Classic Rug Collection has just introduced its "Luxe Collection," a series of Eastern-inspired rugs hand-knotted from fine silks and featuring patterns borrowed from the graphic pasts of Morocco, Tibet and Nepal. Classic Rug has been known to provide custom decor to discerning interior designers and is perhaps best known for its collection of Gee's Bend inspired rugs, which were formerly on exhibit at the Whitney Museum and will be part of a special exhibit this September at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. (Note: Classic Rug Collection founder Barbara Barran also has a reputation for her commitment to eradicate child labor in the carpet industry.)

The Luxe Collection is primarily available by special order, although Classic Rug has teamed with 66Degrees.com to offer its limited edition Bargello rug through August 2008. The four by six foot piece inspired by 13th Century Florentine design is crafted from silk and pashmina in Nepal. I love this juxtaposition of age-old pattern from one part of the world and age-old technique from another. The Bargello rug sells for $4,400.