Spanish carpets
The manufacturing of carpets in Spain dates back to the 10th century. Spain subordinated the Moorish muslims from the 8th to the 12th century who then introduced the art of weaving carpets. As a result of this the Spanish carpets had strong influences from Islamic designs and motifs, often in a combination with European motifs such as christian symbols for example.
The earliest, still existing, carpet from here is the Synagogue Carpet dated back to the 14th century. The patterns at that time were all-over, repeated and geometrical with elements of messages about the christian Spanish families.
Many of the carpets made in the 15th century gathered their motifs from carpets manufactured in Turkey. The 16th century patterns on Spanish renaissance carpets are gathered from, not so original, textile designs of silk. Two of the most popular motifs show garlands and pomegranates. In the 18th and 19th century styles were copied from French Aubusson and Savonnerie.
Today, Spain is one of the few countries were carpets are still being manufactured, even if it is only on a small scale. The carpets are often a little bit more expensive and of high quality. There is also a smaller production of cheaper carpets in Moroccan style.