Design for a Rug

PeriodCirca 1940 - 1955

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

MediumGouache over graphite on heavy watercolor paper

Dimensions17.19 × 15.5 in. (43.7 × 39.4 cm)

SignedInked inscriptions appear on the paper below the design, including "T TT.V." at the lower left corner and "01638 / A. & M. Karagheusian, Inc." in elegant calligraphic lettering.

ClassificationsA. & M. Karagheusian Rug Mill Collection

Credit LineMuseum Purchase, 1999

Object number1999.14.2

DescriptionA design for a rug featuring a central square starburst medallion surrounded by a double border of stylized anthemion and foliate motifs, with an outer border of a Greek key variation, all in shades of tan, light and dark brown, dull orange, and russet. A continuation of the lobed corner medallions has been lightly sketched in with pencil at each of the four corners. A color bar with all colors used is included below the left side of the design.
Curatorial RemarksThe Karagheusian brothers, Arshag and Miran, began their rug manufacturing business in Freehold in 1904 when they purchased the defunct V. Henry Rothschild Shirt Factory on Jackson Street. The brothers converted the plant into a carpet and rug factory. At its peak, A. & M. Karagheusian was the second largest privately owned carpet manufacturing business in the world. It employed 1,700 men and women and was best known for the introduction of its "Gulistan" carpet line. During World War 2, the Mill converted to wartime production, weaving heavy cotton canvas known as "duck," used for tank covers, tents, and bags. After the war ended, the mill resumed normal operations. The Mill was in operation until 1961, when management moved the company south. Post-war labor troubles, new carpet manufacturing techniques, and an outdated factory complex were the main reasons for the company's relocation.NotesThe Karagheusian company procured carpet designs in several ways. Members of the Research and Design Department would go out on buying trips several times a year, visitng independent designers to view and purchase specific designs. In addition, full-time design staff members would develop designs in-house for the rug firm. After an initial design was approved, the design was converted to a grid format, each square representing a tuft of carpet. The grid color key was then converted to loom punch cards. These cards, which closely resembled early computer punch cards, were threaded together in sequence and attached to a loom.The cards controlled the colored spools of yarn, producing the finished carpet pattern. Virtually all the Freehold mill's records were incinerated prior to the firm's relocation to the south, so little is known about specific customers and contracts. However, the Karagheusian Rug Mill did provide carpeting for numerous commercial and public spaces, including Radio City Music Hall, the United States Supreme Court Building, and local businesses such as the Berkeley-Carteret Hotel in Asbury Park.

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