Basic knowledge of Persian carpets
Basic knowledge of Persian carpets
What is a Persian carpet?
Basic knowledge about Persian carpets: "Persia" is the former name of Iran, and "Persian carpets" refer to carpets hand-woven in Iran.
Persian carpets are known to be the oldest carpets, with excavations dating back approximately 3,000 years.
Originally, they were buried with the bodies of high-ranking royalty, with the prayer that they would be able to safely enter the afterlife and achieve a high position in it. Although their uses have changed over time, Persian silk carpets have long been used as symbols of power and wealth, and were displayed for royal viewing or given as gifts to countries around the world.
High-quality antiques woven in famous production areas are valuable as physical assets and are sometimes purchased for investment purposes. Persian carpets have a long history and intricate designs that are hard to believe were hand-woven, making them highly valued as works of art, and they remain popular worldwide to this day.
Recently, machine-woven carpets made of rayon with silk fringes and edges sewn by hand are often sold as Persian carpets. Clever copies of works by famous workshops are also on the market, but you should be careful as machine-woven carpets made of synthetic fibers have no value as Persian carpets.
Although rayon is also called "bamboo silk" or "artificial silk," it has nothing to do with silk. It is a synthetic fiber made by extracting fiber from plants, dissolving it in chemicals, and then regenerating it. It is not a natural fiber.
The weaving techniques of Persian carpets have been passed down through generations. Each carpet is handcrafted by artisans over a long period of time. Persian carpets are not only practical items that add color to a space and comfort to your feet, but are also traditional handicrafts with a long history.
The intricate beauty of the work soothes the viewer and stimulates their imagination and creativity. A special piece that lifts your spirits has the power to inspire you.
Decorating your room with a Persian carpet will turn it into a special place, like a power spot.
Characteristics of Persian carpets
Below, we will list the characteristics of Persian carpets, which can be broadly divided into five categories.
1. Delicate and intricate designs <br>Persian carpets are characterized by their balanced designs and delicate and intricate patterns.
A variety of motifs, including flowers, plants, animals, and geometric patterns, are combined to create a unique beauty.
It is made with the intricate craftsmanship that can only be achieved by hand weaving, and has an attractive, luxurious appearance.
2. Rich use of colors <br>Persian carpets are characterized by their vivid colors and the skillful combination of various colors.
You can see colors obtained from natural dyes and traditional colors based on local culture, and enjoy a colorful world through the carpets.
3. High-quality materials <br>Persian carpets are made using high-quality natural materials, with wool and silk used for the pile.
These materials are durable and pleasant to the touch, allowing you to maintain the quality of your carpet while still being comfortable to use.
4. Handwoven craftsmanship :
Persian carpets are made using traditional hand-weaving techniques that have been passed down since ancient times.
The fabric is hand-woven by skilled artisans, giving it a unique beauty and durability.
The intricate craftsmanship and advanced techniques that can only be achieved by hand weaving increase the value of Persian carpets.
5. A symbol of culture and history <br>Persian carpets are positioned as traditional handicrafts that symbolize Iranian culture and history.
Persian carpets reflect regional traditions, folklore, and beliefs, and offer a glimpse into Iranian culture.
Characteristics by production area
There are many Persian carpet producing areas in Iran, each with its own unique characteristics.
There are traditions, techniques and styles that have been passed down over the years by the people of towns, villages and tribes.
For this reason, Persian carpets are not only used as rugs but are also collected, and there are many Persian carpet collectors, especially in Europe and the United States.
Some Persian carpets from the Safavid period have even been priced at hundreds of millions or even billions of yen at famous auctions overseas.
Iran is one of the largest countries in the Middle East, linking East and West.
Long ago, Iran was connected to East Asia and Europe by the Silk Road.
Persian carpets, produced in Iran, a country that serves as a bridge between Eastern and Western cultures, are often found in European facilities and homes.
In 2010, the "Traditional Craft of Carpet Weaving" of Fars and Kashan was added to UNESCO's List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Although crude oil is Iran's most important export, many Iranians still work in the carpet industry.
However, the percentage is actually decreasing as younger generations tend to avoid mundane, time-consuming work.
Iran's share of global handwoven carpet exports fell from 25.5% to 7.4% between 2011 and 2022.
The value of Persian carpets
There are no clear standards for assessing the value of Persian carpets.
Because Persian carpets are hand-woven, there will be some variation between two carpets made by different weavers, even if they are made to the same standards.
Assessing the value of a Persian carpet, like any other craft or work of art, is a very complicated task.
This is because each Persian carpet is unique in terms of design, color, weaving density, finish, etc.
There are several factors to consider when determining the value of a Persian rug and putting a price on each piece.
Below are the main factors that affect the value of a Persian carpet:
However, these are only some of the factors, and the value of a Persian carpet may change depending on the balance of supply and demand, economic conditions, market trends, and other factors.
1. Material <br>The materials used in Persian rugs, such as wool, silk, and cotton, all affect their value.
Generally, the higher the quality of the material, the higher the price, which can also be affected by where the material comes from.
Like labor costs, material costs are also increasing year by year.
Therefore, the newer the Persian carpet, the more expensive the materials may be.
2. Design <br>Persian carpets are not only rugs but also traditional crafts.
Therefore, the aesthetic element of the object being appreciated influences its value.
A cohesive, intricate design with a harmonious color scheme is desirable, and Persian carpets that meet these criteria tend to be more expensive.
3. Originality <br>Persian carpets with unusual designs and colors are rare and therefore highly valued.
Because everyone wants what they don't have.
It goes without saying that this is even more true for collectors.
4. Number of knots <br>Generally, the more knots there are, the more valuable the Persian carpet is.
The number of knots does not refer to the number of knots in the entire carpet, but the number of knots within a certain area, that is, the density of the weave.
The more knots there are, the more days it will take to complete and the more intricate details can be clearly expressed.
However, you should know that the number of knots is a factor that is only used in urban carpets and is not taken into consideration in rural or tribal carpets.
Rural and tribal carpets typically have lower knot densities because they do not have access to advanced looms and tools.
5. A symbol of culture and history <br>Persian carpets are considered important crafts that symbolize Iranian culture and history.
Persian carpets reflect regional traditions, folklore, and beliefs, and offer a glimpse into Iranian culture.
6. Labor Costs <br>The labor used to produce Persian carpets is a significant cost.
Labor costs, including costs related to materials and design, are rising every year, resulting in an increase in the price of Persian carpets.
When a rug is handcrafted from start to finish, the weaver should be compensated for their skill and artistry.
Every knot is tied by hand, meaning that the weaver has spent countless hours on the finished carpet.
So when buying a Persian rug, it is important to take these costs into consideration as the number of knots can have a big impact on the price.
7. Weaving techniques <br>The weaving techniques used in making a Persian carpet also affect the value of the carpet.
The more experienced the weaver, the higher the quality of the Persian carpets they can produce.
If you work under a renowned workshop, you can expect even higher quality, which will increase the price of the carpet.
The more even and consistent your knots are, the more finished your piece will be.
This is especially true when weavers create large carpets.
With multiple weavers working side by side, they need to be synchronized to achieve a uniform weave.
8. Reliability of the origin <br>The origin of a Persian carpet also affects the price.
Tabriz, Qom, Kashan, Nain and Isfahan are world famous for producing high quality carpets.
Persian carpets made in these towns are popular and tend to be more expensive than carpets from other places.
9. Finish <br>The finish of a carpet also affects its value.
Persian carpets that are free of distortion and well-balanced generally tend to be more expensive.
Of course, since it is hand-woven, there will be some slight inaccuracies, but the more precisely it is finished, the higher the price.
This also applies to symmetry in the design; for example, if the medallion is perfectly symmetrical from top to bottom and sides to sides, the price may be higher.
10. Brand <br>Some Persian carpets become more valuable depending on the fame of the artist or brand.
Top brands known for their beautiful designs and high quality have a significant impact on Persian value.
Persian carpets made in world-famous workshops such as Seraphian and Arabah are more expensive.
This is the same as the recognition and trust in quality of fashion brands such as Hermes and Louis Vuitton.
11. Date of production <br>Generally, the older a Persian carpet is, the more valuable it is.
However, the condition is that the pile is in good condition with no damage or repair marks.
When it comes to antique or old Persian carpets, rarity can be a major factor.
For example, if a piece was made in a workshop that no longer exists, it will typically be even more valuable, as it will be harder to find something that is no longer being produced.
Pros and Cons of Persian Carpets
Knowing the pros and cons of Persian carpets is essential before buying one.
However, if you only focus on the advantages of Persian carpets, or conversely, if you only focus on the disadvantages, you will not be able to make a rational decision.
It is important to understand the pros and cons of Persian carpets correctly and make a purchase you will not regret.
There are many different types of Persian carpets, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Knowing these things will help you make the right product selection and ensure you have a purchase you won't regret.
Carpet dealers only say what is convenient for them.
Don't just take what they say at face value, but make sure you can make the right decision for yourself.
Advantages of Persian carpets
Persian carpets are loved by many people for their high quality, beauty and longevity.
When considering a purchase, it is important to consider not only the material and design, but also the manufacturing process and history to choose the carpet that is best for you.
This is a very important issue, as it allows you to know the pros and cons of Persian carpets so that you can choose the best option for you depending on your living situation and needs.
1. Natural materials <br>Persian carpets are made from natural materials such as high-quality wool and silk, and the combination of hand-weaving techniques and materials improves the texture of the carpet, making it not only pleasant to the touch but also able to maintain its beautiful feel for a long time.
Additionally, machine-woven carpets may contain synthetic fibers such as rayon and polypropylene, which can cause various allergies, including respiratory problems.
All the materials used in Persian carpets are natural fibers, so there is little risk of allergies.
2. Delicate designs and beautiful colors <br>Persian carpets are hand-woven by skilled craftsmen and are characterized by intricate, delicate designs and intricate patterns.
Many Persian carpets are also dyed with natural dyes.
The color becomes more tasteful as time passes.
The unique beauty and intricate craftsmanship that can only be achieved through hand weaving are elements that increase the value of Persian carpets.
3. Durability and longevity <br>Persian carpets are carefully hand-woven by skilled craftsmen.
It is also made from high quality materials, making it durable and long lasting.
With proper care and storage, Persian rugs can last for a long time.
4. Wide variety of Persian carpets<br>Persian carpets have characteristics based on the traditions of their various regions of origin, and there is a wide variety to choose from.
There are different styles of urban carpets, rural carpets and tribal carpets, which are further subdivided according to their place of origin.
Carpets that reflect a unique culture and history can enrich the atmosphere of a room and help express individuality.
5. Investment value <br>While this is not true of all Persian carpets, there are some Persian carpets that have investment value.
If kept in excellent condition and properly cared for, the value of your carpet can increase over time.
Disadvantages of Persian carpets
Everything has its advantages and disadvantages.
It seems that almost no carpet dealer will explain the disadvantages of Persian carpets, but in fact there are several.
It wouldn't be fair if I didn't explain those as well.
Below we will explain the disadvantages of Persian carpets, but these disadvantages do not apply to all Persian carpets.
1. High price <br>Persian carpets are made by hand by artisans over a long period of time.
Also, because the materials used are high-quality wool, silk, and cotton, they are sold at relatively high prices.
This can make it difficult for those on a tight budget to afford.
2. Some are difficult to move .<br>Some Persian carpets, such as Bijar and Modern Gabbeh, are much heavier than carpets from other regions.
This is not a big deal for smaller sizes, but for larger sizes, they can be quite heavy and difficult to move by yourself.
This can be time-consuming when rearranging furniture or cleaning.
3. Some are difficult to maintain . Among the materials used in Persian carpets, silk is a delicate material, and it can be difficult to treat dirt and stains.
It can be especially difficult to completely remove the dye if it has bled.
Silk can also become powdery due to moisture.
Powdering is a phenomenon in which fibers oxidize, their structure breaks down, and they turn into powder.
Powdered silk carpets cannot be restored to their original state.
4. Dye fading <br>The dyes used in Persian carpets are often made from natural materials, and the dyes can fade due to factors such as sunlight and washing.
This is unavoidable since the garment is dyed, but you can reduce the fading by taking measures such as placing the garment in a place out of direct sunlight, using lace curtains, and having the garment professionally cleaned.
5. The smell of wool <br>As anyone who has been in a carpet store will know, wool carpets have a distinctive smell. While it's not something that bothers you when you see it on its own, in stores with a large amount of inventory, the smell can build up.
Most households do not accumulate large numbers of Persian carpets, so odors are usually not a concern.
However, on rare occasions, such as during the rainy season when humidity levels are high, the smell can become a concern.
This is thought to be due to the type of wool (sheep) used in the carpets, and is generally more prevalent in rural and tribal carpets than in urban carpets.
This smell is inherent in the wool itself, so even cleaning cannot completely remove it.
However, it is true that some people like the smell.
Classification of Persian carpets
There are various ways to classify Persian carpets, but they are generally classified by material, style, origin, pattern, and era.
These classification methods can be combined to provide more detailed classification.
The existence of these various classification methods clearly demonstrates the diversity of Persian carpets.
Classification by material
Persian carpets are broadly divided into wool carpets and silk carpets.
Silk carpets are very popular in Japan, but wool carpets are overwhelmingly more popular worldwide.
However, this does not indicate superiority or inferiority, but rather can be thought of as a result of differences in the characteristics of the material, the environment in which it is used, and lifestyle habits.
In addition to wool carpets and silk carpets, we will also explain floating carpets called "sufs," some of which use metal threads.
wool carpet
It is not clear when wool carpets began to be made on the Iranian plateau, but they are thought to date back more than 3,000 years.
In a sense, the history of wool carpets is also the history of Persian carpets.
Even today, wool carpets account for 96% of all Persian carpet production.
Wool carpets, thanks to their high-quality materials and characteristics, are gaining popularity around the world as attractive interior items that combine beauty and practicality.
Wool carpets are characterized by their heat retention and durability.
Wool retains more heat inside, making it an ideal carpet for cold weather, and this function works the other way around in the heat.
Wool fibre is resilient and durable, making it an ideal material for Persian carpets. Wool Persian carpets are durable and can be used for a long time.
Wool also contains natural oils that make it stain-resistant, making wool carpets stain-resistant and relatively easy to care for.
It also has excellent healing properties for the body, as sitting or resting on it improves blood circulation in the body, relaxes the nerves, absorbs sweat from the body, helps you sleep better, and relieves muscle pain.
Another appealing feature of wool carpets is the wide variety of options available.
Some wool carpets are made using the part-silk technique, which uses silk in part of the pile.
Silk carpet
Compared to wool carpets, silk carpets have a much shorter history, and are said to have only begun to be produced in the 17th century.
The silk carpet produced during the Safavid period is the one with an animal fighting pattern that was laid in the Mausoleum of Abbas II.
The most attractive feature of silk carpets is their unique luster.
Silk carpets have a wonderful shine and their colours change depending on the angle you look at them from.
Another major advantage is that the pile is short, thin, soft and light, making it easy to move around.
Silk thread is harvested from silkworm cocoons, giving it a natural finish.
Silk carpets have more knots than wool carpets because the silk threads are thinner.
One of the reasons silk carpets are expensive is the high knot count.
The reason silk carpets are expensive is not only because the material is expensive, but also because of the large number of knots.
The colors of the silk threads and the glaze are very beautiful and eye-catching.
However, the biggest drawback of silk is that it is a delicate material and can be difficult to handle.
Silk is a material that is strong against pulling forces, but weak against friction, so we do not recommend placing silk carpets in areas with high traffic.
It is also susceptible to stains, and if liquid is spilled on it, the spilled area may harden and appear to change color.
Silk carpets are produced in Qom and Zanjan, Maragheh, which produce copies of Qom carpets, as well as in Kashan and Ghuchan.
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