Persian Soumak Runner

Hand knotted intricate Persian pictorial Soumak runner; 9'1" x 2'8". Soumak has embroidered and its embroidery threads are not cut off at the back. Soumak has shaggy, erratic collection of loose ends or strands of wool. The wefts serve a decorative role rather than the structural role of knotted carpets. They are threaded through a number of warp strands and then looped back. All Soumaks have geometric patterns with man tribal motifs. 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.