The Antique Looms Collection was created in 1996 as a cooperative venture between two leading carpet producers with over 40 years of direct experience in the weaving of oriental carpets in Egypt, Turkey, Romania, China, and Pakistan. Their goal was an ambitious one: To draw upon the talents and resources of three continents and develop a line of carpets which would succeed commercially, but also remain faithful to the essence of the ageless treasures which served as their inspiration. From the heart of the New York carpet district, a strategy was drawn. First, sources were located for the finest Turkish wools and the services of experienced Turkish dyemasters were procured. Then an elaborate network of weaving centers was established in Romania, where, under the careful supervision of Romanian masterweavers faithful adherence to the ethos of original Persian and Indian antique carpets was assured in not only design and color, but also in texture and technique. Equally important was proper attention to the details of final finishing of the carpets. Finishing workshops and washing were set up in Turkey and United States in order to maintain control over the final shearing and washing process. Quality control, and thus, continuity are maintained in this manner at evey level of production. The resulting collection not only pays homage to the artisans of centuries past through proper interpretation of design and weave, but also stands alone as a source for future collectors as an example of some of the new millennium's finest weaving. The Antique Looms Collection is available to the public through a limited number of retailers and designers. Many designs, colors, and sizes are represented, including wide runners, squares, and mansion-sizes. All carpet in the collection may be ordered in custom sizes.