Heriz Persian Rugs

Wonderful Persian Heriz Rugs from Northwest Iran

Heriz rugs get their name from the small town in Iran’s northwestern Azerbaijan region from which they originate. Sometimes written as Heris, the town has a population of under 10,000 people. Despite this small population, the ingenious weavers that make Heriz rugs have developed a style that is truly unique, leading to an outsized reputation among persian rug aficionados.

Heriz carpets were originally modeled after the classic Lachak Toranj Tabriz rugs. Lacking the more sophisticated workshops found in Tabriz, the village weavers deconstructed the design into larger scale, more geometric patterns. The patterns and sunburst medallions were further influenced by rugs made in the nearby Caucasus region, most notably the “Eagle Kazaks.” These weavers also began using warmer hues to echo the deep sunsets and dark soil of the region. Older Heriz carpets used vegetable dyes and a rustic weave that further enhanced the unity of style, color, and design that makes Heriz rugs so attractive.

One of the most sought after qualities of Heriz rugs is their durability. Part of the reason for their sturdiness is that Mount Sabalan sits on a major deposit of copper so traces of copper in the drinking water of sheep produces extremely high quality wool proven to be more resilient than wool from many other areas. In addition, the foundation of Heriz rugs generally has a thick, sturdy cotton on which tightly packed knots of thick yarn are woven. The patterns are less intricate and have a tribal flair so there is no reason to use thin strings. The weave on Heriz rugs range from 30 knots per square inch (kpsi) and top off at about 110 kpsi at the top range. They can last generations.

Antique Heriz rugs can sometimes contain intentional variation within one color tone, a technique referred to as “abrash.” Another distinctly Heriz technique developed in the region is double or triple outlines of patterns within the design. This technique adds depth to the color and dimensionality to the already unique designs.

Heriz rugs appeal to home décor specialists because of their hybrid nature. They evoke both the rustic charm of tribal village rugs and the modernity of geometric shapes. They employ designs that call up the grandeur of Persian courts but styled in grounded earthy tones and rectilinear modern lines. Their departure from the ornate curvilinear classic rugs has allowed Heriz rugs to stay relevant throughout the years. They are versatile complements to modern furnishings or antique heirloom pieces, and the muted warm colors with robust confident lines work well in corporate settings as well.

Similar to Heriz are Afshar, Mehraban, Sarab, Bakhshaish, and Gorevan rugs, which are woven in neighboring towns and villages of Heriz county. Some people consider Heriz Serapi rugs to be the highest grade Heriz of the last 100 years.

Browse our vast collection of new and antique Heriz rugs and find the perfect piece for your home. Handknotted.com is your source to buy Tabriz rugs online.