The art of collecting antique rugs is a challenging question though. A Persian carpet is most appreciated for its craftsmanship. Recreating these carpets is impossible. Authenticity is something each one opts for. The age of these carpet define their authenticity.

Making it simpler, there are certain things one should look for before purchasing this beautiful decorative masterpiece. The condition, the pile, the artistry and the region from where it dwells. These are rare to find and what makes them rare is their age. The one of the rarest ones is the Pazyryk carpet. It was found in a Scythian grave around mid-20 th century up in south Siberia is now a showpiece in a museum in St. Petersburg. Most of the museums spend millions to preserve this art. The production and age are the main factors to make a piece rare. Some created in large quantities still might be extinct today. With time, these carpets wear out, the few that exist mark an identity. While those which were produced in small quantities never loose charm.

A weave of thought

What everyone looks for is the weave. The weave determines the price, age and condition and mainly the region it hails from. It is said that tribal weavers had a lesser density knot compare to the others, yet, lovers of tribal carpets would often ignore this and have an inclination to possessing these rare pieces.

The color palette defines the artistic merit of the bygone era. In the present age, synthetic dyes refresh our eyes with their hues but during the olden days the artisans were dependent only on natural or vegetable dyes. Synthetic dyes were introduced in 1860-1880. Recognizing whether it is a synthetic dye or a vegetable dye. A synthetic dye may refrain a buyer from owning it. It is difficult to have vibrant colours which makes it even more demanding. Also, the amount of colours makes the rug more desirable. The synthetic dyes don’t really realm the essence of hand spun natural dyed carpets. The way to identify a naturally dyed yarn is through the abrash. The abrash is the variation in the hues of the colour palette in Persian carpets and rugs. The abrash is visible in these carpets as every time a new batch of yarn is dyed the tone changes.

The art of carpet weaving has been an extraordinary journey since the 5th century. In the olden days, the carpets acted as a necessity not as a luxury. The cold floors were the reason of invention of these specimens. Later, it become a decorative art piece for the royals.

The carpet weaving technique remarks as a sign of unity for most of these carpets required a huge man force and a long period. Each weave is nurtured with love and care of the weaver. These weaves are densely knotted. The wool and the technique used are not present in today’s time. The design were specially commissioned for the aristocrats.

The distinctive feature of the region

The hand woven knots run through a variety of rich and spectacular artistic design are inspired mainly by nature. The supreme quality of these carpets and rugs makes them even more exceptional. The pile of the wool in which it is woven and the knot density has a lot to speak about it. Though none is superior to other, each holds its own identity.

Each of the regions in Persia had their own unique story, design and pattern. Let’s take a look into their journey. The Hunting Scene in the carpet is a combination of realistic and imaginative thought of the weavers.

The best silk carpets came from Qom or Ghom region. The subtle colour palette of blue, red and cream makes it more delightful. The size of these carpets are comparatively smaller. The highest priced rugs are made of silk and wool mainly from the Ghom region of Central Iran.

The Isfahan carpets came into existence during the period of Shah Abbas. The designs were inspired by mosques and monuments or gardens or city palaces.

The Hamadan carpets have varying patterns, but, what makes it more interesting is its medallion in the centre. In most of them, the medallion shares the centre space in the pattern with an enriching colour palette of madder red and indigo.

Weaved with a strong pile, the Heriz designs from the area of Heris. Coming from the mounting slopes, the wool of these carpets are of high quality, while the patterns are placed in perfect symmetry.

The Kashan design mainly consists of a niche pattern with figurative motifs, florals, trees and medallions. These carpets consists of silk and wool weave in them.

What’s interesting about the weavers of the Tabriz carpets is their imaginative thoughts with a lot of detailing. Their carpets express four seasons, weeping willows and cypresses, medallions surrounded by arabesques and many more such creative aspects.

Enhancing the beauty of the interiors, these carpets still shine in the present day. Woven with great care, the timeless beauty of these classics never perish.