Persian Rugs are an integral part of Persian art and culture and can be traced back to ancient Persia. Since ancient times, Persian rugs have adorned the palaces of kings and queens. It was in cities like Isfahan and Tabriz that the art of making rugs was perfected. There, gold and silver were also used in making them.
Persian Rugs are Iran’s one of the main exports after oil. Major portion of carpets manufactured in Iran are sold in the international markets. Though, cheaper substitutes of Persian carpets are available in market which is giving this industry a stiff competition but their quality, designs and the fabric used in these rugs are unmatchable.
The Persian carpet has a special place of its own and hold in high regard among carpet makers, collectors and owners. An integral part of owning a fine piece of wool rug or a silk masterpiece rug requires regular dry rug cleaning maintenance. Finding a reputable carpet and rug cleaning firm is very important. Maybe the most important thing to look for would be the insurance in case of any damage or loss.
A Number of Styles…
Persian carpets are usually divided into 3 types:
Farsh/Qalii’(size >; 6×4 feet)
- Farsh/Qalii’(size > 6×4 feet)
- Qalicheh (size equals to or < 6×4)
- Kilim (nomadic carpets
There are 3 types of materials used in the making of Persian rugs and they are wool, cotton and silk. Though, wool is most commonly used but cotton is mainly used for making workshop carpets. The wool mainly used for weaving are: Manchester wool, Kork wool and camel hair wool.
Silk Persian carpets are not that common as they are expensive, not durable and tend to increase in the value with age. Due to this, they are not used as floor coverings but rather displayed on wall like tapestries. The designs of Persian rugs are generally divided into 19 groups which are spiral patterns, tree patterns, Mehrab patterns, intertwined fish patterns, Islamic buildings and historic monuments, all over patterns, Shah Abbassi patterns, striped patterns, derivative patterns, paisley patterns, interconnected patterns, panel patterns, hunting ground patterns, Turkoman patterns, geometric patterns, vase patterns, tribal patterns, European flower patterns and composites.
Persian carpets are usually designed using one of 4 patterns: – compartment, central medallion, all-over and one sided. Some of the commonly used motifs are Herati, Rosette, Boteh, Islimi Floral, Azari Kharchang, Mina-Khani and Gul.
In Persia, the main traditional centers of carpet production were Tabriz, Kashan, Herat and Kerman. Tabriz Persian Rugs usually have a central medallion and also corner medallions over a scrolling vine ornament depicted with single animals, mounted hunters or animal combat scenes. Kashan is famous for its silk carpets. Herat carpets are characterized by red field along with scrolling vine ornament and the palmettes with dark blue or green borders. Kerman carpets were usually garden carpets and ogival lattice carpets.
Persian Area Rug Materials
On the basis of fabric used, design and weaving technique, the Persian rugs can be classified into many types. Some of the famous ones are Afghan, Abadeh, Afsar, Arak, Ahar, Ardabil, Bijar, Bakhtiari, Balouch, Heriz, Isfahan, Jozan, Kashan, Kashmar, Nain, Shiraz, Qom, Tabriz and Varamin etc. Among these noticeable ones are Ardabil, Heriz and Nain. Ardabil rugs have geometrical designs. Their nomadic appearances enhance traditional, modern and contemporary decors. Another very famous region for Persian rugs is Heriz and rugs associated with this region are called as Heriz Persian rugs. They are very durable, thick, tough and reasonably priced as Heriz is known for major copper deposits and copper content in the drinking water of sheep, helps in producing far more resilient wool as compared to others. It consists of geometric designs usually. Other famous region is Nain, so Nain Persian Rugs are made using Persian knot from high quality wool and silk which is used for highlighting purposes. These rugs use Shah Abbas design and floral patterns.
Hand Knotted Persian Rugs
Hand Knotted Persian rugs are traditional but they are still better than factory rugs as every single weave is first knotted then tied and in factory rugs the threads are loomed and also held together by acrylic or glue. This makes them more durable and strong. There are many qualities attached to hand knotted Persian rugs. Firstly, they improve with age and their value increases with time. Secondly, it is easier to wash these rugs as factory rugs accumulate dirt which cannot be washed because they consist waterproof chemicals. Lastly, hand knotted rugs are a better investment. They may be costly but it is true they last longer than their factory counterparts which lose their shine and lustre and often thrown away with passage of time. But hand knotted ones become valuable with time and thus a better investment.
Persian Tribal Rugs
Persian tribal rugs have a flavor of their own. They are of various types: – Baluch rugs, Bakhtiari rugs, Borchelu rugs, Gabbeh rugs, Hamadan rugs, Heriz rugs, Hussainabad rugs, Kurds rugs, Luri Rugs, Malayer rugs, Qashqai rugs, Senneh Rugs, Shiraz Rugs, Sirjan rugs, Tarom rugs, Wiss rugs and Zanjan rugs. Noticeable ones are Bakhtiari, Gabbeh and Kurds rugs. Persian Bakhtiari rugs are usually geometric, semi geometric and curvilinear in design. They are quite colorful and bright. They are also called as “Bibibaffs” as this means “woven by a woman” in the Persian language. These days Persian Gabbeh rugs are also popular. This rug is of coarse quality as Gabbeh means raw and natural and usually consists of an abstract design with lots of bright colors and geometric figures. This is generally crafted by women. They are made from handspun wool yam and colors are made from natural plant dye. This is quite cheaper in prices but a very durable one. Lastly, Persian Kurds rugs are basically nomadic carpets using Turkish styles and techniques.
Persian Rug Runners
Currently, Persian rug runners are hugely in fashion. People who don’t want big carpets this is a better option for them. These runners actually look good and enhance the beauty of not only floor décor but home décor as well. These runners can beautify even cramped houses and don’t take much space. They are not only cheaper but easier to maintain.
Persian area rugs are indeed value for money. They are classy, beautiful and continue to improve with time. They are the best investment and because of its longevity they are often passed down for generations as family heirloom. Try ordering some at a rug store today.
