Wool Tabriz
Wool Tabriz The History Of Carpet: Where Did The Magical Ride Begin? The carpet industry can be likened to one magical ride from obscurity to fame. Its origin is as vague as the purposes to which ...
Wool Tabriz
The History Of Carpet: Where Did The Magical Ride Begin?The carpet industry can be likened to one magical ride from obscurity to fame. Its origin is as vague as the purposes to which it served. Some archaeological findings indicate that carpets were used extensively - either as floor covers, curtains, tokens or gifts from one tribe to another, blankets, canopies, and covers for tombs. It was not accurately determined who wove the first carpet - was it the Persians, the Egyptians, the Chinese or the Maya tribe? Or was it simply a by-product of nomadic wandering? The best ones were used to adorn palaces and luxurious buildings, but carpets remained ambiguous, until they were introduced to most homes, with far less opulent tastes. Carpets are now within reach of most families who desire its more comfy feel over other types of flooring. But under whose feet did the first carpet provide its warmth? Everything and everyone has a story to tell. This is your carpet's: A hazy start. Carpet making was possibly a skill developed out of necessity, as most inventions are. It is not told by evidences gathered who originated it, but archaeological findings identified groups of people who maintained it, until the craft rose to prominence among homes of distinction. The oldest type of knotted carpet was discovered in Pazyryk Valley in Siberia. They were found in the tombs of Scythian chiefs and were estimated to be dating back to 2,500 years. The Persian Connection. Babylon fell on the hands of Cyrus in 539 B.C. Cyrus himself fell in deep admiration over layers and layers of carpet he saw in Babylon, and perhaps became instrumental in introducing the craft to Persia. Cyrus was so engrossed with carpets that he took most of them to his grave. In his burial grounds in Pasargadae, valuable carpets were found. In Persia, carpet making flourished. Sheep and goats in herds provided a steady supply of quality wool; Persia became the heart of carpet making, where it evolved from craft to art. The Chinese Influence Recent excavations in China proved the existence of an earlier dynasty known as the Sassanid, between AD 224 and 641. Also proven, with documented evidence, were the presence of carpets. Emperor Heraclius, in one of his conquests, brought home, along with his victory, a 90 square-feet garden carpet known as the "Springtime of Khosroe", acclaimed as the most valuable carpet of all time. The Turkish Impact Seljuk, founder of the Turkish tribe, Arab Caliphates, left a strong bearing on carpet history. When he conquered Persia, Seljuk women introduced the Turkish knots to most of Persian's carpet designs. Up to this day, most of Persian carpets are reflections of Turkish pride - with their durable knots. The Mongolian Inspiration Remnants of fabulous carpets were found in the palace of Tabriz, belonging to Ghazan Khan. The most remarkable time in history for Persian carpets came however, when Shah Abbas rose to power. He initiated workshops for carpets, and utilized the skills and craftsmanship of designers. Trade to Europe was also opened. Invasion of the Afghans in 1722 cut short these glorious years. It was only much later, towards the end of the 19th century when carpet making made a comeback. European and American companies ignited carpet making once more, and most of these companies even set up offices in Persia. A magical ride? Unlike its Walt Disney counterpart, carpet making didn't pass through a charmed transition from anonymity to prominence. As deep as the color of its hues, carpet making was a silent witness to many upheavals in the annals of history, as well as some illustrious victories. Perhaps the reason why a carpet is never dull, most of the time, it comes with lively colors, deeper shades, and magnificent designs. Carpet weaving today is one of the most popular handicrafts in Iran, and the rest of the world. Persian carpets are, by far and large, acclaimed as the most valuable variety with its lavish tapestry of colors, designs and patterns About the Author |
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Tips For Puchasing A Persian Rugs
A Persian rug is not only a home decoration, it is a functional work of art. Although many modern Persian rugs are made by machine, you can still find high quality hand-made rugs today. Before shopping for a Persian rug, you need to understand what it is and what it is not.
First, there is often considerable confusion between Oriental rugs and Persian rugs. Oriental Rugs are handmade rugs that come from a wide geographic region that extends from Turkey in the west to China in the east. It encompasses the Persian region. So while Persian rugs are also Oriental Rugs, not all Oriental rugs are Persian rugs.
The Persian rug is an essential part of Persian art and culture. Carpet-weaving is one of the most distinguished manifestations of Persian culture and art, and dates back to the Bronze Age.
A well crafted Persian rug can last centuries. The earliest surviving Persian rugs come from the 16th century, attesting to their durability. However, painted depictions prove a longer history of production. There is much variety among classical Persian carpets of the 16th and 17th century. Common motifs include scrolling vine networks, arabeques, cloud bands, medallions, and overlapping geometric compartments rather than animals and humans.
Persian rugs are identified by the region in which they are produced. Some of the more widely known types of Persian rugs include Tabriz, Kashan, Herat, and Kerman. Each has a distinctive style. For example, rugs from Tabriz have a central medallion and quartered corner medallions superimposed over a field of scrolling vine ornament.
When purchasing a Persian rug, simply remember the acronym MAKIP, which stands for: materials, authentic, knots per square inch, imperfections, and price. Let's consider each of these.
Materials
Inexpensive, so called "Persian rugs" that you find in most discount stores are usually made from synthetic materials (and they are almost certainly not made anywhere near Persia).
When buying a real Persian rug there are really only three choices of materials - wool, cotton, and silk. These fibers are all natural and are more durable than synthetics. Dyed wool is traditionally used to make tribal rugs. Silk is the most expensive and luxurious choice. Some Persian rugs are even woven with gold strands.
Authentic
It may be difficult to know whether the carpet you are choosing is authentic. When purchasing a Persian rug, make sure you are dealing with a reputable company. The best will provide a certificate of authenticity.
Knots per square inch
Knots per square inch (KPSI) is a measure of overall quality. Basically the higher the number of the better the carpet. Look for carpets that have a KPSI of at least 80 - over 100 is better.
Imperfections
Authentic Persian rugs are made by hand. As such all will have slight imperfections. This is normal. In fact if a rug is coming out too perfect the maker will usually introduce a slight imperfection. As long as the imperfection does not detract from the overall appeal of the carpet, don't worry about it.
Price
Most people start here when shopping for a Persian rug. Remember, each is hand made and a quality Persian rug can take almost a year to complete. When thinking about how much to spend consider the factors mentioned above. In addition, the size of the rug will have a huge influence on the price. Fortunately, there are a number of good Web sites that have eliminated the middle man to allow customers to purchase high quality, authentic Persian rugs are steeply discounted prices.
About the Author
Read about growing gerbera daisies and white gerbera at the Gerbera Flower website.