Crystal Area and Vegetal Weavings
Licensed in 1896, J. B. Moore opened the Crystal Trading Post located on the west side of the Chuska Mountains. He originated designs (with Turkish and Mediterranean influence) that he thought would appeal to eastern buyers, improved the wool and encouraged quality weaving. In 1903 and 1911 he published mail-order catalogs, and soon his rugs were known all over the country.
The early Crystal rug was designed with crosses, diamonds, Greek frets, whirling logs (only thought of after World War II as "swastikas") and arrows. Often red aniline dye was used and, less often, blue outlines. The modern crystal is borderless, composed of vegetal dyes, earth tones and subtle touches of green, blue and maroon. Since the tones are pleasing and patterns simple, this is one of the most functional Navajo rugs for home decorating. |  | |
Mae Morgan is still actively weaving in her eighties. Her throw rugs are all about the same size and her color palette is similar. She vegetal dyes, hand spins and weaves these lovely accent rugs.
Shown here is an exceptional Crystal weaving by Ella Rose Perry. She is one of our finest weavers, and this is one of her very best weavings - of all natural wool and vegetal dyes. She told us that the light brown color is from walnuts, the pink is wild carrot, the gold is wild tea, and the yellow is from rabbit brush flowers. So subtle and lovely, this piece is 36 inches by sixty inches, perfect for hanging on the wall or over the back of a sofa or large chair.
Crystal Weaving- Measuring 48 inches by 68 inches, this is great size weaving for hanging on the wall or on the floor in low traffic area. The colors are rust, black, white and gray.
The banded Crystal weavings often have the natural colors of the vegetal dyes. Subtle tones of beiges, browns and greens are achieved when the natural creams and browns of the wool are cooked with plant matter. Great floor rugs and accents for other areas of the home, this Crystal has not been used before and is in excellent condition.
Full of great design, a striking border and bold color, a beautiful example of the early Crystal trading post style. This Navajo weaving has all the elements of a highly collectible textile. The colors have faded and have a beautiful patina in cream, red and gray. The size is 72 inches by 44 inches and the condition is excellent.
Pictured is a lovely deep hued all vegetal weaving by Bertha Harvey. This weaving is 34-1/2 inches by 58 inches.
