Types Of Antique Persian Rugs
Filed Under Antique Persian Rugs, Bakhtiari Rugs, Handmade Persian Rugs, Kurdish Tribal Rugs, Persian Rug Weavers, Persian Rug Weaving, Persian Tribal Rugs, Turkish Tribal Rugs, Weaving Persian Rugs |
Persian Rugs are highly sought after works of art. If you are gaining an interest in these masterpieces, it is important to know the different types of rugs available. Although the list may seem endless, we can break it down into a few distinct categories based on origin, dominant colors, and patterns.
Northwestern Iran
A number of Antique Persian Rugs are made in Northwestern Iran. They are the Borchelu, Hamadan, Zanjan (or Zenjan), and Heriz rugs. The Borchelu are known for their bright colors and use of elements from natures. Reds and burgundies dominate, with blues, greens and ivories also present.
They are one of a kind, woven by nomadic women, usually with their eldest daughters apprenticing. Zenjan means “ideal wife.” These rugs are produced in a northwest province of Iran. They are usually bright and lively in color and pattern.
Very similar to the Zenjan rugs are Tarom Rugs. Tarom weavers use geometric styles, in a primitive and simple manner. The colors that frequently appear are combinations of salmon, baby blue, and navy blue. Reds are seldom seen.
Heriz rugs can be identified by their earth tones. The most dominant color is usually rust, and their pattern contains a large medallion at the center or some other geometric pattern. Heriz rugs are particularly durable and have an unusually rich pile.
Hamadan District
The second type, the Hamadan rugs, use geometric designs, as well as florals or overall Herati designs. Their most distinctive feature is that they have fringe on only one end of the rug.
Malayer Rugs are produced within the Hamadan district, but they have taken on some of the characteristics of Arak weavers, who live south of Hamadan. Malayer rugs are usually single wafted rugs, but sometimes double-wafted. In general, they are finer than the rugs of those from whom they draw influence.
Also near the Hamadan district, Wiss rugs are produced. They too, use the combination of geometric and floral patterns. Wiss rugs are of a very high quality, in both their weaving and their dyes. Among Tribal Persian Rugs, they are very highly regarded.
Southern Iran
The nomadic Baluch produce rugs that are very simple, often with a prayer rug design. Burgundies dominate, with navy and ivory appearing as well. They are always one of a kind, with no duplicates anywhere.
Gabbeh rugs are woven by the nomadic people of Southern Iran. They are known for their thick pile and simple, sparse designs, with large fields of color and bold stripes.
Sirjans, made in southern Iran, use very simple designs. Along with geometric motifs, small animals or plants are often seen in parts of these rugs.
Central Iran
Bakhtiari Rugs are woven by villagers, the pattern tends to be geometric or semi-geometric. The designs tend to be very crowded and busy. Many colors may appear in one rug, including reds, blues, greens, browns, and ochers. The rugs usually feature a geometric element combined with a motif from nature, such as a cypress tree, grapevine, or bird on a branch.
Shiraz, an ancient city in central Iran, is the source of a very simple weave of rug that is highly desired by those who want a warm and comfortable rug to use in everyday life. The pile is cut unevenly in a shaggy style. Reds predominate, as do geometric motifs, small animals or plant elements. The selvages are almost done using two colors, to create a barber-pole effect.
Kurdish Tribal Rugs
Kurdish Rugs are woven throughout Iran as the Kurds migrated to all areas of Iran and established tribes. The Kurdish elements can be seen in the tribal rugs of many peoples. Luri rugs are made by nomadic Luri people, descendants of the Kurds. Their styles are quite similar, with bright colors and traditional floral patterns. These are Antique Persian Rugs with practical value, woven as floor coverings, saddle blankets, and for other such practical needs.
Senneh rugs are of an extremely fine quality. They bear many similarities to Kurdish rugs, but have their own characteristics. They use geometric designs, often hexagonal medallions, or vertically connected medallions. Senneh rugs use a multitude of colors in both background and foreground.
Turkish Tribal Rugs
Qashqai rugs are woven by a tribe who speak a Turkish dialect. Qashqai weavers have one of the best reputation in all the region. Their rugs are all wool, usually in red and ivory, with alternately deep weaves and a fine weave. The edges are most often finished with a selvage that uses two colors, creating a barberpole effect.
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