when were persian rugs made

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What is the history of Persian carpet?

Persian carpets were among the first rugs ever created. Their history dates back to the Achaemenid Empire that stretched through Europe, Asia and Africa from 550 B.C. to 350 B.C. Historical evidence shows that the first carpets were made from bamboos and stalks of plants growing in marshlands of lower Transoxania.

What is a Persian rug?

(See above lot details) A closer look at knots tied into an intricate rug pattern. A major part of Iran’s culture and art, a Persian rug is unique in that it carries with a link to the past (the art of carpet weaving is believed to date back at least 3,500 years) and in its design, which varies by region and tribe.

When did Persian rugs become a status symbol?

Later, during the 16th-century Safavid period when Shah Tahmasp introduced carpet production factories at court, carpet making turned into a more established craft and owning rugs turned into a status symbol. Weavers began to incorporate more intricate, formal designs into their masterpieces that came to be associated with Persian rugs.

What is an antique oriental rug?

The antique Oriental rugs that were woven prior to the 1920’s, from Persia, represent an unfathomable range of rug patterns and styles with an enormous breadth of influence from semi-nomadic tribes to imperial weaving traditions established by the Safavid and Mughal empires.

Where did Persian rugs originate?

When were Persian carpets invented?

How long do Persian rugs last?

What are Persian rugs made of?

Why are Persian rugs so special?

When did Persian rugs come out?

2,500 years agoThe History of the Persian Rugs. The art of carpet weaving in Iran originated more than 2,500 years ago. Persian carpets and rugs were initially woven as articles of necessity to cover the floors of nomadic tribesmen, giving them protection from the cold and damp.

How can you tell if a rug is Persian?

In short, a genuine Oriental or Persian carpet has no sewn-on fringes. The fringes form the end of the warp yarns and are therefore an integral part of the carpet. If you should see on the back of the rug that the fringes have been sewn on, then in all probability it is not a genuine oriental rug.

Who created Persian rugs?

When Cyrus the Great conquered Babylon in 539 BC, he was struck by its splendour, and it was probably he who introduced the art of carpet making into Persia. However, historical records show that magnificent carpets adorned the court of Cyrus the Great, who founded the Persian Empire over 2,500 years ago.

How old are antique Persian rugs?

Rugs that are between 10 and 50 years old are considered 'Semi-Old'. Rugs that are between 20 and 99 years of age are called 'Old'. Any rug that falls within the 30 to 99-year range is considered 'Semi-Antique'. All rugs that are older than 50 years are considered to be 'Antiques'.

How do you age a rug?

Fold the rug to look at the root of the threads. An older rug will have faded over time due to sunlight exposure, resulting in richer colors at the base of the foundation. Some retailers bleach their rugs to give them an aged look.

What makes Persian rugs valuable?

First, the materials that go into a genuine Persian rug are of the highest quality — Kurk wool and Silk. The second contributor to Persian rugs' value is the mastery required to make; The process of learning how to knot a Persian rug takes years, and then creating one takes many more years, possibly decades.

How can you tell if a rug is antique?

While any rug older than 80-100 years old is considered antique, the lesser-known range between antique rugs and vintage rugs 50-80 years old are labeled semi-antique. Any rug 20 years or older can be listed as vintage, but the typical consensus is vintage applies to the range between 20-50 years old.

Why are they called Persian rugs?

The carpets from Iran are known as “Persian Carpets”. In 2010, the “traditional skills of carpet weaving” in the Iranian province of Fārs, the Iranian town of Kashan, and the “traditional art of Azerbaijani carpet weaving” in the Republic of Azerbaijan" were inscribed to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists.

What is a Persian flaw?

A Persian flaw was a flaw intentionally introduced by Persian artisans of Earth to signify that man was inherently flawed. The expression "Persian flaw" might also be used figuratively.

What qualifies as an antique Persian rug?

For a rug or carpet to be officially antique, it needs to be at least 80 years old.

How can you tell if a rug is good quality?

4 Ways To Identify High Quality Area RugsKnots Per Square Inch (KPSI) The number of knots within a rug determines the density, durability, and clarity of pattern; the more knots, the higher the quality. ... Detail. ... Premium Wool. ... Color.

How do I know what kind of rug I have?

1:372:57What Kind of Rug do you Have? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHere they'll put a fabric cloth over it like that and that's when so this is truly the way you canMoreHere they'll put a fabric cloth over it like that and that's when so this is truly the way you can tell if you have a hand-knotted. Or tufted rug this backing material is the tell-tale sign.

How do I know what kind of rug I have?

1:332:57What Kind of Rug do you Have? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHere they'll put a fabric cloth over it like that and that's when so this is truly the way you canMoreHere they'll put a fabric cloth over it like that and that's when so this is truly the way you can tell if you have a hand-knotted. Or tufted rug this backing material is the tell-tale sign.

What is the difference between an Oriental rug and a Persian rug?

Oriental rugs are composed of rugs made all over Asia, including India, China, Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkey and more. Persian rugs are specifically made in Persia, or modern day Iran. Just like Turkish rugs are made in Turkey.

How can you tell if a Persian rug is wool?

Look Under the Rug If so, then you definitely have a rug made with synthetic fibers. Wool rugs are soft on both sides. The design is also clearly visible on the front and back. You'll never find plastic or rubber backing on a wool Oriental rug.

How can you tell if a rug is antique?

While any rug older than 80-100 years old is considered antique, the lesser-known range between antique rugs and vintage rugs 50-80 years old are labeled semi-antique. Any rug 20 years or older can be listed as vintage, but the typical consensus is vintage applies to the range between 20-50 years old.

What was the Persian rug?

The weaving of handmade Persian rugs was a major part of the pre-Islamic Persian world. For example, the Arch Palace of the Sassanid King Khosrow Parviz in Cteiphone was said to be covered by a carpet of golden threads known as the “Four Seasons of Baharestan.”. During the advent of Islam in the 8th century, the Azerbaijan province was among ...

When were Persian carpets invented?

Persian carpets were among the first rugs ever created. Their history dates back to the Achaemenid Empire that stretched through Europe, Asia and Africa from 550 B.C. to 350 B.C. Historical evidence shows that the first carpets were made from bamboos and stalks of plants growing in marshlands of lower Transoxania.

Where did pile carpets come from?

Until recently, most archaeologists believed that today’s common pile carpets had come into existence in Iran one thousand years ago and had no precedence elsewhere in the world. However, the discovery of a Pazyryk rug from the tomb of a Pazyryk ruler in southern Siberia by a Russian team of archaeologists near the border with Mongolia caused the historians to change their previous theory and announce that weaving of piled carpets dated back to 500 years before the birth of Christ.

Which country was the largest center for rug weaving?

During the advent of Islam in the 8th century, the Azerbaijan province was among the largest centers of Persian carpet and rough area rug weaving in the world. In addition, dye centers were also set up next to carpet weaving looms.

Why are animal skins used as floor coverings?

Although the first floor covering seemed suitable for people living in tents, they were not as comfortable as today’s carpets sold in a Persian rug store; for this reason animal skins were later used as floor covering. Weaving this kind of carpet is still common among Kyrkyz tribes. Given the nomadic life of people living in Central Asia and their occupation in cattle breeding gradually made it necessary for those people to spend their leisure time on producing cheap and durable floor covering using twisted wool fibers.

What are Persian rugs?

Persian carpets and rugs of various types were woven in parallel by nomadic tribes, in village and town workshops, and by royal court manufactories alike. As such, they represent miscellaneous, simultaneous lines of tradition, and reflect the history of Iran and its various peoples.

When were Persian carpets first mentioned?

Persian carpets were first mentioned around 400 BC, by the Greek author Xenophon in his book " Anabasis ":

How are carpets made?

Flat-woven rugs are made by tightly interweaving the warp and weft strands of the weave to produce a flat surface with no pile. The technique of weaving carpets further developed into a technique known as loop weaving. Loop weaving is done by pulling the weft strings over a gauge rod, creating loops of thread facing the weaver. The rod is then either removed, leaving the loops closed, or the loops are cut over the protecting rod, resulting in a rug very similar to a genuine pile rug. Hand-woven pile rugs are produced by knotting strings of thread individually into the warps, cutting the thread after each single knot.

What is the carpet used in Greek mythology?

In Odyssey Book VII and X "carpets" are mentioned. Pliny the Elder wrote ( nat. VIII, 48) that carpets ("polymita") were invent ed in Alexandria. It is unknown whether these were flatweaves or pile weaves, as no detailed technical information is provided in the Greek and Latin texts.

How are wool and silk spun?

The fibers of wool, cotton, and silk are spun either by hand or mechanically by using spinning wheels or industrial spinning machines to produce the yarn. The direction in which the yarn is spun is called twist. Yarns are characterized as S-twist or Z-twist according to the direction of spinning (see diagram). Two or more spun yarns may be twisted together or plied to form a thicker yarn. Generally, handspun single plies are spun with a Z-twist, and plying is done with an S-twist. Like nearly all Islamic rugs with the exception of Mamluk carpets, nearly all Persian rugs use "Z" (anti-clockwise) spun and "S" (clockwise)-plied wool.

How big is a Persian carpet?

Dozar or Sedjadeh: The term comes from Persian do, "two" and zar, a Persian measure corresponding to about 105 centimetres (41 inches ). Carpets of Dozar size are approximately 130–140 cm (51–55 in) x 200–210 cm (79–83 in).

What dynasty was carpet weaving?

The time of the Safavid dynasty marks one of the greatest periods in Persian art, which includes carpet weaving.

When were Persian rugs invented?

The History of the Persian Rugs. The art of carpet weaving in Iran originated more than 2,500 years ago. Persian carpets and rugs were initially woven as articles of necessity to cover the floors of nomadic tribesmen, giving them protection from the cold and damp. The natural progression of the skill and craft involved in the creation ...

What is the Persian carpet made of?

During the reign of Shah Abbas (1587 - 1629), commerce and crafts prospered in Persia. Shah Abbas encouraged contacts and trade with Europe and transformed his new capital, Isfahan, into one of the most glorious cities of Persia. He also built workshops for carpets where skilled designers and craftsmen set to work to create splendid specimens. Most of these carpets were made of silk, with gold and silver threads adding even more embellishment. Two of the best know carpets of the Safavid period; dated 1539 come from the mosque of Ardabil. Many experts believe that these carpets represent the culmination of achievement in carpet design. The larger of the two carpets is now a centrepiece in London's Victoria and Albert Museum.

What was the carpet made of in the Safavid period?

Most of these carpets were made of silk, with gold and silver threads adding even more embellishment. Two of the best know carpets of the Safavid period; dated 1539 come from the mosque of Ardabil. Many experts believe that these carpets represent the culmination of achievement in carpet design.

What is the background of a silk based rug?

Historians describe the silk based rug as follows: "The border was a magnificent flower bed of blue, red, white, yellow and green stones; in the background the colour of the earth was imitated with gold; clear stones like crystals gave the illusion of water; the plants were in silk and the fruits were formed by colour stones".

What is the most popular handicraft in Iran?

Today, carpet weaving is by far the most widespread handicraft in Iran. Persian carpets are renowned for their richness of colour, variety of spectacular artistic patterns and quality of design. In palaces, famous buildings, mansions and museums the world over, a Persian carpet is amongst the most treasured of possessions. Quick Search.

Where did carpets come from?

The first documented evidence on the existence of carpets came from Chinese texts dating back to the Sassanid Dynasty (224 - 641 AD). In 628 AD, the Emperor Heraclius brought back a variety of carpets from the conquest of Ctesiphon, the Sassanian capital. The Arabs also conquered Ctesiphon in 637 AD, and among the spoils brought back were said to be many carpets, one of which was the famous garden carpet, the "Springtime of Khosro". This carpet has passed into history as the most precious of all time. Made during the reign of Khosro I (531 - 579 AD) the carpet was enormous, measuring 400’ x 100’ and weighing several tonnes. Historians describe the silk based rug as follows: "The border was a magnificent flower bed of blue, red, white, yellow and green stones; in the background the colour of the earth was imitated with gold; clear stones like crystals gave the illusion of water; the plants were in silk and the fruits were formed by colour stones". The king is said to have strolled along the carpet in winter to remind him of the beauty of spring. However, when the Arabs invaded they cut the magnificent carpet into many pieces, selling each piece separately.

Where is the carpet from the Hermitage Museum?

The carpet survived over two millennium preserved in the frozen tombs of Scythian nobles, and is now the showpiece of the Hermitage Museum of Leningrad (St. Petersburg). The intricacy of this rug suggests that even at this early date, the art of carpet weaving had progressed well beyond simple rugs designed for practical purposes.

When was Persian carpet made?

Little is known about Persian carpet making before the 15th century, when the art was already approaching a peak. The Mongol invasion of the 13th century had depressed Persia’s artistic life, only partly restored by the renaissance under the Mongol Il-Khan dynasty (1256–1353). Although the conquests of Timur (died 1405) were in most respects ...

Where were gold threaded rugs made?

With their high-keyed fresh colours and opulence, they have affinities with European Renaissance and Baroque idioms. The Polish nobility ordered many gold-threaded rugs from Kāshān, for Poland and Persia had close relations in the 17th century. Because there had been a rug- and silk-weaving industry using gold thread in 18th-century Poland, these imported Persian rugs, when first exhibited at the Paris exposition in 1878, were thought to be Polish, especially as nothing quite like them had at the time been found in Persia itself. They were accordingly dubbed tapis Polonais, or “ Polonaise carpets ,” and the name has persisted. The type degenerated in the later 17th century, materials deteriorating, weaving and designs coarsening.

What are the low school rugs?

A great rug industry was developed in western Persia in the Solṭānābād (Arāk) district; and from individual towns come beautifully woven rugs such as Sarūks, with their ancient medallion pattern; Serabands, with their repeating patterns on a ground of silvery rose; and Ferahans, with their so-called herāti pattern—an allover, rather dense design with a light-green border on a mordant dye that leaves the pattern in relief. The earlier Ferahans (a number are known, dated to the end of the 18th century) are on fields of dark lustrous blue with a delicately drawn open pattern. Later Ferahans degenerated in colour, material, and design. “Low school” rugs maintained their standards down to the later 19th century, when insatiable Western demand undermined their artistry; but in the 20th century fine weaving in Persia was somewhat revived.

What is a vase carpet?

The court manufacture of Kāshān also produced silk carpets with a decidedly royal style. The distinctive rugs called vase carpets (because of the flower vases in their designs) are generally thought to be from Kermān. The pattern usually consists of several lattice systems with profuse blossoms and foliage.

Where was the Silk carpet woven?

Silk carpets woven to surround the sarcophagus of Shāh ʿAbbās II (died 1666) in the shrine at Qom (in central Iran) were the last really fine achievements in Persian weaving. Even Orientalists have mistaken their finish for velvet; the drawing is beautiful, the colour varied, clear, and harmonious. The set is dated and signed by a master artist, Niʿmat Allāh of Joshaqan.

What was the art of the book in the 15th century?

In the 15th century the art of the book, which had long been considered the supreme artistic accomplishment and already had behind it centuries of superb achievement, reached a degree of elegance and sophistication unknown either before or since. The bindings, frontispieces, chapter headings, and, in the miniatures themselves, the canopies, panels, ...

Where is the hunting carpet?

Historically more important, and in beauty a rival of any, is the great “ hunting ” carpet in the Museo Poldi Pezzoli in Milan, inscribed: “It is by the efforts of Giyath-ud-Din ʿJami that this renowned carpet was brought to such perfection in the year 1521.”.

What is the history of Persian rugs?

Although antique rugs are one-of-a-kind works of art and luxury design pieces that make a house feel like a comfortable home, each Persian carpet also contains its own story. Each Persian rug completes the intricate history of all rugs woven before and since.

What is an antique Persian rug?

In the antique Persian rug world, the mundane becomes the mysterious: flowers and geometric figures are imbued with deep symbolism, and colors and shape carry deep meaning. The term “Antique Persian Rugs” refers to those rugs that were made in modern day Iran making the term “Antique Iranian Rugs” practically interchangeable.

What color is Persian carpet?

Carpet grounds were red, blue and sometimes white but colors tended to be muted, partly because the sheep in the Northwest have coarse wool but mainly because of the salt quality of the water used in the dyeing process. Persian rug patterns are recognizable to the trained eye and have existed for many generations.

How to tell if a Persian rug is woven?

The construction of Persian rugs varies based on the city, region or village where they were woven. The “traditional” Persian carpet is tied with a single looping knot, known as Persian or Senneh knot. The vertical strand of thread in a Persian carpet has one loop. This use of a single knot is essential in establishing the identity of the place where the rug was made and can sometimes help in identifying the artisans who made it. When comparing carpets, the way to identify the knot used is to splay open the pile by bending the rug against itself and looking at the base of the knot.

What is the most important cultural contribution to the world of art that was given by the people of Persia?

Perhaps the most important cultural contribution to the world of art that was given by the people of Persia is the Persian Rug. These rugs are those that were woven in Persia (modern day Iran). For a Persian rug to be considered “antique”, it would have to be at least 80 years old.

Why are Persian carpets so popular?

The sheer variety of these carpets, made over the centuries, is a strong testament to the rich cultural tradition from which they have emerged .

Where were royal carpets made?

These countries encouraged the development of additional rug producing factories in the major cities of Tabriz, Kerman, Mashed and Sultanabad. Because of this, the ruler at the time, Reza Shah Pahlavi, built royal carpet and rug factories to produce the highest quality rugs in the region.

How long does it take to make a Persian rug?

The overall process of creating a fine, handmade Persian rug could take a weaver a year or more to complete.

What was the traditional method of weaving Persian rugs?

The conventional wooden loom on which antique Oriental rugs (including Persian rugs) were woven involved a “warp,” vertical strands of silk, cotton, or wool attached to two horizontal wooden beams, and “wefts,” strands of the same material woven horizontally over and under the warp. Rows of knots were then tied between wefts. Having thousands of years of success and little need for change, this process is still used today.

What did Shah Abbas do to the Persian carpet industry?

In the late 16th century, Shah Abbas introduced a program to reconstruct the economy, including the Persian carpet making industry. He signed treaties with European countries like Spain and England and brought silk merchants to the then capital city, Isfahan. Later, when the Afghans invaded Iran in 1722, Persian carpet making declined until European demand became strong in the late 19th century.

How old are Persian rugs?

Rugs that are anything less than 100 years of age does not qualify as antique. Persian rugs that are anywhere from 20 to 99 years old are called Vintage rugs. Some rug dealers may also call them ‘semi-antique’ rugs.

What are Persian rugs made of?

The only materials used are wool, cotton and silk. Each material may be used by itself or in combination with each other.

Why are silk rugs so valuable?

This is because of several reasons. For one thing, the raw material itself is more expensive. The thinner strands of silk make it possible for weavers to tie more knots per square inch.

What is the difference between Persian and Oriental rugs?

The main point of difference between the two is that all Persian rugs are Oriental rugs, but not all Oriental rugs are Persian rugs. Persia, which is now known as Iran, lies is one of many Oriental countries.

Why are Persian rugs so expensive?

Rugs with a higher knot count are more expensive. This is because it takes much longer for the weaver to make more knots in a square inch. Persian rugs may be more expensive but with regular maintenance you can rest assured that they are an investment that will increase in value as they get older.

What is hand knitted rug?

Hand-Knotted rugs are one-off genuin e works of art created by a skilled professional, made with…. Wool and/or Silk fibers, that make each rug hard wearing and feel amazing underfoot, using…. Natural vegetable dyes — to create rich and warm colors with a depth and nuance that cannot be recreated with artificial dyes, which gives every rug….

What is unique about Persian rugs?

Another unique aspect of Persian rugs is that every region has their own style in terms of the knots used as well as the patterns, motifs and colors used in the overall design of the rug.

Where do Persian rugs come from?

Some are classic while others are modern or a combination of both. You will find rugs that hail from various Iran cities such as Esfahan, Qum, and Tabriz among others. They can also be grouped by the names of master weavers who made them including Kashan, Seirafian and others. You are not going to know what to buy until you take a look at products that are being sold online.

What animals were used in Persian rugs?

Usually, weavers added animals like camels, gazelles, and birds like peacocks, griffins, deer, elephants that were used in wars, horses and camels. Some of these animals were featured even in the oldest hunting scene rug, Pazyryk, we have mentioned above. With regard to knot per square inch (KPSI), there is quite a difference in hunting scene Persian rugs. Most Isfahan silk hunting rugs with an asymmetrical knot design have up to seven hundred KPSI. On the other hand, most Tabriz symmetrically knotted mats may have three hundred and fifty knots per square inch.

Where was the Tabriz rug made?

There is a special hunting scene Tabriz rug that was made in Azerbaijan in 1880. It is worth mentioning as just one look at it will tell you just how hard the weaver worked to create it. It is not a piece of your ordinary rug. This Tabriz rug depicts exquisiteness and has an asymmetrical hunting design that fills the border space, framing a majestic field. In this pictorial antique rug, and many similar ones, the motifs seem stationary yet so full of life. How scenes transition from each other so gracefully shows just how creative and gifted the weaver of this specific rug was.

Why were rugs stopped?

Production of these rugs were stopped because of the emerging Islamic empires that were very powerful and influential. Then the production took the lead again from 1500s, particularly because of the Safavid royals and leaders who resided in Mughal, India, and Persia. They loved flamboyant hunting scene rugs that depicted their favorite sport ...

Where did Persian rugs originate?

Persian rugs are beautiful works of art, with their origins dating back to Iran over 2,500 years ago . Over the course over generations, the process of weaving Persian rugs has evolved from a necessity, protecting ancient tribesman from the elements, to an impressive art form that has an important place in Persian culture and a high value all over the world.

When were Persian carpets invented?

These carpets were often made from silk with gold and silver threads all throughout. After the Afghan invasion in 1722, prominent carpet making ceased for a number of years, with craftsman in small villages being the only ones continuing the practice.

How long do Persian rugs last?

When properly taken care of, Persian rugs can last for decades as heirlooms or a valuable investment. Understanding the history of Persian hand knotted rugs is essential to properly take care of them, helping the pieces last for generations to come.

What are Persian rugs made of?

Persian rugs have been made from wool, silk, and cotton , with each material requiring a different type of care. Though it can be more complicated than caring for different types of rugs, with proper treatment these rugs can last for decades, with their value increasing over time.

Why are Persian rugs so special?

Persian rugs have their own specific features due to their unique knotting technique, leading to a higher knot count. The pattern of many Persian rugs is directly related to the histories of its tribe of origin, and areas they come from. By studying its pattern and composition, you can learn a great deal about where a carpet was made.

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