Story Behind the Art: Hand-knotted rugs are Pakistan's second-largest cottage and small industry that began as early as the 11th century under the Mughal rule. The craftsmen have the capacity to produce any type of rug using all the popular motifs of guls, medallions, paisleys (botehs), traceries, and geometric designs in various combinations. While the "stone washes" are used to fade and soften colors, the Peshawar style is characterized by a thinly sheered pile, large print designs, and most predominantly, their antique ivory and sometimes golden tones.