Oriental Persian Rugs
Nain: A Brief History
Isfahan is located south of Tehran and is Iran’s third largest city. Nain is near Isfahan that is a pretty new rug weaving center. The fabrication of hand-made, high quality, woolen cloth up to the mid 20th century was what Nain was noted for.
With their skill and knowledge in the production of textiles, they had to adapt to rug weaving after World War II. The market had pretty much died for the fabric that Nain was known for.
There is a close similarity to the rugs produced in Isfahan and those at the city of Nain. The difference is Nain rugs have a short pile and distinct colors. The types of patterns that they use are an all-over arabesque and curvilinear floral design.
A Product Review of Nain Style Rugs
Nain Persian rugs are hand-woven in the city of Nain, east of Isfahan. Precise, delicate and stunningly beautiful, they are considered to be some of the world’s finest rugs. Nain rugs are woven on cotton or silk and are often signed.
They are woven in beige and a spectacular range of blue tones. Nains feature curvilinear vines, forked leaves, Shah Abbas flowers, birds, animals and regal borders.
Indian Rugs – A Brief History and Product Review
Indian rugs, not be confused with Native American rugs, refer specifically to carpets from India, although in their earliest incarnation, Indian rugs were not made in India, but imported from Persia by the emperor Akbar in the 1500’s.
The origin of the Indian rug, therefore, was one intended specifically for the court to adorn palaces; weaved pieces of art. It was actually during Akbar’s reign that (1556-1605) that weavers were encouraged to come to the court workshop and contribute to the free flow of ideas and design exchange. This exchange created amongst the most inventive and spirited weavings of that time period.
Utilizing time honored techniques the two major weaving districts in India are in Agra as well as the area around Jaipur, southwest of Delhi. Both districts produce an incredible assortment of rugs weaved by master artisans who treat every rug as a work of art.
Using the ancient technique of hand knotting, these Indian rugs are truly a work of art. The very detailed designs and involved patterns flow seamlessly and are the mark of a highly experienced weaver(s). The actual process of individually hand knotting each fiber is extremely lengthy (can take 6 months or more) depending on the KPSI (knots per sq. inch) which can be anywhere between 64 to 200 KPSI!
More than one weaver may participate in the weaving process. The partnership amongst the weavers is crucial in creating the flow required to achieve the coordinated and smooth designs so prevalent in the Indian Rugs seen here. The beauty of the Indian culture is translated into these Indian Rugs through the grace and skill of India’s weavers.
Product Review of Antique Heriz Style Rugs
HRI’s rendition of the classic Heriz design. Expertly handknotted in India and made of fine 100% wool, this fine crafted collection perfectly matches old antique Heriz designs both in patterns and colorations. Sizes available: 6×9, 8×10, 9×12, 10×14, 12×15, 12×18.
Product Review of Royal Cassani Style Rug
Derived from antique rugs found in private collections, Royal Cassani is an exquisite group of hand-knotted Oriental rugs. Muted colors and traditional designs blend to make this a truly unique collection. Made in China of 100% wool.
The History of Tabriz:
Tabriz is one of the world’s oldest and best known rug-weaving centers. It has a long and storied history dating back more than 1000 years. The Safavid Dynasty, 1499-1722, was the golden era of Tabriz rug-weaving. The Safavids established the first royal rug-workshop in the city and encouraged it to become the center of the Persian rug trade.
Many contemporary Tabriz rugs are woven in the style set by the Safavid rulers centuries ago. The master-weavers of Tabriz are known to take great pride in their work and it’s common for them to sign their best rugs. While signatures can be found on rugs from other cities, the Tabriz are reputed to be of the finest quality.
Most Tabriz rugs are woven with a combination of wool and silk. The finest are made on a foundation of silk and incorporate 18 or 24 karat gold thread into their designs. It’s common for them to have a very high KPSI, often 300 to 800 knots per square inch.
Product Review of Tabriz Style Rugs
Tabriz Persian rugs are hand-woven in Tabriz. The city is the most prolific of all Persian rug-making centers and is known for the high quality of its rugs. Most are woven on a base of fine cotton, but some are made on silk.
There are many Tabriz Rug designs, but the typical patterns feature dense floral motifs, large palmettes, vases, hunting scenes or other pictorial elements in the field. There can be a medallion and sometimes geometric designs are also seen.
There are many sub-styles of Tabriz rugs:
 Nain |
 Antique Heriz |
 Tabriz |
 Royal Cassani |
