04 Apr
Antique Rugs, Oriental Rugs

Tips for Buying an Oriental Rug

Given the number of types, the quality of design, and the conditions of Oriental rugs, knowing what to look for can make the difference between finding a bargain or getting far less than you paid. As with any product, you should know the basics in terms of how the rugs are made, what they generally sell for, and whether you should purchase a new rug to brighten up your home or an antique rug as an investment.

When you see rugs for sale, here are a few tips that will help you determine the quality of the Oriental rugs you are seeing and which one to purchase.

Get to Know Oriental Rugs

10×13 Peking Chinese Oriental Area Rug

You do not have to become an expert, but it does pay to find out more about how Oriental rugs are made, which types are the most desired, and how to properly price ones that you find.

Terms: There are a few basic terms you need to know which will help you in talking to a dealer;

  • Central Medallion: This is the circle or diamond-shaped motif in the middle of the rug.
  • Field: The background of the rug
  • Fringe: The edge of the rug
  • Guard Stripes: The rectangle created around the inner and outer border area
  • Main Border: The area just inside the fringe
  • Pile Direction: The direction in which the rug was weaved from top to bottom
Antique Vegetable Dye 12×20 Agra Taj-Mahal Oriental Area Rug

Creating the Rug: The rugs are created on a loom using strands of wool or cotton that are stretched from beam to beam. The weaver will make wefts or horizontal rows in-between the warps that bracket the sides of the rug. The warps are then tied together with a simple knot. To create a rug that is 6’ x 9’, it usually takes about six months.

Types: Remember that there are different types of Oriental rugs for sale, so you should be familiar with the types. Generally speaking, each type of rug is denoted by the region or tribe which makes it.

Keep in mind that each type will have a price range that varies about 20% depending on the dealer. So, if you see a rug that is well outside that price range, you should get an explanation as to why first before buying.

Purchase or Investment

Amid the many different types of rugs, there is a strong distinction between new and antique. A new rug is priced by the square foot while an antique is sold by the piece.

New Rugs: New Oriental rugs are quite beautiful thanks and offer a great decorative appeal. They are also long-lasting, so with a little care your purchase should last a long time. However, new rugs are not considered valuable like antiques, so you should not consider them long-term investments. This is because the demand and manufacture of rugs for sale is such that your purchase will not increase much in value over time.

15×19 Oushak Turkish Oriental Area Rug

Antiques: These are rugs which are at least several decades, if not centuries old. Most Persian rugs that are sold in the US are antiques because new ones have been forbidden from sale since the late 1970s. A good antique rug is quite valuable and will increase in value considerably over time, making them a strong investment.

However, there are less-than-honest dealers who might try to pass off a new rug for an antique one. There are a few tips to help you identify which is new and which is the real antique;

Dealer: Do you know and trust the dealer? Most dealers are reputable, but some may not be. Telling the difference may be difficult, but you can try to check out their background, especially if they are new to your community.

Repairs: A proper repair on an antique will almost not be noticeable. Look at the back of the rug to see if any repairs have been made. A repair on the back that is barely noticeable will not affect the value of antique rugs. However, obvious repairs and rugs with missing parts such as no border will affect the value considerably.

If something strikes you as being wrong, go ahead and check out the dealer and their track history with selling antique rugs. Be sure to ask questions and feel comfortable before you decide to invest in an antique rug.

Choose the Right Rugs for Sale

Antique Teal Blue Oushak Turkish Oriental Square Rug 11’x11′

If you are looking for Oriental rugs that are new, then you should ask a few questions about those which you find interesting.

Location of the Wool: The best wools from New Zealand and Tibetan carpet wool. The wool is soft, but quite durable and will last a long time with minimal maintenance. Beware of wool that seems too soft and shiny as it may be chemically treated and inferior in most regards.

Knot Density: You’ll want to check out the density of the knots by pressing your fingers into the pile base. You can feel the number and density of the knots to know whether it is durable or not. A dense string of knots means that the rug will be quite durable. But if the knots are loose or give under gentle pressure, then the rug may start falling apart in a short time.

Trial Run: Just like giving a new car a spin before you buy it, many dealers will let you take the rug home for a day or two to see how it looks in your home. Make sure you see the rug in daylight and nighttime to ensure it’s the one for you.

Choosing from the many Oriental rugs for sale is no easy task, but you can avoid purchasing a bad rug if you know a little about how they are made, what to look for, and checking out the source. A dealer who has been doing business in your community for many years is a good place to find the best Oriental rugs. Just remember, when a deal sound too good to be true, it most likely is.

22 Mar
Rug Guide

Types of Antique Persian Rugs

If you are in the market for Persian rugs, it is important to understand the different types that are available. This is especially true if you are shopping for antique rugs as some types are in higher demand compared to others.

What follows is a list of many different types of Persian rugs. It is not a complete list, but it does describe the more popular types that are on the market today.

5×7 Afshar Kerman Persian Area Rug

Afshar Rugs

Generally speaking, these antique rugs have simpler, yet still beautiful designs. Made by the Afshar tribe located in the southeast portion of Iraq, the rugs themselves use a brown, ivory, red, rust, and blue color schemes. The older rugs tend to be smaller in size, which is how you can tell them apart from modern copies which tend to be bigger.

Ardebils Rugs

Featuring motifs from the Caucasus, the rug itself is quite striking in its color schemes and designs. The cotton foundation makes it light, yet durable and perfect for those who want a beautiful rug for their home.

Palace Sized Vegetable Dye Pre-1900 Antique Bakhtiari Persian Rug 18×32

Bakhtiari Rugs

This rug is from the Bakhtiari tribe and not common outside the Persian region because they are not often woven for sale outside the region. Instead, they are made to meet the requirements of the tribe, so finding one on sale is a rare occurrence.

Bibikabad Rugs

You’ll see lots of blue or red fields that feature highlights of green or ivory. There are also plenty of medallions that are surrounded by a Herati pattern. This distinguishing the rug from other types, although they do share many similarities with other Persian rugs.

Bidjar Rugs

Also called iron rugs, these are rugs which are primarily made to withstand foot traffic. They tend to be long and relatively narrow. Plus, their weave is quite tight and when combined with the materials used to make the rug, very resistant.

Dergazine Rugs

This type of ancient rug will feature many motifs of floral which are set in ivory or red fields. They will be highlighted with pinks and blues. Plus, many of the rugs will feature a medallion in the center, creating a symmetrical appearance.

Enjilas Rugs

Long, relatively narrow, and beautifully designed, this type of rug is woven in Hamedan’s southern region. You’ll find color schemes of ivory, red, and blue which makes them quite beautiful along with being durable and perfect for hallways or display.

5×7 Gabbeh Zolanvari Persian Area Rug

Gabbeh Rugs

This type of rug is distinguished by its wide borders, strong color palette, and relatively basic, if bold patterns. Another aspect that distinguishes this rug is the low knot count and the thick pile of material that makes it quite unique.

Hamedan Rugs

This is arguably one of the most common types of Persian rugs. They feature many different designs and can be found in most antique shops that emphasize rugs. They offer beautiful patterns, but their commonality is mostly due to the number of them which has been made.

Heriz Rugs

This is a large-type of Persian rug that often features medallions boldly depicted in the center. Such medallion designs tend to dominate this type of rug. They also has mostly ivory or red fields with complicated design patterns. For designers, they are highly prized for their celebrated attributes.

Isfahan Rugs

Unique for its symmetrical design that uses both wool and silk, the Isfahan rugs also feature a singular medallion surrounded by vines. The color schemes include rose, blue, or indigo that is all woven on an ivory background.

Joshaghan Rugs

Created from wool that is woven over cotton, Johsaghan rugs usually feature diamond patterns with floral motifs that make them stand out. The lattice-designs are quite striking and beautiful, making them a popular type of rug.

Kapoutrang Rugs

A standard Persian rug design that features a medallion in the center which is surrounded by floral patterns, these rugs also boast a color scheme which uses blue, ivory, and red in the mixture. They are usually large, durable, and quite striking in their appearance.

Kashan Rugs

Perhaps the most prototypical of all Persian rugs, the Kashan is a beautifully-designed work of art. The combination of ivory, red, and blue color schemes that meld together in fine patterns is something that cannot be matched. It also helps that Kashan rugs are created with high-quality wools that are quite durable and hold their color for many years. The distinctive curvilinear patterns helps make this one of the most distinctive antique rugs you can find.

Kerman Rugs

Named after the city of Kerman, Iran, this is a special type of rug because it is relatively rare on the open market. They are distinguished by their fine weaves and pictorial scenes which are often quite elaborate. Using cotton or wool foundations, the rugs also feature a styling which is curvilinear and dotted with floral motifs.

Maslaghan Rugs

Sometimes called Melayers, the Maslaghan features lightning-bolt designs. You can also find medallions on the rug with plenty of orange, blue, and red color schemes.

Nain Rugs

Intricate designs made from high quality wool, Nain rugs are quite distinctive and often feature 300 to 700 knots per square inch. There are intertwined branches of green or blue amid tiny flowers that are woven into an ivory or pale background.

Sarouk Rugs

The beautiful roses, blues, and reds are the design and color schemes most associated with this venerable rug. What makes the Sarouk distinctive is the weft of blue cotton used for the foundation. This adds density to the rug while also making it more durable.

Silk 600 Knots Tabriz Persian Area Rug 16×26

Tabriz Rugs

Originally from Tabriz, Azerbaijan, this is one of the oldest types of Persian rugs in the region. The combination of wool or wool/silk and silk warp or cotton warp makes them highly prized. They are distinguished by the beautiful patterns that range from floral, tree, scenes of hunting, and teardrop medallions. Most antique Tabriz rugs can only be found in exclusive private collections or museums, so running across one that is available is quite rare.

Yalameh Rugs

A very colorful rug, you can find many of them in markets around the world. What makes their design distinctive is the latch-hook arranged in vertical rows that also include medallions.

15 Mar
Oriental Rugs, Persian

The difference between Persian and Oriental Rugs

Would you like to enjoy the beauty of an oriental rug in your home? But, do you know the difference between an oriental rug and a Persian rug? Many people believe that these two are one and the same thing or that they are related in some way. Considering that genuine oriental rugs are not that cheap and that there are fakes on the market, you should know as much information as possible before shopping for oriental rugs online. This way, you will know for sure what you purchase and enjoy the high-quality and beautiful ambiance triggered by an authentic oriental rug.

  • Oriental rugs and how to identify one?

The term “oriental rugs” makes reference to rugs coming from various countries of the Orient or Eastern world. This means India, Turkey, China, Egypt, Tibet, Pakistan, and Iran. Looking at this, it is easy to tell that Persian rugs can actually be considered as oriental rugs. However, it is worth knowing that not all oriental rugs will be Persian rugs. So, pay a lot of attention to this slight, yet very important difference between the oriental and Persian rugs.

Because oriental rugs come from so many countries, they will indeed be different when it comes to designs, patterns, and materials. Before deciding to purchase an oriental rug, it is worth setting your expectancy in regard to this type of item? How would you like your oriental rug to look and feel? For example, oriental rugs made in China contain silk fibers, so they will be soft and elegant, and will usually feature natural landscapes or elements. Oriental rugs, in spite of their classic design, even worn and faded pattern, have a unique charm and work amazingly well even in modern indoor spaces. So, it is definitely worth taking the time to find an oriental rug that is of high quality and can answer to your needs and preferences.

  • Persian rugs and how to identify one?
Persian rug sale
Persian rug

The term “Persian rugs” makes reference to rugs made where once was the Persian Empire. This means the area where Pakistan and Iran lie today. The majority of Persian rugs are made in Iran, but it is not uncommon to find this kind of rugs made in Pakistan as well. In order to be able to properly identify a Persian rug, you must pay attention to the special characteristics of these rugs. Persian rugs will feature an outer border that will beautifully outline the rug. This outer border will be followed by an inner border, which is a bit thicker and has another border, thinner this time, within it. In the center of a Persian rug, you would usually find a gorgeous medallion with a lot of intricate details. The medallion is also surrounded by small details made to decorate it even more. Another aspect that is worth having in mind is the fact that Persian rugs are made with rich and warm colors. You will find these rugs featured shades of deep red and gold. These two are mainly preferred, but it is possible to find blue and other colors on Persian rugs, like light green. Because they are so colorful and adorned with so many details, these are the kind of rugs that work best inside traditional houses. They have the power to create a warm and welcoming environment.

  • The differences that set these two types of rugs apart

The oriental rug is hand-knotted while the Persian rug is handmade, at it presents a higher quality when it comes to craftsmanship. The oriental rug comes from various countries in Asia, like Turkey and Egypt, while the Persian rug comes only from Iran and, on rare occasions, in Pakistan. But, in spite of the fact that these two types of rugs are indeed different, the Persian rug is actually one of the seven sub-categories of oriental rugs. This is due to the fact that the term oriental rug makes reference to all the rugs made in the Orient area, which includes the countries that compose the Eastern world.

However, when it comes to Persian rugs, they are the perfect reflection of a long history and cherished traditions. If painting didn’t exist back in the days, people chose to decorate their homes with rugs, and they used motifs and designs that represented their daily lives and beliefs. Thus, the elements and craftsmanship of a Persian rug will reflect only the skills and traditions that were developed by the people in this area alone. This is why the Persian rug is a very specific kind of rug, while oriental rugs is a group of rugs that includes items with a wide variety of details, designs, patterns, and colors. Of course, oriental rugs are handmade as well, but only if you choose to buy high-quality oriental rugs.

persian rug

Regarding the design of Persian rugs, it is worth knowing that the types of this particular rug bear the name of the villages where the rugs were initially created. Because Persian rugs are so closely connected to tradition, each area developed a particular type of weaving or pattern. Thus, Persian rugs will have names like Kerman, Kashan, Heriz, and Tabriz. All these names represent not just villages, but also cities or nomadic tribes of the former Persian Empire. So, each time you will opt for a Persian rug, you will actually get a piece of the local traditions along with the rug. Their colors are also amazing and they will certainly upgrade the décor of any interior space. It is worth knowing that it took more than one year for a Persian rug to be completed, due to its tight knot system that is made entirely by hand. Also, for the making of one rug, 5 to 6 craftsmen used to work six hours every day until it was completed.

Oriental rugs, on the other hand, contain symbol and patterns of the region from which they came, not of a particular village or tribe. So, they are more general and diverse in terms of design. A rug that is made in China, for example, will be made out of silk and may represent the life of Buddhist monks, as the material and motifs are specific to that part of the world.

  • The price differences between a Persian and Oriental Rug

You probably wonder if there are any price differences between Persian rugs and the oriental rugs. One thing is for sure and that is the fact that handcrafted rugs will be more expensive than machine-made rugs, the kind you can find in almost any store. You will pay a high price indeed, but handmade rugs and carpets are an investment worth made, as they will last for much longer periods. All you need to do is take proper care of the rugs and they will not lose their beauty and properties.

The price tag of such a rug depends on the size, condition, and age of the rug. So, they can range from a few hundreds of dollars and can go up to several tens of thousands of dollars. The best part is that the offer is varied, so you can find a Persian or oriental rug on the desired size, which will fit great no matter where you want to place them. Whether it is the living room, bedroom, or dining room, these rugs will be an amazing addition that you will cherish for years in a row.

Just don’t forget to keep an eye on the particularities of these rugs when looking to purchase one, in order to make sure that you will get the real thing. Unfortunately, there are quite enough fakes on the market that doesn’t go near the quality and charm offered by authentic Persian or oriental rugs. While it is good to know the distinct signs of each type and what sets them apart, you can always ask for the opinion of an expert, especially when you’re looking to spend consistent amounts of money. After all, you want to make sure that the rug you are about to purchase will indeed offer the degree of quality you are looking to find.

At the end of this guide, you will have the basic knowledge required to identify a Persian rug and set it apart from an oriental rug. Still, looking for oriental rugs online involves certain risks you should be aware of. Make sure you choose your provider right, to avoid any unpleasant surprised. See if the provider can offer proper information about the rug and it the business is reliable, by checking out reviews and what customers have to say about it. With a bit of care and attention, you will become the happy owner of a gorgeous oriental or Persian rug, depending on your preferences. If you’re looking for an indoor style upgrade, any of these two rugs will help you get there.

11 Mar
Persian

What are The Most Collectible Antique Rugs?

Antique rugs are more than just a special decorative item in your home. They can truly be part of a unique collection, as some of them are very rare and it would be a shame to use them as you would use any other rug.

Considering that some of them are rather old, made out of special natural materials, and can cost considerable amounts of money, they can be very well regarded as a rare piece of art that is worth collecting.

Before continuing with talking about the most collectible antique rugs, it is worth mentioning that the most expensive rug in the world was sold at the staggering sum of $4,450,000. Yes, we know, the sum can make your brain freeze. But when it comes to collectible, there are enthusiasts that don’t care about the price tag of their desired item.

So, having said all these, let us look at the world’s most collectible and desired antique rugs.

  • A Silk Isfahan Rug

This particular rug may deserve the first position in our list, not just due to its fine materials, but also for its impressive price tag. The silk Isfahan rug is the one we mentioned earlier of selling at the hard-to-believe sum of $4,450,000. The item was sold by Christie’s and was purchased back in 2008.

Still, what led to the highest price tag ever used for a rug? As mentioned earlier, the rug is made out of silk. So, nothing but the purest and highest quality silk was utilized for the making of this rug. Besides this, the craftsmanship is simply stunning. The knot density is incredibly high, a rare occurrence when it comes to handmade rugs, and the colors used were numerous.

This indicates that a high amount of effort and time was invested in the making of this item. Before being sold in an auction, this highly valued rug belonged to Doris Duke, a famous heiress of a tobacco empire. If you would like a silk Isfahan rug, you should know that you can find them at more reasonable prices of just a few thousands of dollars.

  • The Ziegler Mahal Rug

The Ziegler Mahal rug definitely deserves occupying the second position, considering that it also managed to reach an impressive price tag, of no less than $182,500. Original from the central part of Persia, this gorgeous rug managed to stay in an excellent condition in spite of its age.

The combination of beautiful colors, bright terracotta and light blue, and large print are two other factors that contributed to the increased value and price tag of this rug. Without a doubt, such a rug is an amazing addition to the collection of any rug or ancient items enthusiast. It is worth mentioning that another Ziegler Mahal rug reached a similar selling price, earning its position as the third most expensive rug in the world.

In spite of the fact that it showed some wear and tear due to its age, the beautiful colors specific to Mahal rugs managed to convince someone to pay a considerable amount of $170,500 on it. Who got the rug can recondition and repair the damage and return the rug’s former glory.

  • The Ushak Rug

The bright colors and unique design of this particular rug would have convinced anyone to pay the spicy price tag that came along with the rug. But, for connoisseurs, this item is a work of art, not just a mere rug. A shade of deep red is the main color of the rug and the pattern is simply breathtaking, even after so many years. Not to mention that the rug was made with a lot of attention to details.

Back in the days, when only wealthy people afforded to decorate their homes with rugs, the highest amount of effort was invested in the making of such items, which explains why antique rugs are so spectacular. The condition of this rug was also superior, so, with the right kind of attention, the rug will make its owner a very happy and proud person for very many years to come.

  • An Isfahan Rug

The most expensive Isfahan rug was also sold from a collection that previously belonged to Doris Duke, who was known as an enthusiastic rug collector. The truth is that this particular rug, sold at the sum of $116,500, has spectacular colors and a gorgeous design.

In spite of its age, the rug still has strong decorative power and can easily upgrade any interior space. With the right kind of care, such a rug can be enjoyed in a private collection for very many years to come. But, this rug has a special detail that is not commonly met in this kind of rugs. The border of the rug features a unique design representing vine leaves. Isfahan rugs don’t usually come with this kind of designs, which makes this particular rug one-of-a-kind in its group.

It is believed that the inspiration for this pattern came from the Persian rugs that were made somewhere in the 16th century. They are the ones that brought vine patterns into the world of rugs and carpets.

  • A Mohatashem Kashan Rug

A Mohatashem Kashan rug original from Persia managed to reach the top of the most expensive collective antique rugs in the world when it was sold by the famous Sotheby’s for the amount of $92,500. The colors were very well chosen and the design is a very intricate one.

Having such a rug in the room will definitely change the style and entire atmosphere of that particular space. The craftsmanship of this rug is something that must be admired, considering the large number of details this rug provides.

The Mohatashem types are the most sought-after and appreciated rugs of the Kashan group, and this particular piece only proves just how beautiful and valuable such a rug can be. Of course, this Mohatashem Kashan rug managed to exceed the ordinary and provide a pattern that is very hard to find, if not even impossible.

  • A Portuguese Armorial Rug

It is interesting to see that a Portuguese antique rug managed to find its way among the most expensive and collectible antique rugs of the world. Sold at the price of $80,500, it is not as expensive as the ones mentioned earlier, but its price tag is indeed considerable. The details that can be seen on the rug are more than impressive and finely executed.

The most attractive part of the rug is the central medallion. Of course, the surrounding borders cannot be ignored either, as they were made with a high degree of attention to details. The colors are soft but pleasant, giving you the impression that you are looking at a painting, and not at a rug.

  • A Fereghan Sarouk Rug

It is impossible to remain indifferent at the sight of this antique rug. The colors are very much alive even today, as a shade of deep brick red color is predominant in the design of the rug. It is worth mentioning that both the colors and design pattern provided by this item are typical and highly representative for Fereghan Sarouk rugs.

This is why rug collectors are constantly keeping their eyes opened for such rugs, explaining why this particular item was so desired. Someone wanted this rug sufficiently in order to accept to pay the $74,500 that came along with the rug.

For those enjoying the beauty of Sarouk rugs, but not willing to spend such amounts of money, it is worth mentioning that this type of rugs can be found at more accessible price tags.

Some may exceed $1000 while others will go beyond this amount. It all depends on the size, age, patter, and craftsmanship of the rug. But, it is not impossible to enjoy such a rug in your living room.

  • A Clark Sickle-Leaf Rug

We are talking about a particular rug that belonged to the collection of William A. Clark, who was both an entrepreneur and politician. This antique rug was made in the 17th century, featuring the typical bright red color of those days and intricate patterns. The rug was sold at the sum of $33.7 million to a collector that did not want to reveal his identity.

The truth is that this rug has the power to take your breath away, considering that it was made in times when technology was not available and machines were rudimentary. So, the amount of details and finesse of the craftsmanship is truly impressive.

  • A “Vase” Rug

Also belonging to the 17th century, a so-called “Vase” rug, which is more precisely an Oriental antique rug, earned the name of being the most expensive artwork ever made in the Islamic world.

According to specialists, the rug was made by the Kirman weavers, which belonged to the Safavid period. Its colors and design inspire balance and calmness, being relatively simple in comparison with other Oriental rugs. But, even so, the carpet has its unique charm, costing its owner almost $10 million in 2010.

23 Jan
Tabriz

History of Tabriz Rugs and Their Origin City

Tabriz is a large and active city on the Sahand range, which is located at an altitude of 1,000 meters and leads to Lake Urmia. The strategic location of this city that runs through Tehran, Istanbul and the Trabzons port of Turkey, making it one of the most important commercial centers of Iran. This area is well weathered, with moderate summers and cold winters. This area is an earthquake-stricken area and has been destroyed five times by the earthquake.

Round Persian Rug

The city of Tabriz has its ancient origins: it is mentioned in Assyrian sources, while the people believed it was built in 791 A.D by the caliph’s wife Harun al-Rasheed who tended to have a new city with a pleasant weather.

At the time of Arab Caliphate, this city played a significant role and during the Seljuk Turks and Mongols period it was chosen as the capital of the government. At that time, mosque and magnificent buildings were built in the city, including the Kabood mosque which is also artistically important. This mosque had had a valuable library and a famous painting school. As the beginning of the 16th century Tabriz was chosen as the first capital of the Safavids.

In the long period of conflict with the Ottomans, this city was a place of tension and it has intervened in the attempts of the northern provinces of Iran to join Russia from the late 18th to the early 20th.

Accidents and wars didn’t cause Tabriz to lose its important role in business: Due to its neighboring with Turkish ports especially Trabzon, to European traders, it has always been considered an important city and they considered Tabriz as an important center for the production of handmade rugs.

Persian Area Rug 

Rug weaving in this city has an ancient background and a long history. This city has been one of the main centers of rug weaving in the Safavid era. In subsequent periods, the demand of European companies operating in Tabriz also showed that rug weaving in high quality and special designs and styles has been widely common in Tabriz.

In Tabriz Ziegler Company and an important German company Persiche Teppiche Aktien GeSellschaft had branches in the field of rug weaving known as Petag, which were often adorned with classic designs. Tabriz Rugs had a special elegance in the 19th century, and, alongside inspiration from traditional Iranian designs, they also used innovative designs. They were very careful in choosing the raw materials and its quality for Tabriz rugs.

These rugs are woven with symmetrical knots and often are made of cotton warp which is very compressed to the point that the back of the rug is prominent. Warps are composed of two or sometimes three strands of twisted array like (Z2S or Z3S). Occasionally, there are rugs which have silk fibers and are often colorful: in this case, these rugs are called seven-color in local dialect.

The weft goes through the knots twice, in the first row the weft is made of a strong and stretched cotton yarn which compresses the warp.

The second weft is thin and loose and it is made of a delicate cotton yarn which is usually azure or pink. In classic Tabriz rugs, woolen or silk wefts are rarely seen. Tabrizi weavers are among the fastest and most skilled weavers throughout Iran; traditionally, they have a hook to creak knots in their rugs, which also has a blade to cut the knots. With this method, a weaver can do up to 12,000 knots per day, counting the time it takes to pass the wefts through warps twice.

Antique Persian Rug

In Tabriz, the elegance of rugs is defined by the ridge: Each ridge is a unit with a length of about 7 centimeters. There can be 25 to 70 knots in a ridge. The elegance and the ridge count of Tabriz rugs is very different and the ridge count of 25, 35 and 40 can be seen from the old samples to the present. But ridge counts such as 50, which are more popular nowadays, are commonly used for export-oriented rugs and in this group ridge count of 60 and 70 are also seen.

The excellent quality of Tabriz rugs is not only sue to the technical ability of the weavers, but also because of the possession of high quality raw materials, especially local wool, that was gotten from sheep which were bred in the mountainous region of Maku in the northwest of the province near the Turkey’s border and was often used for rug weaving but today, this process has changed a lot, the use of imported wool and spinning machine has greatly influenced the quality of this rug, especially in color shades that are effected by the raw materials.

In Maku region, sheep’s wool is sheared twice a year. Spring shearing is happened in March, and an exceptionally elegant wool named Kuzen juni Pashmy comes from the first shearing and it’s as delicate as Kashmir fiber. The strength of the used strands and the weft weaving method (Lool Baaf) caused Tabriz rugs to be durable and compact and feel a bit rough when touched. Among the woven rugs in Tabriz from the mid-nineteenth century to the first years of the twentieth century, there are countless silk samples which are rivals of the handmade rugs in Istanbul and Hereke.

In these rugs which are weaved so accurately and nicely, sometimes traditional medallion designs and sometimes various and fresh designs are utilized, and their tissue is often special for oversea markets.

In the last decades, some inexpensive materials like tanning wool, which originate from sheep, were used in Tabriz rugs. In some cases, the double knots are used. Sometimes you see a pair of similar rugs on a Tabriz loom and this causes a side of the rug undergo the binding process after the weaving ends.

Persian Antique Rug

The dimension of these rugs are so much various ranging from small to large size, even there are some extra-large rugs. Sometimes, some long rugs are weaved called running ones which are set on lateral sides of rugs and covers the floor.

On superior part, another rug used to be weaved called “Kalagi” whose length was 2 t 3 folds of the width and lateral dimensions have 1-meter width and 3 or 4 meters length. The dimensions of the “Kalagi” is usually 4*1.5 or 4*2 m. once the coloring was totally botanical, but nowadays we use synthetic industrial colors.

A major feature of Tabriz rugs that have natural color and belongs to last century, is less brightness of the piles, which is probably because of the water effect and great deal of alkyne in the dyeing process.

The used schemes as before mentioned, are so various as “Janamazi” and “Tarhe Baqi” rugs were observed among classic medallion and corner designs and vase schemes in Safavid era. The rugs decorated by subtle and detailed “Harati” designs, are observed as well that these small designs cover all the background.

In Tabriz handmade rugs, the traditional tissue of illustrated rugs decorated by hunting scenes are so much common that are similar to Safavid era’s rugs. In opting the margins, the “Harati” or palmette flower designs were common, which once used to be called as ” samovar ” or “turtle” designs.

Also, cloudy designs margins and some epigraph schemes of poem-like scripts or phrases of quran were commonly used.

Among Tabriz rugs, you can notice “Haji Jalili” which is named of the weaver master “Haj jalil Marandi” who lived in the late 19th century n Marand and his masterpieces are retained in some museum in 50s, an important workshop in Tabriz was managed by Tabatabai whose rug’s feature was the prompting the weaving by using a small technical modification.

The second weftwhich was loose and azure wouldn’t cross each knot wate but would cross each 10 or 30 wates, thereby the rugs were compact but no too much heavy. Other famous Tabriz rugs are namely “faraji”,”Sedqiani” and “Alabaf”.

22 Jan
Bidjar

History of Bijar Rugs

Second important weaving center in Kordestan is a city named Bijaar. This city was built in shah esmaeil safavi era and selected as center of fertile areas named Goris or Gherus. Bijaar was wealthy and powerful until it got into degeneration in twentieth century.

Nowadays most of Kurdish people from Gherus and Halvai and also some of Turkish and Afshaar people reside in Bijaar. Afshaar people are mostly living in north of the town, near to villages Tekaab and Tekaan Tappe that were inevitable to stay in this region following to compulsive immigration through the order of NaderShah in first half of eighteenth century.


Antique Bijar Rug

Bijar rugs are woven by using symmetric knot same as Sane rugs, with medium aggregation 2000 to 2500 knot in each square decimeter these rugs are woven in different dimension in small cushion and zar* and half size to large rugs. Sideways rugs are woven rarely.

Traditionally, framework of Bijar rugs are completely made by natural wool used for warps and wefts are in red or indigo and cobalt-blue. Bijar rugs have three to five rows of weft of thick wool stay on between wates by using special metal tool or a heavy ferrous comb and weaving is done. Plenty of rows of wefts that are well combined are the reason for distinct appearance and hardness of Bijaar rugs.


Bijar  Runner

Lately, cotton is used instead of wool for warp, but some of the weavers use wool for underside weft, when there are three rows, wool is used for first and second rows and cotton for the third one. If number of rows will be five, wool is used for four rows and cotton is used for the fifth one between other rows. pile will cut off in enough length.

In Bijar carpets, you can see small Harati themes in which are common in “Saneh” but with less subtlety. The decorative schemes can be various: nested diamonds of different background colors decorated with Harati schemes, parallel medallions decorated with Harati schemes on background which has no extra decoration, or traditional schemes with medallion-corner designs on Harati grounds.

There are other carpets which has uncommon designs but it’s a feature of Bijar carpets, having many paisley designs, with or without medallion, or having “Minakhani” schemes whose repetition in Bijar’s carpet in the last century causes the bringing up a theory suggesting that these schemes are original ones and are all from Kurdistan.

Some of the Bijar rugs samples, have complicated flowering designs that ShahAbbasi and crab flowers are seen in them, connected to fully maze pedicles and stay on a series of networks that is kind of derived designs of Iranian decorative models on Safaviye era and in seventeenth and early eighteenth century.

These rugs are mostly seen in Afshaar products; on the most of them some inscriptions are seen too help us to find time of texture that is between end of eighteenth century and first decade of twentieth century.

21 Jan
Rug Production

The History Of Heriz & Bakhshayesh Rug Production

Heriz Rug

In north east Tabriz there are village areas known as Heriz and Bakhshayesh with many weaving centers, which were very important in 19th century.

Although local weaving tradition goes back a lot further, there isn’t any precise information on products which were made before 19th century to help us to concentrate on weave rugs with geometrical patterns and local wool.

Bakhshayesh Rug

Since the beginning of 19th century we’ve seen many changes in rug production in this region. Especially with the trading companies that had a branch in Tabriz and in the village areas around the city who used a cheap work force to produce export worthy rugs.

Many workshops were made to replicate rugs which were popular in Iran. The kind of rug with a central medallion (toranj) and a flowerish maze like design. However, the local work force didn’t have the artistic talent to read and understand complex design which were used in city workshops.

In the meantime, Tabrizian merchants used them to work on new designs and some old designs which were familiar to the local weavers. Therefore some rugs were weaved that were completely different from delicate design of Iran’s central region, because the patterns and the geometrical shapes which were used in those rugs were too simple and hollow. The use of medallions in Heriz rugs were like simple stars which were extended to the rugs borders.

09 Nov
Misc

12 Easy Ways To Make Your Home A Happier Place

There’s no place like home. That means you should feel safe, secure and happy when you’re there. However, many of us don’t take full advantage of our houses as havens from the stresses of everyday life. We might think that as long as it has four walls and a roof, it’s sufficient. Yet when you take the time to make your home happier, you have more than a place to hang your hat. You’ll have somewhere you can recharge, re-center and refresh yourself. That can translate into a more positive outlook, better rest at night and a real feeling of comfort at home.

Fortunately, you don’t have to go all-in with a complete remodel of your home to give it a fresh environment. There are virtually limitless ways to transform the look and vibe of your house that will boost your happiness. For example, you can change a room instantly with a throw rug. Hanging family photos means you’ll be surrounded by happy memories. Creating a room or nook that’s all about you can be another great way to make your living space cheerier.

You should be more comfortable in your home than anywhere else in the world. See the accompanying infographic for additional tips.

10 Sep
Area Rugs

How To Choose The Right Size Area Rug For Your Home

Whether you’re talking about the living room or the kitchen, there’s no denying you need the right rug. Explore home photos in magazines or online, and you’ll see that rugs can truly define a space.

Yet choose rug sizes that are too small, and your rooms will look odd or underfurnished. Choose rug sizes that don’t fit your layout properly, and the space becomes disjointed. To help you pick the right rug size for living room decorating or the best runner for your galley kitchen, here’s a helpful guide.

The Living Room


Turkish Area Rug

Obviously, selecting the right rug size for a living room arrangement depends on your space. How large is it? Where is your furniture placed? If it’s an especially big room, go with a large rug that can help you define the seating area.

All your furnishings, from the sofa to the armchairs, should be able to rest comfortably on the rug without making you feel cramped.

In small living rooms where space is at a premium, opt for a rug centered beneath the coffee table in the middle of the room. Or, in living rooms where furniture sits against a wall, try to have the front legs of all furniture resting on the rug.

The Bedroom

When adding a rug to the bedroom, extend it around the bed, don’t let it get completely hidden. Aim for at least 3 feet of rug around all sides of the bed — or at least on the right and the left.

Another good option is to pair matching runners on both sides of the bed or along the foot of it.

The Kitchen

In the kitchen, there are a few possibilities for smart area rug placement. Choose a small 2-foot-by-3-foot rug to place in front of the sink, for example. Or, if you have a galley kitchen or a kitchen with a large island, try laying a long runner along the length of the room.

In a high-traffic space such as the kitchen, an area rug adds wonderful cushioning for your feet, while also making the room look more attractive.

The Dining Room


Wool Area Rug

In the dining room, a rug should be big enough to place your table and chairs on it. Likewise, it should extend 2 feet beyond each side of the table, to allow room for pushing chairs out. You don’t want a guest pushing his or her chair out only to find the legs are catching on a too-small rug.

When you’re shopping area rugs and debating sizes, keep the above principles in mind. For extra insurance, remember that bigger is usually better. If you’re torn between a certain rug or another larger option, opt for the big one.

To learn more about quality area rugs, check out our online shop at Rug Source. As an importer with an online store and a Charlotte, North Carolina location, we’re proud to provide wholesale prices and a 30-day, money-back guarantee.

06 Mar
Turkish

5 Things to Consider when buying Turkish Rugs Online

Antique Turkish Rug

Do you know what it takes to make a home a beautiful paradise? Creativity, art, and intelligence are what you need to make home a heaven. However, before buying a rug, it is important to consider few things.

For instance, the rug must compliment your furniture, your style etc. Suppose, to give a home historical touch at the affordable price, you can search for the Turkish rugs online, which is available in wider colors and patterns nowadays.

But, how do you reach the best one online, when the options for choosing one is huge? Well, here are few things that you must consider before buying rugs for your home:

  •    Compliment your Lifestyle
Square Turkish Rug

Not every rug goes with everyone’s lifestyle. Therefore, it is very important to consider rug that complements your way of life. Let’s say, if a person is having kids or pet at home, one should go for an easy-to-clean rug.

Moreover, if a person décorate home more often, must buy two to three decent rugs at cheap rate instead of buying an expensive one. So, before buying any rug, make sure it compliments your lifestyle.

  •    Pattern and Design

Rugs are available in a wider range of designs and patterns. One can choose according to the taste and style. For say, if you are looking for something stylish and historical, you can search for Turkish rugs. In the end, you are the one who will be using the rug. So, make sure that the pattern and design compliment your sense of style.

  •    The Size of the Rug
Turkish Area Rug

Rugs are available in different sizes and designs. One may require different rugs for different rooms according to their size and area. Usually, dining room requires the smaller size of a rug as compared to a living room.

It is very important that the distance between the rug and the wall of the room is the same on all four sides. So, make sure that you measure the size of a room before you go for a rug shopping.

  •    Compliment Room Decor
Turkish Runner

Before investing money in a rug, make sure it complements the other room decor as well. A patterned rug in bold colors suits a large area room like a living room. However, a rug with neutral colors suits better in a smaller area like a dining room or bedroom.

If you have a modern table in the room, try traditional rug for the place. In the end, opposites attract each other. Therefore, make sure that rug compliment the decor of other room beside the room where it is placed.

  • Cleaning and Care

Cleaning and care are not easy for every rug. For example, Shaggy rugs consume a lot of time and effort in cleaning. However, at the same time, they have a huge demand because of its modern and eye catch pattern and stuff.

If you are looking for something stylish and cleaning and care is not an issue for you, shaggy rugs are the best option. If you hear somewhere, that shaggy rug for sale, do not think much and grab the best deal.

Decorating a home is always an exciting and fun activity. To make it more interesting, keep adding a flavor of art and creativity to your home. Follow these tips and you will surely be ending up with some nice rugs for your home soon.

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