeting for his office. During World War II, the factory converted to wartime production, weaving a type of cotton canvas material known as "duck," which was used for tank covers, gun covers, tents, and bags. After the war, union troubles and new technology, combined with an obsolete factory complex, resulted in management's decision to close the factory and relocate to Georgia. By 1961, the entire operation had moved South.NotesVery little is known about specifics regarding the Karagheusian Rug Mill's customer interaction, design process, contracts, and other information. Just prior to the Mill's closure in 1961, virtually all of the company's records were deliberately destroyed. This large-scale bold and colorful pattern, almost resembling peacock swirls, was one of the many commercial carpeting designs A. & M. Karagheusian produced after resuming post-World War II production.

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