July – Out & About – Woven Myth Rugs
Woven Myth Rugs
Ashgrove
Hidden away in Sugarcane Arcade in West Ashgrove is a very special shop. I’ve always had a fascination for the Middle East and Ancient Persia, so this shop was a delight to walk into. The shop is the perfect place to visit on a cold Brisbane day. With wall-to-wall carpets, it feels cosy and inviting – and Sol is a charming gentleman.
The colourful rugs come from a range of countries – mostly from across what was once the Persian Empire – including from Iran, Afghanistan, Morocco, Turkiye, Pakistan, and India.
Sol Hafiz has operated Woven Myth Rugs for 30 plus years, and has been in Sugarcane Arcade for 7 years. Sol came to Australia 38 years ago from Iran, is self-taught, and strongly believes in the need to preserve this ancient art form.
Sol sells new and vintage rugs, traditional and contemporary – and all are handmade unique pieces, created by local artists. He also specialises in washing and repairs for rugs, and custom-made rugs. Sol is one of only about 10 people in Australia who can professionally restore rugs.
Creating Persian rugs is an artisan skill. A flat-woven uncomplicated rug can take 6 weeks to create by hand, with normal rugs taking about 2 months, and the highly valued hand-made silk rugs taking about 2 years. The rugs are made from silk, wool, or a blend of both – using local vegetable or organic dyes for colours. No synthetics or commercial dyes are used.
The motives represent different meanings from the Persian culture, with the colours coming from the meaning of life. Gold means wisdom, red means love and passion, white means purity, blue means water, life and growth. Famous and common designs include centre medallion designs, anchors (representing stability), four seasons, florals, and geometric designs.
Sol’s rug prices range from about $300 to $9,000. The price is determined by the knots per square centimetre and how long it took to make – not based on the size of the rug.
Woven Myth Rugs is open Tues-Sat from 10am to 3pm; or by appointment. And if you have a rug that needs washing or repairing – Sol is your man!
Woven Myth Rugs
Sugarcane Arcade, 479 Waterworks Rd, West Ashgrove
Tel: 0425 603 056
Author & photographer: Melanie Grevis-James
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