My late father-in-law worked abroad all his life. When he retired, he never really settled. The world is filled with such people.
He never re-acclimatised to the English winters and would up-sticks pre-Christmas; only returning to Blighty in late spring.
He over-wintered in Spain (he spoke Spanish), in Morocco (he spoke French), and in Turkey (he spoke Turkish). He also spent time in Syria, and in Lebanon.
On one such winter trek (possibly around 1978), he was crossing some desolate mountain range between Syria and Lebanon when, miles from anywhere, he came across a tiny shepherd's cottage set back from the track. Outside the cottage was hanging what you see above. A hand spun, hand dyed, and hand woven, rug. It measures 1 metre wide, by 1 metre 30 long (without the tassles). On the question of knots per square 'whatever', it is pretty tightly woven.
My father-in-law asked the lady of the house if it was for sale, and predictably the answer was yes. She explained that she made two such rugs each year, and the money she earned was for HER use only. The asking price for her 6 months work was £5. This poor woman (presumably having sold both rugs) had just £10 to spend on herself each year.
I hope your father in law gave her a big tip!
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful piece! I like your wall treatment, too. Did you paint it, Cro?
Yes, I stole the idea from a French 16th C chateau-fort. Someone had painted the walls in one room with large lime green diamonds. It was very badly done and the colour was sickening. I just altered it a bit. I wonder how long mine will last?
ReplyDeleteAt least she set the price herself, got what she asked for, and her rug is clearly valued and treasured. I hope she learned to ask for more.
ReplyDeleteI like the diamonds too. It's a nice, again, artsy touch and the colors are good.
ReplyDeleteI wonder how many of those rugs that woman made in her life. It's very pretty!