Story behind the Art: The Iberian Peninsula of Spain was part of the Islamic world from 711 to 1492. It was during this period that the rug weaving tradition developed and flourished in Spain. These rugs displayed traditional Spanish designs, with decorative schemes based on the patterns of Renaissance and Islamic silks, combined with chinoiserie, neoclassical, and rococo elements and motifs. These rugs employ Spanish Knot, a weaving technique that was different from the then prevalent Persian or Turkish Knot. Such knots allow the rug weavers to produce more detailed designs without using higher knot density that adds bulk to the rug. As a result, you have a rug that is lighter, softer and more supple than other rugs.