Beautiful Antique late 18th century Spanish Alpujarra Rug / becdcover L 230 x w 196 cm Alpujarra rugs or bed covers, produced in the Alpujarra mountains south of Granada on the Iberian Peninsula, Alpujarra rugs were consistently woven between the 16th and the 19th centuries. Alpujarras were woven on narrow beam looms in two or three pieces then stitched together- you can see that this one was woven in three pieces. These distinct carpets are among the more intriguing styles to have been developed in Europe. Featuring strong colouring and traditional motifs these antique rugs or bed covers, are particular to their region, the historical eccentricities of which are largely responsible for the distinct and immediately recognizable Aplujarra style. The Folk Art quality is highlighted by their coarsely woven texture and their limited use of colours. Often Alpujarra rugs are stylized in two tones and with a separate woven fringe. Sometimes these long fringes were up to twenty centimetres long stitched on four edges in alternate colours from the main colours of the rug. Weavers often used only two colours and some variations can include up to ten. Colours include turquoise, indigo, various shades of blue, yellow, a golden honey colour, white, black, cherry red, tomato red, deep yellow, cream, saffron yellow, lime green, and red. This example shows an abrashed saffron yellow, turqoise blue green and red field, aged patina with richly coloured motifs two borders including a lattice outer border. There are 3 small holes which is normal due to its age but overall in good condition. These lovely rugs don't appear in the marketplace very often Weaving of Alpujarras rugs continued up to the 19th century. A shipping estimate will be given on request.