The journey into the realm of synthetic and semi-synthetic dyes began with studies in the late 18th century mostly in Germany for example by Barth (indigo carmine, 1743) following studies in France and Britain.  ‘Paris Green’, also known as copper acetoarsenite, is a toxic synthetic green pigment that was commonly used in the 19th and early 20th centuries as a colorant in paints, wallpapers, fabrics, and even as an insecticide. It has a bright green color and was highly valued for its intense hue and durability. It was discovered in the early 19th century, around 1814, by Wilhelm Dye an ..read more

The Islamic carpets in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET) represent a magnificent collection of textile art from the Islamic world. Spanning several centuries and regions, this collection showcases the rich tradition of carpet weaving in Islamic societies. From intricate geometric patterns to lush floral designs, the carpets exhibit a variety of styles and techniques that reflect the cultural heritage and craftsmanship of their regions of origin. The collection not only includes carpets used for daily life but also luxurious pieces commissioned by royalty and the elite. Each piece tells a ..read more

The Kurdish people boast a rich and storied tradition of weaving, a skill passed down through generations. These resilient nomads, primarily inhabiting mountainous regions, weaving intricate patterns and vibrant motifs into their rugs, bags, and covers that accompanied their nomadic journeys. Meanwhile, in urban workshops like Sonqor, Senna, Garrus, and Sa’uj Bulagh, more elaborate rugs were meticulously crafted for tribal leaders and international trade. “Antique Rugs of Kurdistan” unveils a captivating assortment of weavings from all corners of “Kurdistan” before the 20th century, showcasi ..read more

This 15th-century carpet, showing the battle of the dragon and the phoenix, is one of the most important animal carpets of the early Ottoman period that have become known to the present day. Two highly stylized animals, a dragon and a phoenix, are depicted fighting, against a yellow background and within two octagonal spaces. The phoenix is swooping down onto the dragon from above. The image is clearer in the lower octagonal casing than in the upper. The outer border is composed of semi-palmette tendrils, which are framed on both sides by an edging of little rosettes. The original bord ..read more

At Ararat Studios Color Lab, we continuously strive to maintain the quality of colors and natural materials with separate recipes for each color. While Anatolian madder root ( Rubia Tinctorium) production is almost entirely extinct, we purchase fields and cultivate to produce our own madder root. Our work continues both in our laboratories and offices and in the fields and farms as well. The natural dye tradition in Anatolian lands and the knowledge we have gained from elderly people and local sources, along with our ongoing laboratory experiments, university collaborations, experienced s ..read more

Colors are an integral part of our lives, surrounding us with their vibrant hues and evoking a wide range of emotions. From the soothing blues of the ocean to the fiery reds of a sunset, the study of color has fascinated artists, scientists, and psychologists for centuries. Among the influential minds in the realm of color theory, one name stands out prominently – Faber Birren. In this article, we delve into the captivating world of the Faber Birren Color Theory, exploring its origins, key principles, and impact on the world of art and design. Faber Birren (1900 – 1988) was an acclaimed colo ..read more

Art is a diverse range of human activity, and resulting product, that involves creative or imaginative talent expressive of technical proficiency, beauty, emotional power, or conceptual ideas. There is no generally agreed definition of what constitutes art, and its interpretation has varied greatly throughout history and across cultures. In the Western tradition, the three classical branches of visual art are painting, sculpture, and architecture. Theatre, dance, and other performing arts, as well as literature, music, film and other media such as interactive media, are included in a broader ..read more

This blog article is about the legendary color coral red in Iznik tiles in the 16th century and the man who was searching for it since years as a passion. As Ararat we have the same passion of him to revive the natural colors from the antique rugs and pass this knowledge to the next generations. His passion is similar to ours and we respect his mindset and artworks so much. Coral red is a color that was seen in Iznik tiles in the 16th century and produced for about 30-40 years and then lost its recipe. Its slightly fluffy texture on tiles, has become a legend for the ceramic art of the whole ..read more

Christian Ludvig David was a prominent Danish lawyer, art collector, and philanthropist who lived in Copenhagen. Born on November 8, 1878, in the Danish city of Aarhus, David went on to establish himself as an influential figure in Danish society. Christian Ludvig David pursued a career in law and obtained a law degree from the University of Copenhagen. He subsequently became a practicing lawyer and made significant contributions to the legal field. His expertise and dedication earned him recognition among his peers and the wider legal community. One of the most notable aspects of Christian ..read more

The carpets and rug exhibitions of the 1900s were a testament to the enduring allure of these magnificent textiles. The Orientalist posters, especially those associated with Au Bon Marché, played a vital role in popularizing and promoting these exhibitions, capturing the imagination of audiences and fostering cultural exchange. Today, the legacy of these exhibitions and posters can still be felt, as carpets and rugs continue to be treasured as works of art and appreciated for their intricate craftsmanship. By delving into the rich history of these exhibitions and the captivating Orientalist ..read more