A Persian rug is created by knotting culture, society, art and traditions into an intricate piece of beauty. For quite a long time these rugs have been a favorite for collectors. Some significant pieces are 2500 years old and have stood the test of time.
Persian Rugs have a global reputation for being timeless, antique pieces of vintage art. Some exquisite features that distinguish Persian rugs from the others are things like high knot count, intricacy in design, dyes used, and their high quality build.
It is an extensive process to create an ornate Persian rug. It begins with collecting wool from the sheep or silk from the silkworm and then boiling the fibers in natural dyes made from fruits, vegetables, plants, and insects to create color and pigment. Once the fibers are made into yarn, the loom is set up for the artisan to spend days or even months creating a rug with thousands of knots.
With such distinctive and rich characteristics comes the high price. Below are the reasons that justify the high price of these pieces of art:
Handmade
The art and skill of making these rugs are passed on from one generation to another. What began as a piece to aid the necessity for nomads of Persia, became an art form. The construction of the rug begins with knotting the yarns to form motifs or geometric designs. Making a curved design is more difficult to achieve as compared to straight lines or geometric designs. It takes years for artisans to perfect the intensity, depth, and size of the knot.
It is known that a splendid specimen of a Persian rug has 120 knots per square inch. So next time you stumble upon someone who is claiming to have an original Persian rug you can just pick it up, check its back, and figure out how authentic their information is. Some knots on the back will be raised as compared to the uniform knots made by a machine. This being said, there are plenty of variations in Persian rugs depending on which part of Iran you imported them from.
All-Natural Fabrics
As Persian Rugs have a history of 2500 years, the fabrics used are also the ones that were easily accessible 2500 years ago. The most commonly used materials are wool, cotton, and silk. It is coherent that rugs made from high-quality wool and silk are more expensive than the ones made with cheaper materials. Some rugs are made with a combination of wool and silk or have golden and silver threads woven into them. These expensive rugs are also quite delicate so they are displayed and framed instead of being walked on.
Natural Dyes vs. Synthetic Dyes
Luxurious and rich colors are extracted naturally from flowers, fruits, vegetables, plants, and even insects. The fibers are boiled in these dyes for a long time to get a rich color. Natural dyes are extremely safe as compared to the new age synthetic dyes that are harmful to humans as well as the environment. Synthetic dyes are one of the major water pollutants endangering aquatic life. All these factors make the Persian rugs worthwhile and cost-effective. The natural unevenness of color gives the rug a peculiar vintage look.
Time
Persian rugs are the most prized possession of some of the most famous buildings and houses. The price of the rug depends on the size and number of knots per square inch. A high number of knots resonates with the superior quality as it increases the strength of the rug. It can take a few months and sometimes years to form knots consistently to attain a design that is on par with excellence. This statement piece can change the look of your entire living room because it exudes richness and luxury.
Uniqueness
Original Persian rugs are an investment piece and they are purchased as a unique piece of art. Some have extensive and intricate borders while others have a smooth harmony of design. No two Persian rugs are identical and extensive plans are executed in order to create the final piece. As it is handwoven and every artisan has a specific style no two rugs look exactly the same. So you have a piece that entirely belongs to you and there is no other like it in the entire world.
Sustainability
The process of making Persian Rugs is very traditional and goes back to fifth century B.C. No synthetic dyes or heavy machinery were incorporated in making these art pieces. Natural fabrics like wool, cotton and silk are sourced from local farms. The natural dyes are prepared from native elements and natural fibers are dipped in those dyes to color them. The longer they are dipped in a dye the richer the color is. Natural dyes are expensive to source but are long-lasting. Buying a Persian rug will reduce your carbon footprint as it is sustainably produced and will last for years to come.
Place of Manufacture
In the end, the color and style will depend on which part of Iran you purchased it from. Persian rugs have regained their importance in the trading world as Classic pieces never go out of style. Every city of Iran has a unique style of creating authentic pieces. The types are named after the cities. For example Isfahan - Is a city located in the center of Iran. These are mostly floral and are inspired by the tile work of ancient monuments. Some of the other famous types of Persian rugs are Hamadan, Tabriz, Abadeh, and Kashan.
It is hard to list all the different types of Persian rugs available. If you want the list of different types of Persian rugs available check out Best Rugs Gallery. We have listed the rich diversity of Persian rugs with an explanation regarding the colors, patterns, and specific unique features. Ready to purchase? Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.