The Beauty Of Persian Rugs
Filed Under Antique Persian Rugs, Persian Rug Threads, Persian Rug Weavers, Persian Rug Weaving, Weaving Persian Rugs |
Persian carpets (or rugs) are known throughout the world for their beauty and quality. The art of making carpets goes back thousands of years and originated in the area we now call Iran. Most carpets and rugs seen today are manufactured by machine. Antique Persian Rugs, however, are still hand-made using traditional methods.
These methods differ from region to region and even village to village. An expert can readily distinguish a rug made in Anatolia from one made in Tabriz by the materials used, the type of knots employed and the rug’s overall theme and pattern. Some basic understanding of how rugs are made is essential for one to appreciate the workmanship that goes into making Persian Rugs.
A rug is formed by weaving strong lines of woven wool, goat hair or even silk in vertical (warp) and horizontal (weft) arrays on a loop. If you turn over a rug you can often view the foundation warp and weft and get an idea of the knotting pattern. Individual dyed threads are then knotted into the web made up of the warp and weft. These individual threads make up the pile that we see and walk on. Varying the color of the threads allow one to create patterns and scenes.
Every thread in the pile you see has been individually attached to the rug and all are hand trimmed (yes with scissors!) to given the rug its even appearance. Rugs are classified by the type of knot that is used, the pattern, material of construction and the number of knots in a given area (knots/square inch or knots per decimeter). Different regions use different knots to create Antique Persian Rugs.
Some use a double knot where the thread is looped around two warps while others employ a single s shaped twist. Patterns are also readily distinguishable from village to village and come in a wide variety of geometric patterns and floral and animal motifs. All Persian rugs have border designs with some central theme. The number of knots per square inch is a great determiner of how costly a rug will be.
This makes sense when one considers that each thread in individually placed. More threads per square inch equates to more material and labor. The dense pattern of rugs is achieved by compressing the rug using iron combs while the rug is still on the loom. The beauty of Persian rugs is renowned and rightly so based on the artistry and workmanship that goes into each and every one.
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