Rugs of Bessarabia

Bear Rugs

The region between Poland and the Black Sea, bordering the Dneister River, is called Bessarabia. Peopled largely by Molda­vians, it has belonged for various periods of time to Turkey, Russia and Rumania.

Bessarabian rugs are the best-known and most outstanding examples of the tapestry type of hand-woven floor coverings made all over Central Europe.

The floral motifs, obviously bor­rowed from France, are simplified and handled with Oriental balance and restraint. Often a small bouquet or single flower is repeated all over the field.

When there are borders they are usually plain and narrow. Backgrounds are frequently black or t&te-de-negre, sometimes clear pastels such as corn color.

Less formal and more robust than the Aubusson, these rugs have great gaiety and charm.