Persian Carpet → History, Designs, Pattern & Styles
Iranian carpets, more commonly known as Persian carpets, enjoy widespread fame among oriental rugs & carpets worldwide. The finest examples typically originates from skilled Iranian weavers. These carpets showcase Persian’ mastery deep in root of traditional art through the selection of materials, knotting and dyeing techniques, pattern and design creation.
Historically, Iranian carpets and rugs establish a connection with the producers’ aspirations, beliefs, and requirements. Furthermore, they depict the artist’s living conditions, cultural status, as well as the regional climate, botanical resources, and geographical context.
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Persian carpet designs, patterns, and motifs draw inspiration from nature, history, and mythology. Carpet making originated from nomadic life, which then spread the craft to both villages and towns. Nomads utilise wool from livestock and dyes derived from a range of plants and minerals.
Authentic Hand-Knotted Persian Rugs – Each Carpet is Unique
Iran, distinguished by its geographical location, possesses a rich millenium tradition toward Carpet weaving that commenced with the arrival of the Sassanid empire where the first pile woven carpet (Pazyryk, or Pazirak), dates back to at least 500BC. Carpets from Persia first arrived in the West during the sixteenth century and frequently featured in the works of prominent artists of that period.
Currently, Iran continues to be a leading producer of a diverse range of fine Persian carpets & rugs, thereby consolidating its status as one of the world’s premier weaving regions. Each rug constitutes a masterpiece, meticulously handwoven by skilled artisans using superior materials and employing centuries old techniques handed down through generations.
How do nomads weave a handmade rug?Nomads produce intricately designed Iranian carpets by tying millions of knots with dyed threads, either adhering to a drawn design or improvising without one. Nomads develop motifs and patterns solely from their imagination and the traditional knowledge transmitted by their ancestors, without the use of pre-drawn designs. |
Iranian carpet designs
The overall design of an Iranian carpet or rug incorporates a background design. The margins encase the main body of the carpet and typically comprise three sections: inner, outer, and central. The dimensions and pattern of the carpet influence the design of the central margin.
Persian carpet designs can be broadly classified into two categories: Revolving, Or, Broken. Revolving designs feature curved lines, which artisans meticulously draw on checkered paper before knotting. In contrast, broken designs use simple straight lines and do not require prior sketching on paper. As a result, rural and nomadic artists exhibit a particular preference for the latter category.
Persian carpet & rugs motifs
The motifs on Persian rugs & carpets are inspired by culture, daily life of a nomad along with their assets. In addition, Iran’s neighboring countries borrowed some of the following patterns, in such, the Persian rugs motifs can be seen in Turkish, Caucasus and Turkistan & Afghan rugs and carpets.
Know your Persian rugs & carpet
The most famous Iranian carpet designs include the Prayer Niche, Vase, Framed, Tree, Shah Abbasi, Arabi, European Flower, Striped, Four Seasons, and Hunting Field. Many of these carpets include various motifs on their designs.
Vase (Goldani design)
This design incorporates a range of flower vases in various types and sizes, occasionally adorned with floral motifs, which dominate the central portion of the carpets. At times, artisans arrange these vases symmetrically or in varied configurations to embellish the entire carpet. This design originated during the Safavid dynasty.
Tree of life motifs
The Tree of Life Persian rug is a uniquely designed that captures the imagination of rug collectors worldwide. This design features magnificent trees, particularly cedars and weeping willows, often depicted in carpets from royal courts, while simpler tree designs appear in carpets crafted by villagers and nomadic tribes.
Shah Abbasi Rugs
The Shah Abbasi Persian rug design became one of the most frequently found motifs. This design features a floral pattern that has been popular since the Safavid period, drawing inspiration from the sacred pomegranate blossoms of Zoroastrian tradition. The main pattern of these carpets combines abstract floral designs with Arabesque elements, which also define the margins.
Arabesque (Eslimi)
Eslimi designs are seen in the Ardabil Carpet and are found in many Persian hadn’t-knotted rugs , particularly in Nain, Isfahan and Mashhad motifs. This design features plant-like curved patterns and has a long history in ancient Iran’s decorative arts. The Persian term for Arabesque, “Eslimy,”. One of the most renowned examples of this pattern appears abundantly in Bijar carpets. In this form, the terminal part of each branch splits into two sections that resemble dragon jaws.
Hand Knotted Four Seasons carpets
One of the oldest and well known Iranian rugs known as the Four Season that is well-known in Qom, Isfahan, Tabriz & Bakhtiari designs. Four season rugs come in different patterns showing, gardens, places, and people. This design, one of the most intriguing carpet patterns used over the past few centuries, features four images, each representing a season of the year. Traditionally, artisans created these exquisite carpets exclusively in Tabriz and Heris. Today, however, they are also produced in other regions of Iran.
Persian Senneh (Sanandaj) Carpet – Gol Farangi
European Flower (Gol Farang) design primarily features on carpets from Kurdistan, particularly in Bijar & Sanandaj. The floral patterns in this design differ significantly from those found in Shah Abbas or Arabesque designs. More famous designs including Afshar and Senneh.
Persian Turkmen Rugs
A very popular choice for tribal rug lovers. Turkmen features, broken lines form the patterns. Various variations of this design also exist.
Both Persian Carpets
Designed originally sacred to Zoroastrians, has adorned carpets & Rugs for centuries. The Both Persian carpet design features several variations, including, the mother & child, where the larger pattern nearly encloses the smaller one. The friendship & enmity design, common in Senneh carpets from the Sanandaj city, west of Iran. Popular in Khorasan, Kerman, Kurdistan, and Markazy Provinces, as well as among the Qashqaie and Bakhtiary tribes, it is known as Qobad Khany and Garden design, respectively.
Red Persian Carpet & Rugs
Red Persian Carpet featuring geometric patterns as well as those with elaborate floral designs. Some patterns are striking, whereas others offer a more subdued, vintage appearance. Red handwoven rugs provide a striking option for introducing warmth, energy, and a touch of drama to any space. Their bold colour establishes a powerful focal point, making them a valuable addition to diverse décor styles. Despite its intensity, red complements a broad spectrum of colours and styles, ranging from contemporary to traditional.
Language of Carpets → Motifs & their Meaning
Nomad women are expressing their emotions & dreams into the carpet they knotting on. Each motif, passed down through generations, is meticulously woven into the carpets. Decoding these heartfelt messages adds to the enjoyment of viewing the carpets.
Kilim symbols, their names, and inferred meanings represent the basic elements of the kilim language. They gain depth, nuance, and emotional significance through immersion, a process that enriches our understanding of the profound inner universe shared by our common human heritage.
Persian Carpet FAQ
What is special about Iran carpets?
Iranian rugs, handmade with traditional materials and techniques that is 100% belong to Iran, are unique and distinct. Weavers primarily use wool, silk, and cotton, and the quality of these materials significantly influences the rug’s durability and appearance.
Why is Persian Carpet & Rugs so expensive?
Persian rugs often command high prices due to their age, with many, dating back to centuries, serving as a valuable & historical artifacts. In some instances, their age and rarity may enhance their worth beyond their monetary value. In addition, Iranian carpets are costly due to their handcrafted nature, requiring many months to complete a tiny one. They typically use natural materials, such as wool, which is expensive to produce because it comes from animals that require significant care and management.
How to tell if a Persian carpet is real?
To identify whether a rug / carpet is real Persian made, or whether is hand-knotted or hand-tufted, inspect the underside. A genuine Persian rug will clearly reveal each knot. Any hand-knotted Iranian rugs result from skilled artists meticulously tying each knot by hand over many working hours.
Are Persian carpets good & worth the money?
With regular care, an authentic Persian Carper, Hand-knotted in Iran, can endure for over 100 years, similar to antique rugs. Their durability stems from the quality of materials and dyed wools. Some robust rugs can even last for generations, even in high-traffic areas.
Can you vacuum a Persian rug?
Vacuum your carpet every two weeks to minimise dust and extend its lifespan. Also, vacuum the back to remove the most dust. So, yes, you cancan your carpet at home
Why are Persian rugs always red?
Red, the most common colour in Iran & oriental rugs, is associated with wealth, luck, beauty, joy, and courage
What is the difference between a Persian rug and a Persian carpet?
A Persian rug, handwoven or hand-knotted in Iran, can be either a kilim (flat-woven) or a knotted pile rug. Although “carpet” typically refers to a larger size, “Oriental carpet” and “Oriental rug” are often used interchangeably.
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