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April 3, 2024Mohair speaks of Luxury.
Mohair rugs, derived from the wool of Angora goats traditionally raised in the highlands of Turkey, particularly around Ankara, give rise to mohair wool known for its distinctive qualities. However, modern production has expanded to include regions like South Africa and Tibet, contributing to the availability of top-notch mohair. Mohair wool stands out due to its unique composition—fine, robust, and naturally elastic threads with a glossy finish. Additionally, mohair yarn possesses excellent antibacterial properties and acts as an efficient thermal insulator.
Below is our custom flat weave in white, handwoven in highest-quality mohair, SKU 25985. Keen eyes may admire a looping technique in this flat weave design, and admire its meticulous, luxurious look. One of our finest textural works, with a sophisticated take on the plain that sits beautifully in any space.
Mohair textiles have a rich historical significance, with mentions found in ancient Sumerian cuneiform tablets and references in the Old Testament, where these textiles played a role in religious rituals. In the 20th century, renowned designers such as Frank Lloyd Wright and Jean Michel Frank incorporated mohair textiles into their designs. Mohair carpets and draperies in their works exuded a poised effect, with lovely, handsome beiges, and other rich modern neutrals adding a quiet richness to their interiors. During the 15th and 16th centuries in Ottoman Turkey, mohair production became a highly developed royal industry. The sultan and powerful viziers controlled the international trade in this luxurious product, which, during the Renaissance, became a coveted exotic rarity from the East. The demand from British and French markets far exceeded the supply, leading to shortages in the Ottoman Empire. To address this, the sultan had to ban the export of mohair to ensure an adequate domestic supply.
When it comes to mohair rugs, the yarn is typically categorized into two groups based on the source: mohair kid and regular mohair. Mohair kid wool, obtained from the initial shearing of the goat, is particularly prized for its heightened softness, shine, and warmth. This makes it the most valuable type of mohair. The exceptional characteristics of mohair wool make it an ideal choice for crafting luxury rugs of superior quality. Rugs can be exclusively made from 100% mohair wool, capitalizing on its numerous benefits. Alternatively, blending mohair with other types of wool allows for the creation of carpets that strike a perfect balance between softness and durability.
The selection of a mohair wool carpet is often driven by the exquisite softness of the yarn, setting it apart from other wool varieties like sheep’s wool. This quality is evident in various types of mohair rugs, including knotted rugs, hand-tufted rugs, and those with long piles. Beyond its softness, mohair wool is renowned for its natural luster, reminiscent of silk. This quality is especially prominent in rugs made from undyed wool and those featuring light colors. The interplay of light on the fibers enhances the visual appeal of mohair rugs, contributing to a sophisticated and elegant aesthetic. In addition to its luxurious feel and lustrous appearance, mohair wool exhibits remarkable durability. Despite its fine and soft nature, mohair rugs are robust, making them suitable for use in high-traffic areas of the home, such as the living room, master bedrooms and the kitchen. This durability ensures that mohair rugs not only provide a sensory delight but also stand the test of time in terms of both style and functionality.
Mohair has distinct characteristics compared to sheep’s wool. Composed mostly of the protein keratin, mohair is lightweight and strong. The fibers have exceptional dye absorption properties, resulting in saturated, rich, and intense colors. Often referred to as the “diamond fiber” due to its strength and sheen, mohair fibers have tensile strength comparable to steel. In the modern era, South Africa and the United States are the two largest mohair producers, with goats thriving in dry climates. The first Angora goats were imported into the United States in the mid-19th century as a gift from the Sultan of Turkey.
Rug & Kilim’s mohair rugs are a gorgeous modern choice of simple elegance with a cozy demeanor that sits comfortably anywhere. Meticulously handmade, they are versatile, suitable for a range of interiors from refined and minimal to mid-century glamorous, and even casual, tactile, and contemporary. With a variety of colorways, patterns, weaves, and finishes, they can be customized to suit various design projects.
View some of our favorite Mohair rugs –
