Madrid Rug

HISTORY

Tufting as a distinct technique emerged in the late 19th–early 20th century, when Catherine Evans Whitener in Dalton, Georgia began stitching yarn into muslin to create plush bedspreads. By the mid-20th century, tufting evolved into both an art and an industry, offering a more flexible and affordable alternative to hand-knotted rugs. In India, the craft grew into a respected artisanal practice: yarns are tufted through a base fabric using a gun or needle, then sheared, finished and backed to create soft, richly textured surfaces.

Today, the hand-tufted rug stands at the intersection of craft, art and interior design. It retains many of the manual touches of traditional textile making yarn selection, hand-finishing, customized sizes, and artisanal color palettes while offering fresh forms, abstract designs and luxury finishes.

DESCRIPTION

The Madrid Rug by Khenshu transforms the geometry of city maps into a tactile work of art. The intricate lines reminiscent of streets, pathways, and intersections are brought to life through hand-tufted craftsmanship, merging artistry with architectural rhythm.

Made from a luxurious blend of New Zealand wool and viscose, this rug embodies both strength and sheen. The wool lends it a naturally soft resilience, while the viscose introduces a luminous glow that enhances its sculptural depth. The interplay of matte and shine evokes the feeling of viewing a city from above alive, layered, and ever-evolving.

Every Khenshu rug is handcrafted with precision, reinterpreting traditional rug-making techniques through a modern design lens. What sets this piece apart is its customizability from size and palette to form, allowing collectors to tailor it to their personal space.

MATERIALS: Newzealand Wool, Viscose

PROCESS AND CRAFT

Using a tufting gun, the artisan inserts loops of New Zealand wool, viscose, or blended yarn through the fabric according to the design. Every push of the gun is manual, demanding steady rhythm and practiced precision. The yarn forms the rug’s pile, either cut or looped, determining its texture and height. The speed and accuracy of this stage come only with years of experience, as artisans essentially “paint” with yarn.

The rug is thoroughly washed to soften the fibers and bring out the natural sheen of wool and viscose. Edges are bound and inspected multiple times to ensure durability and finish quality. The entire process from drawing to drying is done by hand, making each rug a one-of-a-kind creation.

CARE

Vacuum gently once a week using low suction to remove surface dust. Avoid using a beater bar or rotating brush, as it may damage the fibers.

Rotate your rug every few months to ensure even wear and to prevent fading in sunlit areas.

Avoid moisture exposure blot spills immediately with a clean, dry cloth. Do not rub, as it may push stains deeper into the pile.

For long-term care, professional cleaning is recommended once a year, especially for viscose-blended rugs.

Never steam clean or saturate your rug with water. Viscose, being delicate, should only be cleaned using dry methods handled by specialists.