| History Persian rugs have played an important role in Iranian culture and adorned Iranian homes for thousands of years. In ancient times, families used to sit, walk, eat and sleep on their gorgeous hand woven rugs. In fact, many Iranian families still consider their Persian rug one of their most valued and treasured possessions. Persian rugs began to be exported in the 16th century. New factories were established in Iranian cities by English, German and American companies in the 1850s to preserve this unique and remarkable art form. Most Persian rugs continue to come from Iran although many rugs are now machine manufactured rather than hand woven. Popularity This style of rug is very unique and is quite unlike any other you will find. The popularity of the Persian rug continues to increase as people all over the world appreciate its artistic beauty and high quality craftsmanship. Persian rugs continue to adorn many palaces, expensive homes and museums worldwide. Designs Persian rugs are very famous for their intricate patterns and symbolic designs. People have been captivated by the artistic designs for centuries. A unique feature of these rugs is the fact that no two are ever exactly the same. Two main categories of Persian rug designs include those containing a geometric pattern and ones with a curvilinear or smooth curved pattern and referred to as a “floral carpet.” Many of the motifs and patterns reflect a particular area or tribe. Weavers may gain inspiration for some of the common medallion designs from the domes of their religious mosques. Certain symbols that commonly appear in a Persian rug represent important elements. For example, carnations symbolize happiness, parrots denote love, pomegranates signify abundance, doves are interpreted as peace, camels as wealth and the tree of life as eternity. Tips For Choosing A Persian Rug Persian rugs generally last much longer than a traditional rug and they will provide a gorgeous artistic addition to your home. Many different styles exist so we are going to provide you with some tips on how to choose the perfect rug for you. Materials Used Persian carpets are normally made from natural materials. Wool is the most common, but some are created from silk or a combination of wool and silk. You may also want to consider purchasing a cotton rug because of its smoother surface and resistance to stretching. Designs Design is more of a personal preference. Fortunately, there are so many different styles to choose from that we’re confident you will find a Persian rug you love. Most motifs are inspired by elements of nature including mountains, gardens and animals and some are passed down from memory from one generation of weavers to the next. Geometric motifs are usually woven by nomadic people living in smaller villages, whereas the more intricate floral designs normally come from larger cities such as Kerman, Mashad, Heriz and Kashan with more advanced looms. Knot Density This refers to how many individual knots are woven into each square inch of a rug. More labour is required to weave the finer knots. In fact, many rugs can take years for a talented weaver to complete! New Versus Antique New rugs are usually priced according to how much they cost to manufacture. Factors include the weaving technique and materials used, the size and the quality of the craftsmanship. The more time that is required to complete a Persian rug, the more it will cost. If you prefer to purchase an antique rug, you may have to look around as they often in short supply. Their value is determined by supply and demand in addition to their color, condition, rarity and design. If you take into account the above factors, we’re sure you will learn to love your Persian rug as Iranians have for thousands of years. |
