Antique Persian Rugs

Life Design Rug

I have a handcrafted "oil" mat /rug in my kitchen-- how do you refinish it ?

It's design is for a kitchen, about 3 x 5 feet. Looks like it was made out of painters cloth with several layers of oil varnish on top of the vegetiable design. But it's been on my floor for about 5 years now and looking worn. Any thoughts on cleaning and possibly bringing new life to this?

They cannot be repaired or refreshed. The age has done its damage. You can just love it for what it is, or make a new one. There are PLENTY of web sites that give directions, and they are really easy to do. Try typing "floor cloths". I have made one and used the wrong side of a sheet vinyl remnant. Looks the same with 1/3 the work.

Life's Mysteries Cherub Statue $45 Young ones have a knack for reveling in life's mysteries - and baby angels are no exception! Crafted in quality designer resin to celebrate details from dimpled knees to feathered wings, this chubby cherub garden figurine crouches to examine a tiny snail. Our Design Toscano-exclusive angel statue is hand-painted one piece at a time for spa, pond or garden. Another quality Toscano garden angel sculpture! 9"Wx11½"Dx15"H. 5 lbs.

Celtic Circle of Life Sculpture $149 At almost a full yard tall, this dramatic Circle, embellished with the age-old Celtic knots representing the unity of all life, is a strikingly direct work of art for home or garden. The Circle itself is a symbol of eternal divine love. Our Toscano-exclusive sculpture is cast in quality designer resin with a pitted, aged greystone finish to replicate ancient stone. Ships in two pieces. 28"Wx4"Dx32"H. 23 lbs.

Passage of Life Sculpture $34.95 Combining the artistry of interwoven Celtic knots and crosses atop a human skull sculpture, artist Tipton adeptly translates the ancient symbology of the passage of life in this Toscano exclusive. This work of Celtic art, created in quality designer resin and highlighted in faux gold and ebony, is a uniquely poignant work from a people whose history reflects the fine line between the worlds. 5"Wx8"Dx4½"H. 2 lbs.

Dominique is in Charge: Life-Sized Statue $595 Sensuously tantalizing and domineering, this statue of Dominique is a life-sized conversation piece. With thigh-high black boots, whip and alluring stare, each languid limb is hand-painted and crafted of high-quality, reinforced fiberglass resin to mesmerize for years to come. This large-scale, display-quality indoor sculpture transforms any home bar, entertainment area or recreation room into something truly magnificent! 30"Wx20"Dx69"H. 77 lbs.

Volk's Abraham Lincoln Life Mask $69.95 Since ancient times, it's been traditional to make life and death castings of the faces of famous figures. The 1860 mask by Leonard Volk was later used for a full-length statue for the Illinois State Capitol. This direct casting pays homage to the president's eloquent articulation of the nation's ideals. Mask arrives ready to hang or can rest amongst your other collectibles. See alternate views for set details. 8"Wx10"Dx6½"H. 4 lbs.

Mills' Abraham Lincoln Life Mask $69.95 Since ancient times, it's been traditional to make life and death castings of the faces of famous figures. The mask cast by Clark Mills was done two months before Lincoln's death in 1865. This direct casting pays homage to the president's eloquent articulation of the nation's ideals. Mask arrives ready to hang or can rest amongst your other collectibles. See Additional Views for set details. 8"Wx10"Dx6½"H. 4 lbs.

St. Francis' Life-Giving Waters Fountain $375 What better garden focal point than a sparkling, over yard-tall garden fountain shepherded by the world's most beloved and recognizable saint, Francis of Assisi (1181-1226). A dove, doe and squirrel join a bevy of forest animals to celebrate the life-giving waters cascading from a generous urn into a calming pool below. This Design Toscano-exclusive garden fountain is exquisitely sculpted, then cast in antique-stone finished, quality designer resin, this heirloom religious statue features an integrated, UL-listed, indoor/outdoor pump. Simple assembly required. 16½"Wx14"Dx39"H. 42 lbs.

The Ancient Ankh, Egyptian Symbol of Life Wall Sculpture $69.95 In ancient Egypt, only kings, queens and gods were allowed to carry this symbol. The ankh is the Egyptian sign of life and indicates that the king or God holding it has the power to give life or take it away from lesser mortals. Our exquisite, nearly two-foot-tall wall sculpture is created of quality designer resin and hand-painted in the faux gold and silver tones of the Egyptian palette. 11"Wx2"Dx23"H. 5 lbs.

Bigfoot the Giant Life-size Yeti Statue $2250 Tribal cultures have spotted giant Bigfoot-Yeti creatures for over five hundred years, describing the mysterious beast as ape-like hairy men; creatures of the dark forest. Is it possible that reclusive, mythical giant hairy ape-like Yeti creatures inhabit our planet? Design Toscano has captured the mythical giant Bigfoot in a breathtaking life-size 6-foot quality designer resin statue, hand-painted for startling Sasquatch realism. The Giant Garden Yeti Statue will have guests doing a double take and then running to get a camera to record the occasion! Taking over four months to research, sculpt and cast, the Giant Garden Yeti sculpture commands a unique presence in home or garden. 45"Wx38"Dx72"H. 147 lbs.

Midnight Blue Tree of Life Wall Tapestry: Medium $295 This tapestry, inspired by the original by William Morris, is bursting with vibrant tones of gold and midnight blue that create scale and superb dimension. Skilled weavers exquisitely punctuated each detail on this historical tapestry, from the fruit on the richly allegorical tree of life to each golden leaf on the striking background. Surrounded by an ornate border that artistically frames its true beauty, this tapestry is an heirloom-quality textile work. Richly hand-woven of cotton with a chenille overlay on a quality jacquard loom, this fully lined tapestry accommodates free rod and finals.

Oriental Still Life with Lilies Wall Tapestry: Medium $175 This European-style wall tapestry boasts both texture and depth of color, as white lilies and yellow lemons highlight this vibrantly toned Oriental still life. Skilled weavers exquisitely punctuated each detail on this tapestry, from the clay vases to the clusters of grapes to the shadows upon the striking background. This tapestry is an heirloom-quality textile work, richly hand-woven of cotton with a chenille overlay on a quality jacquard loom. This fully lined tapestry accommodates free rod and finials.

Madonna, Queen of Heaven Life-Size Garden Statue $1395 This fully life-size sacred Virgin Mary garden statue is a religious lawn ornament sure to be the crowning glory of any home or garden for generations. The Blessed Mother of the Immaculate Conception was cast directly from an Italian antique. Truly awe-inspiring in the European tradition of garden sculpture, our serene Toscano exclusive is cast in high-quality, fiberglass resin with an antique stone finish for home or garden. 17½"Wx17½"Dx65"H. 50 lbs.

Ruby Tree of Life Wall Tapestry: Medium $295 This tapestry pays homage to the 1879 original by William Morris and boasts vibrant tones of gold and ruby that create scale and superb dimension. Skilled weavers exquisitely punctuated each detail on this historical tapestry, from the fruit on the richly allegorical tree of life to each golden leaf on the mille-fleurs background. Surrounded by an ornate border that artistically frames its true beauty, this tapestry is an heirloom-quality textile work. Richly hand-woven of cotton with a chenille overlay on a quality jacquard loom, this fully lined tapestry accommodates free rod and finals.

A Vanitas Still Life, 1645, Canvas Replica Painting: Small $129 Echoing the Dutch tradition of a still life of vanitas, a lament about the transience of all things, this bold work makes its statement with a skull, a book, an overturned wine glass and an extinguished candle. In soft, almost monotone hues, Claesz's 17th century work speaks to a time when Europe was so harrowed by wars and plagues that death loomed large and its alternative, life, was widely celebrated. The authentic stretched canvas replica painting captures the original work's texture, depth of color, and even its subtle brushstrokes, which are applied by hand exclusively for Design Toscano. Our replica European style frame is cast in quality designer resin and highlighted with a dash-and-dot border and a two-toned, faux leather finish. Small: 17½"Wx14"H.

Still Life with Apples, 1894, Canvas Replica Painting: Small $129 Paul Cezanne painted the green vase, the rum bottle, the ginger pot and the apples endlessly for the last 30 years of his life. Giving form and mass to objects through the juxtaposition of brushstrokes and carefully balanced colors and textures was of more importance than the objects themselves for this artist who bridged late 19th century Impressionism with 20th century Cubism. The authentic stretched canvas replica painting captures the original work's texture, depth of color, and even its bold brushstrokes, which are applied by hand exclusively for Design Toscano. With bas-relief organic styling, the multi-tiered, replica European style frame is cast in quality designer resin and highlighted with an aged gold-toned finish. Small: 15"Wx13"H.

King Tutankhamen's Life-Size Sarcophagus Cabinet $999 The exotic mystery of ancient Egypt realizes its most famous artifact in the sarcophagus. These artistic rarities have been long coveted by museums and private collectors alike. Now our cabinetmakers have replicated the sarcophagus that held King Tutankhamen for more than 3,000 years. Measuring taller than most men (6¼ feet), our sarcophagus opens to reveal 14 storage shelves. Hand-crafted of solid wood with resin details and hand-painted in an Egyptian palette with faux gold accents, it can be wall-mounted for added stability. Curbside delivery. 21"Wx20"Dx75"H. 128 lbs.

Medieval Knight of the Round Table Life-Size Statue $599 At six feet tall, this incredibly detailed knight sculpture in shining armor is a medieval statement piece! Whether standing guard alone or paired to flank an entrance, our high-quality, fiberglass-reinforced resin sculpture is clad in 16th-century, Italian-style armor and proudly displays a medieval sword and chain-mail armor. This ruggedly handsome warrior sculpture transforms any home bar, entertainment area or recreation room into something truly magnificent!

Pomeral: Still Life Wine Wall Tapestry $175 This European-style wall tapestry boasts both texture and depth of color, as four bottles of wine highlight this vibrantly-toned scene from a cellar. Skilled weavers exquisitely punctuated each detail on this tapestry, from the wine glasses to the architecture upon the striking background. This tapestry is an heirloom-quality textile work, richly hand-woven of cotton with a chenille overlay on a quality jacquard loom. This fully lined tapestry accommodates free rod and finials.

Queen Ankhesenamum Life-Size Sarcophagus Cabinet $999 The exotic mystery of encient Egypt realizes its most famous artifact in the sarcophagus. These artistic rarities have been long coveted by museums and private collectors alike. Now our cabinetmakers have replicated the sarcophagus that held Queen Ankhesenamum for more than 3,000 years. Measuring taller than most men (6½ feet), our sarcophagus cabinet opens to reveal 14 storage shelves. Hand-crafted of solid wood with resin details and hand-painted in an Egyptian palette with faux gold accents, it can be wall-mounted for added stability. 20½"Wx20½"Dx75½"H. 124 lbs.

Untitled from the Tree of Life Contemporary Wall Tapestry $189 This contemporary tapestry boasts both texture and depth of color, as bursts of orange, blue and burgundy highlight a whimsical, pop-art tree. Skilled weavers exquisitely punctuated each detail on this tapestry, from the jeweled tree to the striking background. This tapestry is an heirloom-quality work, hand-woven of cotton with a chenille overlay on a quality jacquard loom. This fully lined tapestry accommodates free rod and finials.

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Nourison Modern Life 8' x 10'6 Area Rug

Use Southwestern Rugs For Unique Western Home Decorating

Southwestern rugs are an excellent way to create that popular western, rustic or Native American feel in your home decorating. Because of their afordability, more and more home decorators are choosing to buy southwestern accent rugs online. Used as western rugs and also southwest area rugs on the floors in your home or when decorating a log cabin with a rustic or western theme, southwestern rugs give your home warmth and a true authentic southwestern country look. When purchasing American Indian style rugs, you will find many of southwestern rugs to choose from and will no doubt want to add a few of the most popular and sought-after rugs in your home decor. These rugs have an extensive history that has grown over time and can truly be appreciated as great works of art.

Some of the most popular southwestern and western rugs are handmade area rugs, spirit rugs, Mexican Guadalupe rugs, Oaxaca Mexico rugs including Zapotec Indian rugs, Mohair and Navajo rugs. Each of these different rugs mixes a variety of colors and characters, symbolizing spirituality or depictions of historical events. An excellent example of this is brought to life in the Southwestern Spirit rug which contains a variation of colors and designs. The spiritual characters weaved into these rugs are created in a variety of patterns and forms that express the spirituality of the people.

Not only are southwestern rugs known for their incredible beauty, but the skill and hard work involved in making Native rugs and runners is also greatly appreciated. The makers of hand woven wool rugs must be very skilled and begin the rug making process by kneeling in front of a vertical wooden-framed loom. The designs are then put into place by using a shuttle to weave a variety of colored yarn together, making large-scale geometric characters and designs. In the beginning, Navajo rugs as well as those of some other Southwest Indian tribes were weaved of hand-spun cotton thread. However, once the wool of domestic sheep was introduced to the region by the Spanish settlers, the people primarily used wool to make their colorful rugs and other traditional weaving.

Today, many of the modern southwestern rugs are made in areas where Spanish and Native American histories have melded together to create unique designs. Southwest rugs, with their natural earth tone colors and one-of-a-kind southwestern designs make them the standard for rustic home decorating. If you are looking for a great southwest rug, you will likely purchase from American companies or directly from Native American weavers. Buying rugs from Navajo or other American Indian tribes not only gives you the satisfaction of owning a southwestern rug that is made by Native Americans but also helps to support the Native American heritage of rug making, and the people who themselves sell their rugs, blankets, and Native American art.

The rug you purchase will certainly depend on what your tastes are and what kind of decorating you have in mind. You will find that southwest rugs are an excellent southwestern accent when combined with rustic or western home decor. Whether you are changing your home decor or decorating an entire house using a southwestern theme, you will come across many designs and colors available to choose from. Among these options you will find everything from Zapotec rugs with no two alike, to southwest table runners and western tapestries. Home decorators love hand woven rugs because of the rich colors and textures. Whatever your decorating style and whatever your home decor needs, you will no doubt enjoy the warmth and color brought to life in your home by decorating with southwestern rugs.

About the Author

Craig Chambers is the director of Mission Del Rey and author offering free information online about how to use a Southwestern rugs to create beautiful Southwest home decorating. For more information visit http://www.missiondelrey.com

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