History of Persian carpets 
Automatic translate
Persian carpets are some of the best in the world. They are valued for their luxurious design, exquisite handcraft, high quality natural materials, rich colors, and exquisite motifs.
But did you know:
- What did the first Persian carpets look like 2000-3000 years ago and how different are they from those you can buy today?
- Which paintings from Persia are the most famous in history and why?
- Why are they valued, both in the past and today?
How did carpet weaving develop in Persia?
2000-3000 ago
In those days, carpets replaced a saddle and a house for the nomadic tribes of Central Asia. The rider will stop in the middle of the bare steppe, remove the carpet blanket from the horse, unroll it on the ground - and the bed is ready. As soon as people found a permanent place of residence, carpets began to be decorated. In the East, the carpet has become the most important thing in everyday life. The richer the family was, the more paintings it had.
The carpet was woven from a warm, heat-insulating material - sheep’s wool. Weaving and ornamentation techniques were not given much attention; they were simple. The patterns were based on stylized images of hills, trees, and domestic animals. To create vibrant colors, the yarn was dyed with natural dyes obtained from plant stems, leaves, roots or flower petals.
Interesting fact
Hard-pile carpets were created from the wool of sheep that grazed on the northern slope of the mountains (a small amount of wool was enough for such a carpet). And for soft fabrics, the wool of rams grazing on the southern slope of the mountains was used (the fleece of these rams is not so thick, which means more of it is needed). Such a product was worth its weight in gold. There is a version that the expression “golden fleece” originates from here. It was he who was hunted by the Argonauts in the famous Greek legend.
Persian carpets in the Middle Ages
During the medieval period in Persia, grand palaces and mosques were commonplace. Along with this regal architecture, the art of carpet weaving flourished during the Safavid era, leading to the creation of the famous Persian carpet.
These carpets were usually made of silk or wool and were elaborately decorated with floral designs. The pattern most often contained a central medallion, symbolizing the center of the Universe. The overall composition was completed by the main one, as well as two additional borders.
The burial site in the palace of Cyrus the Great in Pasargadae, a representative of the Achaemenid dynasty, was once decorated with luxurious carpets. Having visited this place, Alexander the Great was impressed by their beauty.
"Golden Age" of Persian carpets
The “Golden Age” refers to the period in Persian history when the art of carpet weaving reached new heights of skill and creativity. According to historians, it occurred during the reign of the Safavid dynasty, which ruled Persia from the 16th to the 18th centuries. During this time, Persian carpets were in great demand among the rulers/aristocrats of Europe and Asia (considered luxury items of the highest quality). They were used to cover the floors of royal palaces.
The Safavids established carpet weaving centers throughout their empire. This industry has begun to make a significant contribution to the economy. Products produced during this period were famous in the East and West for their intricate designs, fine craftsmanship, and use of high-quality materials. Many of the techniques and motifs used in Golden Age carpets continue to be used in Persian carpet weaving today.
Persian carpets today
They are a symbol of Iran’s rich cultural and historical heritage. This modern state is the successor to the once great Persian Empire. Therefore, when people talk about Persian carpets, they usually mean silk or wool carpets originating from Iran.
Carpets are a source of pride for Iranians and are considered both masterpieces and a luxury item. These ethnic rugs are still handcrafted in traditional Iranian cities such as Sirjan, Shiraz and others. The ancient techniques used in these cities remain unchanged over the years, making them timeless and fashionable.
Popular carpets are usually woven in major Iranian centers such as Tabriz, Isfahan and Nome. These cities are known for producing world-class carpet weaving masterpieces, and continue to do so to this day.
On the website https://ansygallery.ru you can see a catalog of Persian carpets and try on the carpet you like in a virtual fitting.
The most famous Persian carpets in history
Pazyryk carpet
This legendary Persian carpet is considered one of the oldest surviving examples of knotted pile carpeting. Woven presumably in the 5th century BC, during the era of the Achaemenid Empire. The carpet was discovered in 1949 by Soviet archaeologists and is now kept in the Hermitage. The shape is a small square, only 200 x 183 cm.
This amazing woven fabric is made of geometric patterns. It is based on natural dyes (well preserved). The felt patterns are highly detailed and geometric, featuring animals such as deer, horses and birds, as well as stylized warriors. The level of craftsmanship and detailed execution of this carpet amazes even experts in the field of carpet weaving.
"Spring carpet"
Woven for Emperor Khosrow I to commemorate his triumph over Rome and the capture of Arabia, it is a stunning work of art. The huge carpet had the following dimensions: 122 by 30 square meters. meters and weighed several tons. The main pattern of the carpet depicted a garden with trees in spring. Its dimensions allowed the king to walk along the carpet, admire the pattern, as well as the personification of his wealth and power.
In the past, it was believed that by spreading it on the floor, one could hear the spring wind rustle the leaves and smell the flowers. Unfortunately, this unique and beautiful piece of art was destroyed by Arab warriors during their invasion and its whereabouts remain unknown.
It’s hard to imagine what its price would be.
Ardabil carpet
Named after the city of Ardabil, located in northwestern Iran. The origin of the Ardabil carpet can be traced back to the 16th century. It is considered one of the oldest and most valuable types of Persian carpets. Today it is owned by the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
Its size is 1044 × 535.5 centimeters. At the center of its floral and geometric design is a yellow medallion. Along the edge there is a repeating border. The pattern consists of deep reds, blues and greens with hints of yellow and ivory. The density of knots on the Ardabil carpet is about 1000-1200 knots per square centimeter.
What is the secret of their popularity so far?
Beauty and luxury. Persian rugs with oriental designs are known for their intricate geometric designs. Floral and medallion patterns with motifs of animals, birds, gardens, landscapes, and events from people’s lives are also valued. They look especially chic on silk carpets.
Durability and strength. Pile and lint-free carpets are made from high-quality materials - natural wool and silk. Such fabrics have high knot strength: over 250,000 knots per square meter. meter (there are also 750 thousand knots). This density is the result of painstaking handwork by craftsmen.
Versatility and comfort. Rugs come in a variety of colors, sizes, and styles, so you can find something to suit your home’s decor. They can be used in the bedroom, living room, hallway, kitchen and even in the bathroom.
Silk and wool carpets with medium or long pile create a feeling of coziness in the room and guarantee a pleasant tactile sensation.
Cultural and material value. These woven products are considered works of art, as they are created using technologies passed down from generation to generation. As a rule, their value only increases with age, making them a good investment.
Environmentally friendly. They are made from natural materials such as wool and silk, which are renewable resources. They are safe for both the environment and people. The manufacturing process of Persian rugs is also more environmentally friendly as it does not rely on electricity or other forms of energy.