Bakhtiyar (Bakhtiari) rugs are woven by a collection of tribes that once roamed through the Chaharmahal Va Bakhtiyari province of western Iran (photographed by Iman Fazeli Farsani). As with the majority of Iran’s roaming tribes they settled in the 1900s. Despite assimilation into modern day Iran, they still hold on to distinct traditions and lifestyles, as visible in the individuality of their rugs.
Read moreSeneh Rugs and Kilims: The Definitive Guide
Senneh (Seneh), now modern day Sanandaj is located in the West of Iran, the Kurdish province. The production of rugs started in the early Classical period, and even possibly before then. The city of Sanadaj was only a small town until the 17th Century, when the then Govenor of the city renovated the town’s fortress (Sena Dezh), which dates back to the Abbassid period (750AD – 1258AD).
Read morePersian Rugs: The Weaving Process
Rug weaving has been a tradition long held in the homes of many families across Asia, specifically in Iran, Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Turkey & China. Whilst the materials used, designs and knotting techniques are extremely varied across these regions and even within these regions, one aspect of them is always consistent. They are all hand-woven on looms for months or even years on end.
Read moreTabriz Rugs: The Definitive Guide
The city of Tabriz is situated in North Western Iran, in the Azerbaijani province. Known for being one of the oldest rug weaving centers and producing some of the finest quality Persian rugs with a symmetrical knot instead of an asymmetrical knot like the rest of Persia. It is believed that Tabriz rugs reached their zenith between the 12th & 16th Century during the golden era of Persian Rugs.
Read moreSarouq Rugs: The Definitive Guide
Sarouq (Sarouk) rugs are woven in the small town of Saruk, Central Persia, around 30 miles north of Sultanabad. Sarouq rugs came to fame and large production quantities in the 20th century, Persian rugs had just started to be mass exported to Europe and America, and antique Sarouq rugs had caught the eye of many western buyers.
Read moreHamedan Rugs: The Definitive Guide
Hamedan (originally Ekbatan) is located in the Midwest of Iran. It is believed to be one of the oldest Iranian cities and one of the oldest cities in the world. There are records of the city being occupied by the Assyrians in 1100BC
Read moreKerman Rugs: The Definitive Guide
Kerman (also known as Kirman) is famous for its long history and strong cultural heritage. Located in the Southeast of Persia, it is the capital city of the province by the same name. The city was originally a military outpost during the Sassanid Empire (224 AD - 651 AD) and is cited through Persian history as the capital city under several rulers, dating back to the 3rd century AD.
Read moreMashad Rugs: The Definitive Guide
The city of Mashad is located in the far North East of Iran. It is a highly sacred city for followers of Islam, as it is the home of the tomb of Imam Reza, the eighth Shia Imam (a spiritual and political successor of prophet Muhammad). The city is also the birthplace of many celebrated Persian poets, including Ferdowsi, who wrote the national epic ‘Shahnameh’ meaning ‘The Book of Kings’.
Read moreOriental Rug Size Guide
Trying to find the right size rug for you home can be one of the most difficult tasks when renovating a room.
Read morePersian Embroideries: The Definitive Guide
Persian embroideries have been woven as early as the 4th century BC. They have throughout history been regarded as masterpieces in art form, being sought after by nobles and rich men across the world.
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