The Atlanta International Area Rug Market will take place Jan.18-21 at AmericasMart in Atlanta, Ga. In addition to spotlighting the latest product innovations, the 2001 market will feature the historic premiere of previously embargoed Persian merchandise. A showcase for both new and antique merchandise, the market features more than 1.5 million area rugs in approximately 165 permanent showrooms and nearly 100 temporary exhibits.

Attendees will also enjoy access to a full slate of seminars. Highlighting the latest in design technology and celebrating the traditional craftsmanship in previously embargoed merchandise, the 2001 rug market continues to carve a distinctive niche in the industry. The following is a sampling of what will be showcased at AmericasMart this month.

828 International Trading Co. will present an expanded product line that includes handmade rugs, as well as new designs in its Sonnet Series and Royal Millennium collections. In the handmade category, the Himalayan Collection is a fully programmed line of Tibetan-weave rugs made of 100% wool that has been hand spun, hand dyed, and hand knotted in transitional designs. The rugs, which are crafted in various weights and densities to ensure superior hand, are available in a wide variety of sizes ranging from 2' x 8' runners to 12' x 15' format.

The Sonnet Series of English Axminsters is expanding with several new designs that feature detailed patterns and color work. The rugs are woven in as many as 70 colors per design, carry the Wools of New Zealand brand name, and have an autographed label with the master weaver's signature. The Sonnet Series comes in a complete array of sizes, including runners.

828's Royal Millennium Collection is also expanding with new patterns that boast a palette of earthen colors. The rugs are power loomed in 100% Decolan fiber and, according to the company, offer the detail of silk, the warmth and hand of wool, and the durability of heat-set polypropylene. Sizes range from 4' x 6' to 10' x 13'.

Couristan will bring old-world charm to AmericasMart through its Phoenician Colors Collection. The collection's Leaf Trellis and French Knot patterns were developed to emulate a multi-level needlepoint stitch. The styles, available in six pastel colors, are designed to work on a stand-alone basis or in combination with the companion Rope Border pattern. The Balmoral Collection is a series of patterns that have been enhanced by a natural color palette, the company says. Couristan's Vintage and Prism patterns are designed to reflect a sense of age-old romance. In addition, Couristan will also debut three loop-pile Wilton patterns at the market.

Costikyan Carpets will display its first 60-knot quality Tibetan rug collection designed by Richard Rehl. The ensemble boasts 18 patterns consisting of six traditional, six contemporary and six transitional styles. Many of the designs will be the first 60-knot carpets to employ silk and wool with textured pile combinations, the company says. Sizes include 6' x 9', 8' x 10', 9' x 12', and 10' x 14'. Custom sizes can be ordered to specification. Utilizing a combination of vegetable and Swiss chrome dyes, Costikyan will be able to provide 150 colors above and beyond the company's current yarn stocking system.

Richard Rehl of Aubrey Angelo has designed floor coverings distributed by Samad and Tai Ping. This is his first Tibetan collection.

Oriental Weavers of America's Mystical Reflections Collection, now woven with 100% space-dyed nylon, provides 24 shades of color in each rug. This collection consists of 26 patterns that are designed, the company says, to be as lush to the feel as they are to the eyes. Utilizing 12 mm pile, this collection is tightly cross-woven to enhance the rugs' luxury and durability. Cotton backing, rather than jute, provides for a soft, flexible hand and allows for better control on the floor. This eight-color product also features a 100% Egyptian cotton, hand-knotted fringe. The rugs are available in 6' x 9', 2' x 4', 2' x 8', 4' x 6', and 9' x 12' sizes.