Persian Rugs
The Persian rug is an essential part of Persian art and culture.
Carpet-weaving is undoubtedly one of the most distinguished manifestations
of Persian culture and art, and dates back to the Bronze Age (c.3500-2000
BC).
The earliest surviving corpus of Persian carpets comes from the
Safavid dynasty (1501-1736) in the 16th century. However, painted
depictions prove a longer history of production. There is much variety
among classical Persian carpets of the 16th and 17th century. Common
motifs include scrolling vine networks, arabesques, palmettes, cloud
bands, medallions, and overlapping geometric compartments rather
than animals and humans. Persian Art being based in Shia Islam does
not take the hard line against human representation that we see
in Sunni influenced Turkish rug weaving. Figural designs are particularly
popular in the Iranian market and are not nearly as common in rugs
exported to the west.
Materials
Wool is the most common material for rugs but cotton is frequently
used for the foundation of city and workshop rugs. Silk carpets
date back to at least the sixteenth century in Sabzavar and the
Seventeenth century in Kashan and Yezd. Silk rugs are less common
than wool carpets since silk is more expensive and less durable;
they tend to increase in value with age. Due to this rarity, value
and their lack of durability, silk rugs are very often displayed
on the wall like a tapestry rather than being used as carpets. History
