The traditional needlepoint rug manufacture started in Portugal in the Renaissance period and is still alive.
The most beautiful pieces have been made in the XVII century, using needles on large hempen canvasses. The Portuguese rugs are also called Arraiolos, a small town in the South of the country.
The most used colors are delicate greens and pale pink.
In the XVIII century Indian influences substitute the Persian ones, producing a revolution tin the decorative themes, which have more angular patterns best suitable for the needlepoint technique.
Originally these rugs were manufactured by female prisoners, but nowadays, in the towns where they are produced, it’s possible to see both men and women working at them in front of their houses.
The most beautiful pieces have been made in the XVII century, using needles on large hempen canvasses. The Portuguese rugs are also called Arraiolos, a small town in the South of the country.
The most used colors are delicate greens and pale pink.
In the XVIII century Indian influences substitute the Persian ones, producing a revolution tin the decorative themes, which have more angular patterns best suitable for the needlepoint technique.
Originally these rugs were manufactured by female prisoners, but nowadays, in the towns where they are produced, it’s possible to see both men and women working at them in front of their houses.
