Types of Persian Carpets: Heriz

Persian carpets and rugs were initially woven as articles of necessity to cover the floors of nomadic tribesmen, giving them protection from the cold and damp.

What’s so special about Persian rugs?

Renowned for their rich colors and interesting designs, Persian rugs are made with all-natural wools, silk and vegetable dyes, rather than synthetic materials. … Because of their painstaking craftsmanship, Persian rugs are also highly regarded for their quality and durability.

How do you know if a Persian rug is authentic?

In short, a genuine Oriental or Persian carpet has no sewn-on fringes. The fringes form the end of the warp yarns and are therefore an integral part of the carpet. If you should see on the back of the rug that the fringes have been sewn on, then in all probability it is not a genuine oriental rug.

Types of persian rugs generally come in three categories: city, village and tribal. They are all named after the city or village they were made in, or by the tribes that made them.

The city rugs are known to be the highest in quality. The city rug weavers in Iran are known as ‘master weavers’ and some of them even sign their work, like a piece of art. Simply put, the city weavers are mostly men and this is their full time career and income.

Those that are made in villages, or by tribes, on the other hand, are made by families. They weave the rugs, often from memory or inspiration on their travels, and sell them as an extra source of income.

Heriz

The town of Heriz and its surrounding villages have formed one of the most prolific weaving centres in Persia for centuries. Carpets from the towns workshops are of better quality than those from the inaccessible mountain villages.

The typical Heriz red colour and highly individual medallion are the main characteristics of these popular carpets. Brown, beige and turquoise shades indicate older pieces.

Heriz silk carpets are exceptionally finely knotted and are both rare and very beautiful carpets.