Iris charms with a touch of Eastern magic
They may not be magic carpets, but the Anatolian Turkish hand-knotted rugs at “Iris Crafts and Antiks” are spectacular. Imported directly from Turkey, owner, Rich (Resit) Ilarslan`s “Turkish Arts” tapestries of color and exquisite design surround the senses when walking into the store.
Located on the upper level next to Von Maur, Iris Crafts and Antiks has made Valley West its home since May of 2006. While the store offers a wide selection of exotic gifts such as custom-made tapestry fabric handbags, evil eye jewelry, other fine Turkish silver with gem-stone accessories, battery operated candles, hand-blown glass and mosaic lamps and lanterns in classic styles, the focus is clearly on the fine hand-knotted Turkish rugs.
“Our hand-made rugs are the best quality our customers can find with excellent value,” says Rich. “It takes a year for 2 people to weave one eight by ten foot rug. You could never find another copy of them, they are each a unique type of Turkish Art. Each one is double-knotted (most other oriental rugs are single-knotted), wool on wool and vegetable (natural) dye, their colors do not fade and their shape never changes with about 250 knots per square inch, making our Turkish hand-knotted rugs stronger and more durable then other oriental rugs.”
He says “ It’s a huge saving for Iowa, we bring the finest quality handmade rugs to them directly from Turkey” he continues by saying ”we go to Turkey, 2-3 times a year, and select each one by hand. We are confident of each rugs’ quality. We know the exact origins of our rugs and we provide all our customers with a “Certificate of Origin,” so that they are verified future investments for their family.
Rich’s understanding of the material comes naturally and professionally. He and his wife Hilal spent 25 years as Biology Professors at Ankara University in Turkey. They focused their scientific research on studying more economical wild plants to utilize as natural dyes for wool used in hand-made rugs. It is truly a family business; their daughter, Iris (seen in the picture), inspired the store’s name.
Of the 250 rugs in his store, most are of Turkish design but some incorporate Persian or Oriental design, as well. If the perfect rug is not found among the dazzling colors and designs in the store, Rich has access to thousands more in Turkey. Custom orders arrive as quickly as two to three weeks.
“Our prices are so reasonable because we have no’ middle man’ we are the direct source,” says Rich, who proudly surveyed his rugs for a moment before adding, “They are actually unique-one of a kind pieces of Art.”
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