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Persian Rugs
 The
Persian carpet dates back to fifth century BC, clearly defining Persian carpets were made more than twenty-five
hundred years ago. In seventh century AD records show the early patterns were usually symmetrical with geometric
and floral motifs, and they were made primarily of wool and silk. The beauty of the Persian garden was reflected
in their designs. These carpets were thought to be one of the relished possessions of royalty. Later on stylized
animal and human figures, especially those of royalty were a focus of the carpets woven designs.
Unfortunately, the methodology of Persian carpet making was lost through the ages. Little examples remain
before the sixteenth century. Then during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries the quality of the raw materials
used to create the carpets and the design of weaving were brought to an astonishing new level. A weaver was
an honored profession. They were given great privileges. Historians tell that sheep were specially bred to
grow the finest possible wool for weaving. Vegetable plantations were tended with scientific precision to provide
permanent dyes of just the right shade. A new era marked the perfection of the Persian carpet and to this day
the best known cultural export in Iran are Persian rugs. It is estimated that today Iran produces approximately
three-quarters of all the handmade rugs in the world.
Persian Rug Designs
 When
shopping for a Persian Rug the different areas and provinces they are made in influence how they are made and
their designs. To give you an idea, rugs from Kerman province are thought of as some of the most colorful and
soft. Tabriz is known for variety while Na'in for the number of knots. Ghom has the more traditional designs
and Kashan is known for strength and durability. Some other areas you find more bold designs and others use
goat's wool rather than sheep's wool. Some feature designs with birds and flowers. Kerman Province is renowned
for its soft and, often, very large rugs. They are very colorful, often containing shades of green, and are
usually made from locally-grown cotton. Their designs feature local flowers, nuts, and fruits, as well of famous
people or sites. Khorasan Rugs are influenced by the nomadic Turkmen, as well as Arabs. Most designs are in
red and are made of cotton. Kordestan has the most simple rugs in design and colors.
When you shop for a Persian rug you enter history past, present, and future. Not only is your rug purchase
a fine investment, but also a form of currency, and a keepsake to hand down to generations to come.
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