History of the Persian Rug
Persian rugs are popular for their outstanding cultural and artistic excellence; they are also known as Iranian carpets. Their production process in Iran is carried out on the heavy textile material, and they are prepared to meet numbers of symbolic and utilitarian needs. Note that, carpet weaving is an integral part of Iranian art and Persian culture.
Iranians are believed to be the most experienced carpet weavers; they have learned this art from ancient civilizations, and with the years of practice, their perfection levels have grown higher with ingenuity and creativity. This skill of pattern rich carpet weaving is transferred generation by generation and the offspring guard the family secret for years ahead.
If we look at the history, the process of interlacing threads for creating unique textiles was introduced in 529 B.C.E. at Persia. During the era of Cyrus the Great, this weaving skill was essential for migrating peoples that design coverings for various tent floors. With time, as people started settling in the villages, each place started gaining its unique identity for some specific kind of rug designs and patterns. Even today, several Antique Persian rugs styles showcase this history. Most of those diverse and attractive patterns are in use at the present era as well.
The experienced rug makers in the Persian culture were popular for creating two types of knots, and the amazing thing to know is that they used to reflect the areas from where they were designed. The first one was symmetrical or Turkish knot. It was also popular as Ghiordes knot. This knot on Antique Persian rugs was created by taking the yard twice around warp threads while leaving the outer ends loose in some symmetrical pattern. After this, few weft threads are woven between knot rows. It is observed that Turkish knots lead to a thick and strong carpet.
The second most popular knot is known as Asymmetrical or Persian knot; some people also call it as Senneh knot. It makes use of a wool thread, and it is further looped around a warp thread; while rest of the ends are kept loose, and they create an asymmetrical pattern. Further, few weft threads are woven with the knot rows. This technique is used to create unique designs on the carpet or Persian rug. Note that, both these knot types are still being used for carpet designing.
Antique Persian rugs use to have endless designs and unique varieties. The pattern borders with visible edges make them look for more attractive. With these awesome carpet collections, Persian designers have received international honors for their spectacular artistic accomplishments. The best quality rugs are also transported to different countries, and they are the most preferred choice of buyers around the world. These rugs add ultimate beauty to the premises wherever they are used.
At present, Persian rugs and carpets are not just known as an intrinsic element of Iranian culture, but at the same time, they have become an essential part of our daily lives as well.