Persian carpet is a symbol of artistic mastery and a cornerstone of Persian culture. Crafted with extraordinary skill and attention to detail, the Persian carpet represents centuries of tradition and a unique blend of regional influences. Each carpet tells a story through its vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and meticulous craftsmanship, reflecting the weaver’s heritage and the rich cultural tapestry of Persia. As you delve into the world of the Persian carpet, you’ll uncover the historical significance and enduring appeal of this iconic art form, celebrated for its unparalleled beauty and timeless elegance.
Exploring the Diverse Styles of Persian Carpet
Afshar Rugs
Afshar rug is a type of Iranian carpet produced by villagers residing in Shiraz, Kerman, and Yazd, cities in the southeast of Iran. Afshar style of carpet weaving (like most of Persian styles) is imitated in other regions of Iran and such countries as India, China, and Pakistan.
Like most of rugs woven by nomads, these rugs are usually available in small sizes. Afshar rugs are similar to Caucasian carpets in terms of color and form, and patterns used in them are usually of geometrical basis. Some of prevailing designs include several connected medallions in rhombus shape, single, hexagonal, and octagonal medallions, and/or a big hexagonal medallion (mostly covering up the whole background). Such motifs as rose flower, bushes, and semi-birds (Afshar Morghi in Persian) are also usually used. Colors used are mostly dark red, reddish brown, brown, violet, dark blue, reddish orange, and crimson. White, gray, and yellow are also used to create contrast.
Ardabil Carpet
Ardabil Carpet is a famous type of Persian Carpet. The motifs used in Ardabil Carpets are similar to those of Caucasian Carpets, mostly depicting geometrical patterns. Most of designs include medallions, multiple rhombus shaped connected medallions and octagonal shapes.
Ardabil Carpets compared with Caucasian ones have more motifs in the margins. Lighter colors are used in Ardabil Carpet. Ardabil Carpets are almost available in all sizes. Background of these carpets are mostly in turquoise, yellowish beige, cream, aqua, and light green colors.
Bidjar Rugs
Bidjar rugs are Persian carpets which are mostly produced in Bidjar City and villages around it. Bidjar is located in the northwest of Iran, in Kurdestan Province.
Bidjar rugs are mostly considered as village made rugs because either produced in the city itself or the villages surrounding it, they are mostly woven in local houses and not in workshops.
Patterns of Bidjar rugs include a combination of curvilinear (mostly) and geometrical patterns. Carpet weavers in Bidjar are interested in such colors as aqua, cherry red, brown, light blue, pink, yellow, brownish yellow, orange, beige, and ivory. In this type of rug, symmetrical (Turkey) knots are mostly used, even though sennah (assymetrical) knots or Persian knots are also observed in it.
Farahan Carpet
Older Farahan Carpets are very popular in western countries. Most of these carpets have geometrical patterns. However, some carpets with curvilinear designs are also found in Farahan. These high quality carpets are mostly woven with cotton-based asymmetrical knots.
Carpets woven in this region can be divided into two types. The first type is specified upon overall design (infinite repetition) with such motifs and designs as Herati, Hannani flower, bushes, and/or Minakhani. The second type is usually specified with its medallion design, either hexagonal, rhombus, or oval with big pendants.
Isfahan Carpet
Isfahan is a popular Persian Carpet which has been famous all around the world, from past to the present. Since Isfahan has been the capital city of many rulers including Shah Abbas from the Safavid dynasty, many mosques and other great historical buildings have been constructed during 16th and 17th Centuries in Isfahan, making it a very important center of art. These buildings have been highly effective on the design of Isfahan Carpets.
A prevailing design, based on medallion, is a large circle similar to mosaics constructed and used inside Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque’s cupola. Other designs include Shah Abbasi Lachak Torange, Eslimi Lachak Toranj, trees and animals, Shah Abbasi design, geometrical lachak toranj, and pictures of people and nature (sometimes based on Shah Abbasi miniatures). Many colors are used in Isfahan Carpet (rarely less than 15 colors), including turquoise, aqua, red, beige, as well as light beige containing gray. Background and margins are explicitly divided into two sets of five small margins.
Kashan Carpets
Kashan Carpets woven in workshops located in Kashan City (north-central part of Iran) are very famous in Iran. Other regions in Iran and also such countries as India, China, and Pakistan imitate the styles of Kashan Carpets (like most of Persian styles).
One old traditional design is elongated rhombus and toothed medallions with floral pendants (usually Shah Abbasi). This is a kind of Shah Abbasi medallion. The carpet as a whole includes the medallion itself, lachaks, margins, and background full of Shah Abbasi and Eslimi motifs. Traditional design usually includes aqua medallions with similar lachaks and margin in red background, or vice versa.
Kerman Carpet
Kerman Carpet is a type of Persian carpet with high variability. Kerman Carpets are mostly produced in Kerman City, in the southeast of Iran, as well as cities and villages around it. Pattern of Kerman Carpets includes curvilinear with famous images of Kerman (categorized as pictorial patterns). Kerman Carpets are woven in various complicated designs inspired by pictorial stories.
Tabriz Carpets
Tabriz Carpet is a type of Persian carpet which is produced in workshops located in Tabriz city and its surrounding areas. Tabriz is the capital city of East Azerbaijan province in the northwest of Iran. Tabriz is considered as one of the most important locations where Persian Carpets are woven. Some designs of curve lines are observed in these carpets; however, geometrical designs also can be found in these carpets. In Tabriz Carpets, mostly symmetrical (Turkey) knots are used.
Persian Carpet: A Timeless Masterpiece
In conclusion, Persian carpet remains a timeless symbol of artistry and cultural heritage, deeply woven into the fabric of Persian life. Whether it’s the intricate designs of different regions or the unique techniques passed down through generations, these carpets continue to captivate and inspire. As you explore the world of Persian carpet, you’ll discover the profound beauty and enduring tradition that make it a true masterpiece, cherished across the globe. Let these stunning textiles transport you to the heart of Persia, where history and art intertwine to create an unparalleled experience of elegance and tradition.
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