Persian rugs are popular for their history, quality, and bold designs. However, there is a sub-style of Persian rugs that has a unique backstory: the Heriz Serapi rug. We’ve already covered their history in a previous post, so we’re dedicating today’s post to the distinctive weaving techniques used to make Heriz Serapi rugs.
Cultural Influences
To fully understand the weaving techniques of Heriz Serapi rugs, it’s important to understand the culture of the region. East Azerbaijan is one of Iran’s 31 distinct provinces and is located in the Northwest corner of the country.
Historically, East Azerbaijan can trace its roots back to at least the 4th Century BCE. Approximately four million people live in this province, making it similar in size to the state of Oklahoma. Culturally speaking, East Azerbaijan is a varied region despite its relatively small size. Today, it serves as the region’s center for both manufacturing and academics. This duality is how the area embraces the needs of modern society while still remaining true to its history.
The province is broken up into fourteen administrative divisions, which function similarly to the counties that make up each state in America. The two divisions we’re focusing on today are Heris and Serab, which is where the name of the style comes from.
Heris, Iran
The weaving techniques of Heriz Serapi rugs are the combination of two distinct yet similar weaving styles. Heris is the capital of Heris County and the first of two influences that created this style. Heriz rugs feature large geometric designs with a distinctly tribal influence. The weaving techniques used by weavers from Heris are similar in style to other Persian rugs.
Serab, Iran
Serab (sometimes spelled Sarab) is located east of Heris and provides the second major influence on the Heriz Serapi style. Unlike other styles of Persian rugs, Serapi rugs contain intricate details and incredibly complex patterns. This means it often takes weavers a year or longer (sometimes even several years) to finish just one rug.
How the Styles Came Together
The primary differences between a Heriz rug and a Serapi rug are the design and the knotting density. Compared to Heriz rugs, Serapi rugs are much more intricately detailed. Additionally, Heriz rugs typically have a knotting density of 65 KPI (knots per inch), though that number can sometimes be as high as 100 KPI. In contrast, a Serapi rug has a considerably higher knotting density.
So how did the weaving techniques of Heriz Serapi rugs come to be? Sometime before the 1900s, weavers from Heris contributed designs that feature bold medallions in the center, and weavers from Serab added both intricate detailing and a higher knotting density. These features combined to create the Heriz Serapi style.
Other distinctive features of Heriz Serapi rugs include their bold colors, their age (many pre-1900s examples still exist today), and the unusually iron-rich wool they’re made with.
Find Heriz Serapi rugs at Rug Source!
Because many Heriz Serapi rugs are considered antiques, it’s important to buy them from reputable dealers who care for them well and know how to verify their authenticity. Dealers also know how to identify the nuances between the two original styles, plus the blended techniques of genuine Heriz Serapi rugs.
At Rug Source, our team of experts carries an impressive inventory of genuine Heriz Serapi rugs. Let us know what you need by sending us a message or giving us a call at 980-422-4080.
