What Is a Druhy Rug?

Basics

• Druhy or dhurrie rugs are tightly woven, nap-free carpets that originated in India, although excellent examples were also crafted in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Myanmar (formerly Burma). Dhurrie rugs were originally made on hand-operated looms and woven out of thick cotton yarn. The designs were generally stripes or simple patterns in subdued, natural colors that often appeared muted or faded. Historically, these rugs were valued for durability, if not artistry.

Distinctive Characteristics

• Dhurrie rugs were traditionally woven on flat, horizontal looms. The warp, or the lengthwise yarn that is attached to the loom, is never visible in dhurrie weaving, except as fringe. The weave of the rug can be coarse or fine, depending on the quality of the yarn, the set-up of the loom and the skill of the weaver. Even when different colors are introduced to create a pattern, the basic technique results in an unbroken woven surface. Another characteristic of a dhurrie weave is that it produces a rug that is reversible, making these rugs the workhorse of the carpet world.

History of the Dhurrie

• The use of dhurrie rugs in India reached across traditional caste barriers. Sturdy and cheap to produce, dhurries were used by the poor for everything from household floor coverings and prayer rugs to ground coverings for the grand outdoor events and celebrations of the upper echelons of Indian society. These early rugs were woven in striped or simple geometric patterns that were influenced by religious motifs. With the arrival of the British in the 19th century, weavers began to incorporate more flamboyant Victorian floral patterns and designs to appeal to the European market.

Contemporary Dhurrie Carpets

• In 1982, David Black, the esteemed British rug authority, staged "The Underappreciated Dhurrie," an exhibit at his London gallery. This event took the dhurrie out of the kitchen and dorm room and launched it into the world of serious rug connoisseurs. Today, the traditional craft of hand-woven dhurrie rugs is going strong, and machine-made rugs in the dhurrie style are widely available. Cotton dhurries still enjoy great popularity, but the rugs are also woven in wool, combination fibers and even silk. The patterns have expanded as well, and dhurries are produced in a variety of designs, including Native American patterns. Known for great durability and versatility at a reasonable price point, dhurries are a favorite with interior designers, and not just as floor coverings. Dhurrie rugs are made into pillows and have even been used as upholstery fabric.

Interesting Facts

• Some of the most-prized examples of traditional dhurrie rugs were the product of prison labor. In the 19th century, Indian officials introduced carpet looms in jails to give prisoners a productive activity during incarceration. This practice ended in the early part of the 20th century, but during this time, prisoners produced some exceptional examples of dhurrie rugs. Cultural anthropologists theorize that since the prisoners were not motivated by producing rugs for the marketplace, they could spend more time and care on the design and weaving. Much of the production of contemporary handmade dhurrie rugs is now a cottage industry, started by farmers in India to augment their incomes.