I've been asked a lot of interesting questions recently because of of an upcoming guild exhibit featuring Tapestry in February.One question which popped up is a rug which is woven in true tapestry technique considered a tapestry? I thought to myself there are Kilims, and the Navaho wove utiltarian items ,I don't see why not! My reply was,there is a group I can ask! So can a rug also be a tapestry?

Comments

Sun, 11/20/2011 - 21:53

Joanne Hall

Hi Cathie,

I would call it a rug woven in tapestry techniques.  The word tapestry is used in many ways, including the name of a record album of songs.  So, don't be surprised if there is confusion over this term.  Yes, the Navajos weave blankets in tapestry technique.  And the Kilims are woven in tapestry techniques.

Joanne

Sun, 11/20/2011 - 22:08

tommye scanlin

Tapestry techniques based on plain weave structure with discontinuous wefts are used for most handwoven tapestries (although there are exceptions to the structure--Helene Hernmarck's work, for instance).  The products of the technique might be rugs, bed coverings, hanging for walls, blankets, etc. Confusion also is added because the word "tapestry" is often used to describe other fabric/fiber techniques in which images, whether non-objective or objective, are used.  And the term is used pretty freely in a metaphorical way... "Tapestry of life....", "Rich tapestry of ideas...."

Tommye

Sun, 11/20/2011 - 22:21

Artistry

Thanks for weighing in JoAnn. Tapestry by Carole King? Boy, that takes me back! I'm using the ATA's definition of tapestry, weft faced, usually plain weave, discontinuous wefts .
Sun, 11/20/2011 - 22:32

Artistry

So are you saying that the byproducts of true tapestry techniques would be eligible for an exhibit on tapestry?
Sun, 11/20/2011 - 22:37

Artistry

That sounds silly, I mean things like rugs, saddle blankets, contemporary items perhaps, that would be exciting for this exhibit.
Sun, 11/20/2011 - 22:42

tommye scanlin

This might indeed be an exciting slant to the exhibit, Cathie.  The use of tapestry for functional objects has a long, long history throughout the world.  I think thinking about it as "art" is relatively new in the history of the technique.  

Tommye

Sun, 11/20/2011 - 22:55

Sara von Tresckow

If you are referring to the old European art tapestries - they ARE functional objects.

A. They kept the drafts to a minimum in cold stone castles.

B. They represented portable wealth that could be packed on the back of a horse in case of marauding bands and necessary evacuation.

They were not just art objects.

Sun, 11/20/2011 - 23:11

Artistry

Thank you all! These are the kind of answers I was looking for and hoping that a tapestry could also serve as a utilitarian piece. I forgot my history lessons, Sara !