The enchanting beauty of Heriz rugs is woven not just with threads and colors but with the very imagination and soul of their weavers. These master artisans, known as “memory weavers” (Zehni Bafan), conjure intricate Lachak-Toranj (corner-medallion) designs from memory, breathing life into patterns without the aid of predefined templates. This artistry and creative freedom double the allure of Heriz rugs, elevating them to a prestigious place among the world’s finest village-woven carpets.
Heriz: A Name as Majestic as Mount Sabalan | Mount Sabalan, NW Iran
The History of Heriz Rugs
Nestled in the East Azerbaijan province of Iran, Heriz is one of the most important and renowned centers of Persian rug weaving. Rug weaving here isn’t just a craft—it’s a deeply rooted tradition passed down through generations. The weavers rely on their cultural aesthetics, personal creativity, and ancestral motifs, allowing each rug to tell a unique story.
The practice of weaving from memory means that many factors influence the patterns, including the weaver’s age, gender, geographical environment, social conditions, customs, and religious beliefs. This results in a rich tapestry of designs that are as diverse as they are beautiful.
Heriz rugs are celebrated as the finest in the Azerbaijan region, known for their heavy, durable, and distinctive qualities. Despite their high quality, they remain accessible and are cherished for their affordability. Rug weaving has been common in this area since the early 19th century, and possibly even earlier.
Geographical situation of East Azerbaijan province, Iran
Cecil Edwards, a noted rug expert, once remarked:
“I believe we can recount the events that transpired in this field with relative certainty. Tabriz merchants knew that Western countries desired medallion-patterned rugs rather than the narrow, repetitive designs previously produced in villages. Therefore, it became essential for a merchant to send one of the traditional flowing medallion designs—the Lachak-Toranj pattern—to villages like Goravan, Bakhshayesh, or Heriz and observe how the rural weavers would adapt it. Naturally, what was expected came to pass.”
In the past, Heriz weavers also produced exceptionally fine silk rugs. Their masterful craftsmanship and captivating designs were so exquisite that these rugs were often mistaken for those woven in Tabriz.
The Unique Handkerchief Patterns (Cheshni) of Heriz
Heriz weavers employ three primary methods for pattern weaving: Naqshe, Ornak, and Cheshni.
- Naqshe: This method uses detailed designs drawn on graph paper, guiding the weaver with precise patterns.
- Ornak: In this approach, a small woven sample containing various motifs is used. The sample is hung beside the loom, allowing the weaver to reference and incorporate desired patterns into the rug.
- Cheshni: Perhaps the most distinctive method, Cheshni involves small cloth templates, often less than 12 by 12 inches (30 by 30 centimeters), locally known as “Cheshni” or “handkerchief patterns.” These are plain white cotton fabrics on which the desired design is drawn using ink and brush. An interesting aspect is that while the designs are drawn with curved lines, when woven, these lines manifest as semi-geometric and semi-curved shapes due to the weaving technique.
This practice showcases the weavers’ remarkable ability to translate fluid, artistic designs into the angular medium of hand-woven rugs, resulting in pieces that are both structured and organically beautiful.
A Heriz Design Soumak | Rug the Rock Collection
Characteristics of Heriz Rugs
Heriz rugs are typically woven with a robust two-weft structure and feature a high, coarse pile. The knot density, a crucial factor in determining the fineness and detail of a rug, varies between wool and silk rugs and is traditionally measured in Raj—a unit representing the number of knots within a 2.75-inch (7-centimeter) span.
- Wool Rugs: With a Raj count of 20 to 30, these rugs have a knot density ranging from approximately 50 to 120 knots per square inch (kpsi).
- Silk Rugs: The finer silk rugs boast a Raj count of 50 to 60, translating to an impressive knot density of about 330 to 475 knots per square inch.
Conversion Note: To convert Raj to knots per square inch, we calculate the number of knots per centimeter by dividing the Raj count by 7 (since Raj is knots per 7 centimeters), then convert centimeters to inches (1 inch = 2.54 cm), and square the result for knots per square inch.
Despite being woven in a similar style, each Heriz rug possesses its own unique characteristics, as the weavers imbue their personal touch and creativity into every piece. Common sizes for contemporary Heriz rugs are approximately 6.5 x 10 feet (2 x 3 meters) and 8 x 11.5 feet (2.5 x 3.5 meters).
The symmetrical Turkish knot (also known as the Ghiordes knot) is used, contributing to the durability and resilience of the rugs. The robust construction and substantial knot density make Heriz rugs not only visually striking but also long-lasting—a true investment in art and functionality.
Notable areas that follow the Heriz rug style include: Mehraban, Sharabian, Villages of Goravan, Bakhshayesh, Qarajeh
A Persian Gorevan Heriz | Rug the Rock Collection
Designs and Motifs
The signature design of Heriz rugs is the Lachak-Toranj (corner-medallion) pattern, often rendered in a geometric and broken style, locally referred to as “Gosheh-Gobak.” The central medallions are typically grand, sometimes extending close to the borders, dominating the field of the rug. The corners (Lachak) frequently mirror the medallion, creating a harmonious and balanced design.
Heriz rugs are known by various names based on their specific patterns and motifs:
- Ghach Khatun (Dash-Khatun): Features a medallion on a plain background.
- Haj Azimi: Characterized by a lozenge-shaped medallion.
- Yeddi Gol (Seven Flowers): Incorporates seven distinct floral motifs.
- Sabouri and Esmaeil Beg: Named after local figures or styles, showcasing unique patterns.
- Pasha Pash (All-over): Features a continuous design without a central medallion.
- Tajeri (Stepped Corner): Showcases stepped motifs in the corners.
- Samad Khani: Features a circular central medallion with intricate details.
Samad Khani Design Heriz | Rug the Rock Collection
Border Designs:
- Samovar (or Turtle) Border: A stylized motif resembling a samovar or a turtle, symbolizing hospitality and longevity.
- Balik Shamaama Border: Combines fish-like leaves with large, round flowers, creating a dynamic and captivating design. The term “Balik” means fish, and “Shamaama” refers to a large, round flower.
A Balik Shamaama Border
Color Palette
Heriz is globally renowned for its colors and natural dyeing techniques. Heriz weavers choose their preferred colors from shades of reddish-brown, light and dark pink, light and dark blue, and ivory. The predominant color of the rug fields is red with navy blue borders, and the main colors include dark red, light red, navy blue, black, yellow, and green.
A Fading Tradition
Now, this tradition is fading! The production of new authentic Heriz rugs is almost zero, and nearly every weaver in Iran has left the profession. We see new replicas from other countries like India or Pakistan, but do they really express the feeling of the weaver or reflect the cultural heritage? Can they last and gain value over time?
We don’t think so. Due to shortcuts in production, the use of lower-quality materials, and a lack of artistic value, which is the main reason for the investment value of Persian rugs, they cannot compare to the authentic ones. The designs originally come from the Heriz region in Iran and reflect the cultural heritage and beliefs of the local people. This self-expression makes the authentic rugs valuable works of art.
An Azeri woman weaving a Heriz rug, Azerbaijan Province, Iran
Heriz rugs are not just floor coverings; they are works of art that embody the spirit and culture of their makers. Each rug is a tapestry of imagination, skill, and tradition, reflecting the weaver’s personal journey and the collective heritage of Heriz.
Their enchanting beauty, durability, and unique designs have secured Heriz rugs a prestigious place among the world’s most treasured village-woven carpets. Whether adorning a grand hall or adding warmth to a cozy living room, a Heriz rug brings with it a legacy of artistry and a touch of Persian elegance.
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