Types Of Antique Persian Rugs
The variety and beauty of Persian rugs often stuns newcomers to the field. Many people think of rugs as being all the same, but there are thousands of different types, distinguished by geographic origin as well as the materials and weaving techniques used.
One way to make a beautiful rug or carpet is to weave by putting one row of colored fibers under and through another row of uncolored fibers while using a pattern. Many of the most beautiful Persian rugs are woven with this method.
In Iran, there are two types of rug weavers - the city weavers and the tribal weavers. These two types of rug weavers differ in technique, knotting, and the materials used. The main difference lies in the patterns of the design.
Tribal weavers typically use designs that have been handed down from generation to generation orally. The famous pattern “Gabbah” is an example of this technique in use.
City weavers, by contrast, will use more modern design techniques. Designs are first drawn on graph paper. Then, the knot placement is decided and marked on the design. Next, the weavers decide on the colors and fibers required.
The rug design is then divided into tenths. The master weaver goes over the design with other weavers, fixes their errors, monitors the progress and checks for any mistakes. Sometimes rugs are made in couples and the master weaver will work with another weaver directly.
Where exactly did all these different types of Persian rugs get their start?
The Nomadic Tribes of Iran were the first rug crafters. They wove the first rugs from animal hair to keep their living quarters warm while living on the Plateaus of Iran.
The first antique Persian rug was found in the tomb of Persian ruler Pazyryk (from 500 B.C.). After that initial discovery, archaeologists kept on looking for rugs at other sites and seeing what they could find. Other famous Persian carpets include the “Bahar of Khosro” (meaning Spring of Khosro), the “Chahar Fasl” (meaning Four Seasons), and the “Cyrus”.
The Safavid Era, from 1499 to 1722, was the most significant time period in the Persian rug trade. European trade was first established in these centuries, so the world came to know the beauty of the Persian rug.
Indeed, Iranian carpets themselves can also be divided into eras. Examples would be the Pre-Islamic era, Age of Arab Caliphates, the Seljuk, Mongol and Safavid centuries, and finally the rugs of recent years.
Ian Spellfield advises homeowners and others in the market for Persian rugs on what types to buy, where to get them and how to get the price you deserve. You can view his blog at http://www.antiquepersianrugsplanet.com/ .
Print This Article :
