About Persian Rugs ‘Persian rug’ is a term that encompasses carpets handwoven in the regions of the ancient Persian Empire—spanning modern-day Turkey, the Russian Caucasus region, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. In Europe, these are often referred to as “Oriental Rugs.”
An authentic Persian rug is meticulously handwoven or hand-knotted, crafted entirely without mechanical assistance. The creation of each rug demands immense skill and time, following age-old traditions.
Selecting Your Carpet When choosing a carpet, it’s essential to follow your personal taste and ensure the rug aesthetically complements your space. While Persian rugs can be a sound investment, their appreciation in value can be gradual. If you’re seeking an asset that aligns with inflation and maintains its value with proper care, a Persian rug could be an excellent choice.
Market Insights There is currently a buyer’s market for Persian rugs, primarily due to the U.S. embargo on Iran. This embargo has shut off the world’s largest market for these rugs, creating intense competition among dealers in other countries, including Australia. Additionally, the availability of high-grade rugs is decreasing as many weavers, who often operate small family businesses, turn to more lucrative activities. The unique nature of each rug, varying in everything from size to design, adds complexity to their marketing.
Categories of Persian Rugs Persian rugs can be classified into over 2,000 distinct types, but they broadly fall into three major categories:
- Urban Weaves: Crafted in major urban centers by professional weavers using materials like wool, silk, and cotton. These rugs typically feature fine, compact weaves with short, velvety piles and curvilinear designs.
- Village & Nomadic Weaves: Produced in smaller villages or nomadic settings, these rugs are crafted by non-professional weavers. They are generally coarser, with designs that are more geometric and made from wool on cotton or wool foundations.
Craftsmanship and Culture The art of rug-weaving is predominantly upheld by women, who pass down this intricate knowledge from mother to daughter, while wool dyeing is mostly performed by men. Each village and tribal rug bears traditional designs that reflect the heritage of a region, clan, or family. Urban rugs, on the other hand, require a pre-planned design, meticulously plotted on graph paper to guide the weaver, and are often supervised by a master weaver to ensure the highest quality.
Every handmade rug is unique, and while they may not boast perfect symmetry, their individual charm and cultural significance continue to captivate collectors and decorators worldwide.