BY: TELANGANA TODAY
An important hallmark of the Iranian culture; the carpets and rugs created in the region have fascinated royals and connoisseurs since time immemorial. Renowned for their intricate designs, rich colours, and inimitable craftsmanship, the story of these carpets can be traced back to 539 BC when Cyrus the Great conquered Babylon and introduced the art of carpet making in Persia.
Since then, carpets have been an invaluable asset and an immutable part of Iranian culture. Authentic antique Persian rugs were hand-knotted by master craftsmen of Iran, which makes them a rare find and a desirable product in the auction markets.
However, to ensure authenticity, a reputed auction house would be an ideal avenue to acquire carpets from different periods and regions. Having found their way as regal pieces of home décor, Persian textiles are instantly recognisable owing to their opulent presence.
Here is a list of some of the most important and historical varieties of Persian textiles that will be presented in our upcoming auction.
Kerman rugs
Prized for their ornate floral designs and a range of medallion patterns, Kerman rugs originated in the city of Kerman located in Southeast Iran. Traditional Kerman designs range from Shah Abbasi medallion-and-corner, garden, vase, tree of life, hunting, and animals to all-over floral and stripes.
Famous for its long history and strong cultural heritage, the Kerman region emerged to be a primary weaving centre in Iran. Primarily executed in red and blue colours, Kerman carpets have been prized among the members of royalty and affluent societies throughout history.
Isfahan rugs
An extraordinary category of Persian carpets, Isfahan rugs are decorated with designs inspired by the city of Isfahan in Iran. Designated as a world heritage for its architecture, the city of Isfahan is dotted with majestic palaces, tiled mosques, minarets, and other historic buildings. Inspired by the city itself, carpets are knotted in factories with the finest patterns and ornaments. With a knotting density of 6,50,000 knots per square metre upwards, Isfahan carpets are of very fine quality and are therefore among the most sophisticated of all.
Qum palmettes rugs
Ghom or Qum carpets are known for their exceptional quality. With the inclusion of silk as one of the primary fabrics (wool on silk wraps), the effect of the pattern, as executed on a background highlight the motifs in an iridescent manner. Carpets from the Qum province generally feature intricately executed floral designs.
Tabriz wool rugs
With densely-knotted structures and elaborate floral displays, Tabriz rugs are a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship of Persian rugs. They reflect the rich heritage of the elegant court tradition of the Safavid era in Iran. Tabriz rugs are executed with a range of delicate arabesque designs including flowerheads, lush vinery all over “Herati” patterns in sublime colours.
Varamin rugs
Considered being among the elite of Persian carpets, these rugs originated in the Iranian city, Varamin, and its surrounding area. The most common design among Varamin rugs is the ‘Mina Khani’ design. Executed with a very tight weave to create an overall floral pattern, these carpets come in different colours such as red and burgundy, navy blue, and forest green.
Mashad rugs
Among the finest of Persian rugs, Mashad rugs are renowned for their scale and size. Replete with floral designs, these carpets usually depict complex patterns that are interconnected by sinuous vine and leaf patterns. Known for their beauty and their quality, which are second to none, Mashad carpets and rugs remain very desirable in the textile world.
Kashan rugs
Heralded as a direct legacy of the Golden Age of Persian Weaving, Kashan rugs are densely knotted with extremely fine quality of wool, Kashan rugs are adorned with medallions as well as floral ornament designs.
Bakhtiari rugs
Named after the nomads of the Bakhtiari tribe, Bakhtiyari rugs are knotted with thick wool and considered among the most robust of all Persian carpets. They are often designed with motifs inspired by typical Persian gardens.
