Persian rugs are a longtime staple of luxury decor. You’re probably familiar with their general aesthetic, but you may not know the details that make each rug unique and special.
In honour of our July 20% off sale on rugs, we’re here to give you a quick crash course on Persian rugs.
History
Carpet weaving as a trade can be traced back to ancient times. In 1949, archaeologists found a well-preserved rug in the grave of a nobleman. This rug is thought to be around 2500 years old and is known as the Pazyryk rug.
Persian rugs had humble beginnings. They were originally valued for their function, keeping cold and damp out of tribal homes. Eventually, though, they caught on as a luxury item and found their way into the homes of Kings and Queens.
The tradition of rugmaking is passed down from generation to generation. Even in our modern age, authentic Persian rugs are entirely handmade and can take months or years to complete. The expert-level craftsmanship results in rugs which last decades if not centuries. A true investment piece!
Shapes
Persian rugs come in many shapes and sizes, so you can find one to fit any space. We stock a wide range at OTSE.
The smallest kind of rug we stock is prayer mats. As the name implies, this rug style is initially intended for prayer.
If you’re redecorating a hallway, our runners may be the perfect thing. These rugs are narrow and long, perfect for cascading down a staircase.
If you want to cover a whole room, try a huge Persian rug! Our biggest measures 420cm by 320cm. It took two weavers two years to create it!
Tribes/Cities/Villages
Another intriguing aspect of Persian rugs is the variation from region to region. Each rug evokes the unique voice of the city, village or tribe that made it. There are many significant regions in the rugmaking trade, but here are a few of our favourites…
Tabriz
Tabriz is the capital city of East Azerbaijan Province. Many consider rugs from cities to be higher quality due to the high concentration of skilled weavers in the area.
Tabriz carpets typically incorporate a central medallion into their design. Floral motifs are also common, but geometric patterns are not unheard of.
Baluchi
The Baluch are a tribal group within South and Western Asia. Baluchi rugs consist primarily of wool with occasional instances of cotton and silk. The knotting of these rugs is customarily asymmetrical and the patterns are often geometric.
Qashqai
The Qashqai people are a tribal confederation in Iran. Their rugs make use of the vivid palette of the Iranian countryside. They also often incorporate imagery of animals into the design.
And many more…
There’s a whole world of Persian rugs to be explored, and what better time to explore them than during our July rug sale? Check out our full range of rugs here.
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On The Square Emporium is one of Ireland’s Largest Antiques shops stocking thousands of vintage and antique items including Edwardian, Georgian and Victorian furniture, desirable collectibles and stunning decor ideas for your home. Can’t find what you are looking for? Contact our team for help on sourcing it!