PERSIAN RUGS: HISTORY The history of the “Persian carpet” is rich and storied, dating back 2500 years. The dawn of carpet weaving in the Persian Empire is widely thought to have been during the reign of Cyrus the Great in the 6th Century BC. In fact, historians and folklorists alike have written about the ruler’s …
Wild Interiors: The Natural World Depicted in Hand Knotted Rugs
Biological Need Humans have an innate need and desire to be close to the natural world, especially plants and animals. This may be because more than 99 percent our evolutionary history was spent out in the wild. Yet the rise of cities in the last several centuries has meant more and more humans are isolated …
Hand Knotted Rugs: The Investment Piece
There are stocks, bonds, real estate, cryptocurrency, art, vintage cars, and rugs. People around the world buy all of these items in the hope that they will not only hold, but increase in value in the years to come. Rugs fall into a handful of investment categories: collectibles, antiques, handicrafts, et. Investment in collectibles is …
Kazak Rugs: Vintage Geometric Designs
Origins and History The original Kazak rugs were not linked to a particular country or ethnic group, but rather to a general region. They were woven by women in the geographic region of the Caucasus and further south. Originally woven by nomadic Turks who arrived in the region following their western migration in the 11th …
Mashad Rugs: Embodiment of Persian Tradition
Origins Mashad rugs are woven in northeastern Iran in the large Khorasan province which borders Turkmenistan. Mashad has transformed from a small village to the second most populous city in Iran, and a popular tourist destination. The Shrine of Imam Reza, the eighth Imam in Shiite Islam, is located in the city of Mashad and …
Kerman Rugs: Flights of Fancy
Kerman rugs come in a wide range of color and design, but they all have something in common. Almost invariably, Kerman carpets evoke a sense of wonder. They weave together whimsical floral patterns in such inventive ways that they were once considered the best of Persian rugs. Ranging from the most eye-popping reds and pinks …
Sophisticated and Understated Nain Rugs
History of Nain Rugs Nain is a small town of only some 25,000 people and their initiation into rug weaving came later than in most other parts of Iran. However Isfahan, which has a long and rich history of rug design and weaving is only 85 miles away. When some artists in Nain realized how …
Persian Rug Cleaning and Care: The Complete Guide
Persian rugs are impeccably made, yet specialty rugs of any kind are an investment. Whether it’s an oriental rug, Native American, or Persian – you want to keep it looking as nice as possible in order to further your asset and keep it for years to come. Here are the proper cleaning methods to protect …
Isfahan Rugs: Celebrated Works of Art
Isfahan rugs are quite possibly the finest rugs in the world, in terms of both beauty and quality. They are woven tightly with the highest quality soft “kork” wool and adorned with silk details. It’s no surprise they are so beautiful and fine considering where the carpets originate. Born of Unparalleled Culture Isfahan, or Esfahan …
Ardabil Persian Rugs: Beautiful Works from the Caspian Coast
In the historic Azerbaijan province, not far from the Caspian Sea lies the city of Ardabil. It is the capital of Ardabil Province, which derives its name from the sacred Zoroastrian book. In the sacred Avesta, Ardabil means high holy place. It is fitting that such a region would give rise to works as prized …