Persian Rugs - Overview

Persian rugs (Iranian rugs) are easily among the most desired carpets in the world. Persian rugs were initially simply necessities for homes of the nomads, protecting the inhabitants from harsh, cold elements. Through their bright colors and magical designs, Persian rugs were much more than floor coverings providing warmth and comfort. They were also a form of literary expression, bringing happiness and enchantment to tent homes of the desert wanderers.

The intrinsic beauty of Persian rugs found new owners in kings and noblemen looking for symbols of wealth to adorn their palaces. Persian rugs reveal a glance into a world of artistic excellence nurtured over more than 2500 years. The Persians were among the first carpet weavers of the ancient civilizations and through centuries of creativity and ingenuity, achieved a reputation around the world for their craftsmanship.

To make a carpet in the early days required tremendous perseverance. Even with a few weavers working together, it took months or even years to construct a single rug. When it came time for the tribe to migrate to another area, the entire loom was dismantled and the rug folded and put away. With spring's arrival, the loom would be set up again and the tribesmen and women would continue the weaving process continuing the tradition of Persian rugs that continues to today. Today, with Iranians being increasingly swallowed up in an urban, industrial society, their love of the carpet and the tradition of Persian rugs is as strong as ever. To them it's a symbol of pride, because a home is bare and soulless without one. And to this day, Iran produces more Persian rugs than all other rug producing nations combined.

The Iran Carpet Company, a specialist in the subject, has attempted to classify Persian carpet designs and has carried out studies of thousands of rugs. Their results show that there have been slight alterations and improvements to almost all original designs.
 

In its classification the company has called the original designs as the 'main pattern' and the derivatives as the 'sub patterns'. They have identified 19 groups, including: historic monuments and Islamic buildings, Shah Abbassi patterns, spiral patterns, all-over patterns, derivative patterns, interconnected patterns, paisley patterns, tree patterns, Turkoman patterns, hunting ground patterns, panel patterns, European flower patterns, vase patterns, intertwined fish patterns, Mehrab patterns, striped patterns, geometric patterns, tribal patterns, and composites.