Persian Rug

Antique Persian Shiraz rug; 5'8" x 4'11". This rug is characterized by geometric motifs, often a diamond-shaped medallion, with small animals and plants decorating the field. Brown, rust, and beige with navy blue or black outlines are the colors commonly employed from plant source dyes. The foundation is usually cotton but sometimes wool or goat hair. Over the centuries, Persian rugs have become treasured heirlooms passed on from generation to generation. Persian rug exports began in the 16th Century. Starting in the 1850s, American, British, and German firms established new factories ensuring the art form’s continued development. Royal factories were established to utilize the finest materials and methods of manufacture. Persian rugs are traditionally known for their variety in design, color, size and weave with each being unique. Rug styles are generally named after the village or area where they are woven or collected, or by the weaving tribe in the case of nomadic pieces. The number of knots in a rug can be a general indication of its quality. Knots show how much work went into making the rug. More knots mean more work labor and also make it possible to produce greater intricacy of the pattern.