notted carpets are documented from the 15th- through to the 19th century. Their production was concentrated in Masuren, within the vicinity of Lyck und Treuburg. Particularly among carpets dating from the 18th and 19th centuries, which have been preserved, the holdings of the Germanisches Nationalmuseum constitute a significant proportion. Regarding the manufacturing techniques and the nature of the designs, these carpets display a connection to Scandinavian – especially Finnish – rya rugs. In the patterns, traditional motifs interact with a dependence upon contemporary tastes, assembled in the style of Turkish carpets.

Relatively long-pile, top-quality wool from local breeds of sheep was spun, and colored with plant-dyes. This was then knotted onto a woven linen base – almost always with a symmetrical knot wrapped around two warp-threads. Professional craftsmen would make the carpets in the houses of the customers, and most of the carpets – often dated and embellished with inscriptions – remained in the same family for generations. These “East Prussian”, or “Masuren” carpets were used as wedding rugs, for burials, and also for celebrations, as bed- and tabletop carpets. (text from Treasures of German art and history)