History of the Persian carpets

Based on the Quranic verses, God created the world in six days: at first, in the limitless world, the seven heavens were created and the stars began to shining and then the beautiful carpet of Earth was beneath of them while mountains strengthening them.
The Iranian carpet is a conceptual and symbolic allegory of heaven and heavenly gardens, and at the same time it is in full compliance with architectural and design of Persian gardens to manifest the eternality and immortality of the world and heavenly gardens. The history of Persian carpet is inextricably linked with the history of ancient Iran.
The art of weaving carpet in Iran has been transmitted from generation to generation and is considered the most treasured family heritage. Following the history of the Persian carpet provides a good review of the progress trend in one of the greatest civilizations of the world.
This gift is presented by our gallery to continue the trend of transmitting Iranian cultural and historical values.

We would like to acquaint you with the art and history of Persian carpets. Carpets have been weaved in Iran for more than 3000 years. “Pazirik” carpet (the Hermitage museum, St. Petersburg) is the oldest and the most famous of them.
The most ancient natural carpet (knotted carpet) known as “pazirik” was found in the Pazirik canyon (from which it took its name) in the Altay Mountains in the south Siberia. This carpet was found in the crypt which could be the tomb of a massaget (representative of one of the nomaclic tribes). Many people think it is referred to Achamedian period, which means it’s more than 2400 years old. Till the 7 th decade of the 20 th century (1960) this tomb was referred to as a massaget’s prince tomb.

“Pazirik” is the most famous hand-made carpet which was found by the archaeological expedition under the guidance of the famous Soviet archaeologist Sergey Rudenko in the chunk ice in 1949. The secret of the wonderful carpet preservation till present time is its being in the ice for centuries. Mr. Rudenko was the first to find apparent similarity of “pazarik” and relief pictures of Persepolis (Takhte-Jamshid).

Pazirik Carpet Iran,
Achaemenid 32 symmetric knots in a square centimeter 200cm x 183cm
Hermitage museum in Saint PetersburgHand-made Persian carpets take front rank in the world in quality and unique.

Unfortunately, since recent time many countries started copying patterns of Persian carpets but in fact the quality of copied items is worse. Selfish people sell these fake carpets made of artificial wool and silk in world markets as Persian ones.
Every Iranian city has its own ornaments and pattern. Carpets are divided into three main groups:
1. Classical carpets with patterns,
2. Carpets without patterns,
3. Carpets without pile (kilim).

Peculiarity of Persian carpets is that with time they become real antiques. While transmitted from generation, carpet becomes more and more valuable.
Another peculiarity of Persian carpets is uniqueness of their use in various interiors.
Authentic Persian (Iranian) carpet is so magnificent that people cannot help looking at it. Due to a special manufacturing technique Persian carpet is a long-lived one – it is a purchase for life. At present time HAND-MADE Persian carpets weaved in IRAN can be purchased in Minsk.

Carpets are weaved everywhere in Iran, both in ordinary families and at big factories. Like thousands years ago they are weaved by hand. Technology of carpet manufacturing is kept from the times when Iran was inhabited by nomadic tribes. Heart-rending bleat fill Iranian pastures twice a year – when sheep shearing begins. Wool sheared in spring is considered particularly valuable. During winter sheep wool grows long and thick. Depending on the sheep color the wool sheared can be white, brown, yellowish brown, yellow and grey, and its quality varies on different body parts. Belly wool is considered the most valuable. In general, about TEN kinds of wool can be obtained from a single sheep. Then the wool is transformed into yarn. To produce yarn dyes everything that can be taken from the generous nature is used including walnut shells, grape leaves, asparagus sprouts, pomegranate peel. Indigo is used to obtain blue dye; saffron, turmeric, rhubarb, onion peel – yellow one; madder roots and mahogany – red; oak bark, acorn, walnut and tea peeling – black and brown. Carpet making is impossible without famous Iranian henna. 

Even fruit kernels are not wasted in Iran – wonderful dye fixing agent is made of them. 

Fabric wrap of carpet can be woolen, silk or cotton. Subtle fingers of weavers make knots on the warp. The more the quantity of knots per unit area, the better the carpet quality is. Density of elite woolen carpets can come up to 900 thousands knots per square meter. The knots availability signifies that the carpet is really hand-made. After every 7-10 cm weaved the carpet is trimmed and 2-2.5 cm pile remains. 

In the center of a Persian carpet there is a medallion similar to a tripped flower. Its meaning is interpreted in different ways: all-seeing eye, lotus flower, mirror reflection of the pattern covering inner side of mosque dome. All other carpet details are grouped around the medallion. Rose images are often included in the pattern. In Persian cultural tradition rose is a symbol of wonderful but transient life. Leave is a symbol of water, almond, pinecone or palm tree.Hunting scenes weaved on a carpet represent life in paradise. Blooming garden is also often depicted on carpets.

Persian carpet on the wall or on the floor illustrates a good taste of house masters and is an example of high style.Persian carpet is a really unique product because there is no similar one. It can decorate any room. But from designers’ point of view Persian carpet suits better for classical interiors. Carpet makers claim that in the interior decorated with Persian carpet one will always find a peace of mind.

As a rule,carpet sellers give the opportunity to try several items and choose the most appropriate one. When choosing a carpet it’s necessary to follow certain rules. In a room which faces north it’s preferable to put a light tone carpet while in a south room – a carpet of saturated color. Carpet can be in harmony or in contrast with color spectrum of the room. Dark carpet will make a spacious living room very cozy. The carpet of grey or any light color will visually enlarge a small room.

Persian carpet suits even interiors in high-tech style. But one should be careful here: artificial materials do not match natural ones. Anyway, high-tech style is based on eclecticism or, in other words, on stylistic blending. Office carpet adds reliability and portliness to atmosphere and influence to the office owner in guests’ opinion.

Persian carpet is a highest quality product.

Persian carpet is:
- décor for your interior;
- precious gift for those you love;
- made from natural silk;
- or natural wool;
- natural dyes together with nice patterns and pictures made up by Iranian masters.

Natural materials and dyes, pleasant ornaments and patterns are used in Persian carpets. Some scientists claim that Persian help to strengthen humans’ health and nervous system by creating calm and cozy atmosphere.

Buying hand-made Persian carpet you only bring peace and comfort to you home, but acquire a treasure which will be transmitted across the generations.

Persian carpet is décor for you interior, precious gift for those you love.
Persian carpet is natural silk, natural wool, natural dues together with nice pattern and pictures made up by Iranian masters.