Types of Persian Rugs: A Guide for Rug Lovers

Persian rugs are among the most exquisite and sought-after carpets in the world. They have a rich history that dates back to ancient times when royalty, wealth, and artistry used them as symbols. Skilled artisans hand-knot different type of Persian rugs using natural fibers such as wool, silk, and cotton.

Various types of Persian rugs represent different social contexts of their weavers. They were crafted by nomadic tribes, villagers, and skilled artisans in urban centers in Iran, historically known as Persia. These types and their unique characteristics are worth exploring.

Different ethnic groups’ traditions and history are reflected in nomadic or tribal carpets. Their designs still showcase tribal elements even though they were originally made for personal use. By the 1970s however changing lifestyles and policies led to a decline in traditional weaving among major nomadic tribes.

Regional markets often name village carpets after the market centers or specific villages where they are brought. They have less intricate but highly stylized designs. Their weaving process on simple vertical looms can result in variations in width irregular sides and occasional mistakes in detail and they commonly use warps made of wool.

Carpets became symbols of luxury and social status as rug weaving techniques evolved. In urban city centers renowned master weavers crafted exceptional pieces producing the finest Persian rugs. Some of these masters established their reputations by signing their work.

Please note that while some rugs may have originated in specific cities, villages, or tribal regions, their production and influence can extend beyond those areas. The categorization above serves as a general guideline based on historical origins and traditional weaving practices.

 

Types of City or Workshop Persian Rugs

Tabriz

Tabriz One of the oldest and most famous centers of Persian rug production is Tabriz. It is located in the northwest of Iran, near the border with Azerbaijan. Tabriz rugs have high quality, durability, and variety of designs. They can range from floral motifs to geometric patterns, from medallions to hunting scenes, from pictorial rugs to prayer rugs. A combination of colors such as red, blue, ivory, green, and gold often features on Tabriz rugs. They usually have a dense pile and a tight weave, with a knot count of up to 1,000 per square inch.

 

  

The Ardabil Carpet is one of the most famous Tabriz rugs. It is displayed in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. In the 16th century it was made for the shrine of Sheikh Safi al-Din in Ardabil. It is considered one of the finest examples of Persian art.

Read more about Persian Tabriz rugs

Kashan

In central Iran, Kashan is another historic city that has been producing Persian rugs since the 16th century. Kashan rugs have elegance and refinement. They often feature floral designs with a central medallion or an all-over pattern. A variety of colors such as red, blue, beige, green, and brown often features on Kashan rugs. High-quality wool or silk sometimes with metal threads for extra shine make Kashan rugs. They have a soft pile and a medium to high knot density ranging from 200 to 600 per square inch.

Mohtasham one of the best-known Kashan weavers in the 19th century made some of the most famous Kashan rugs.

 

Read more about Persian Kashan rugs

 

Isfahan

Isfahan Isfahan is another renowned city for Persian rug making. It is located in the center of Iran and was once the capital of the Safavid dynasty, which ruled Iran from 1501 to 1736. Isfahan rugs have elegance and sophistication. They often feature symmetrical designs with a central medallion surrounded by floral or arabesque patterns. A rich palette of colors such as blue, red, pink, yellow, and green often features on Isfahan rugs. Fine wool or silk sometimes mixed with gold or silver threads make Isfahan rugs. They have a smooth pile and a high knot density ranging from 300 to 700 per square inch.

Master weavers such as Hajji Reza, Seirafian, and Emami made some of the most famous Isfahan rugs.

 

 

Nain

Nain In the 1930s, Nain, a city in central Iran, started producing Persian rugs. These rugs have simplicity and elegance. Floral designs with a central medallion or an all-over pattern often feature on them. Nain rugs use a limited palette of colors such as blue, beige, ivory, and brown. Fine wool or wool-silk blends sometimes with metal threads for extra contrast make Nain rugs. They have a thin pile and a high knot density ranging from 300 to 900 per square inch. Fathollah Habibian who is considered the master of Nain rug weaving made some of the most famous Nain rugs.

 

 

Mashad / Khorasan

Mashad / Khorasan As one of the largest and most important cities in northeastern Iran, Mashad is a major center of Persian rug production. Its rugs have fine quality, high knot density, and elaborate designs. A large central medallion surrounded by floral motifs, arabesques, and animal figures often features on them. Mashad rugs use a rich color palette of red, blue, ivory, green, and gold. Wool or wool and silk blends sometimes with metal threads for extra luster make Mashad rugs.

 

Read more about Persian Mashad rugs

 

Kerman

Kerman Since the 16th century, Kerman, a city in southeastern Iran, has been producing Persian rugs. These rugs have elegance and sophistication. Curvilinear designs with floral motifs, medallions, vases, trees, or pictorial scenes often feature on them. Kerman rugs use a wide range of colors such as red, blue, green, purple, pink, and ivory. Wool or silk or both make Kerman rugs.

 

 

Mahal

Mahallat in the Arak (Sultanabad) region of western Iran produces Mahal rugs. These rugs have a casual and charming style, which often features floral or geometric patterns with a rustic appeal. A variety of colors such as red, blue, green, pink, orange, and beige often features on Mahal rugs. They are made with wool or cotton, and have a medium pile and a medium weave.

 

 

Qom

Qum is a city in central Iran that started producing Persian rugs in the early 20th century. Qom rugs rank among the finest and most expensive Persian rugs in the market. They have intricate designs and exquisite craftsmanship. Floral or animal motifs with a central medallion or an all-over pattern often feature on them. A wide range of colors such as blue, red, green, purple, and white often features on Qom rugs. Pure silk or wool-silk blends sometimes with gold or silver threads for extra luxury make Qom rugs. They have a very fine pile and a very high knot density ranging from 600 to 1,200 per square inch.

Habibian who is considered the father of Qom rug weaving made some of the most famous Qom rugs.

 

 

Types of Village Persian Rugs

Bidjar

The town of Bijar in western Iran weaves Bijar rugs also known as Bidjar rugs. These rugs have durability and sturdiness which make them highly regarded. A dense pile and tightly packed knots give them a thick heavy feel. They have intricate designs floral motifs and rich color palette.

 

 Read more about Persian Bidjar rugs

 

Heriz

Since the 19th century, Heriz, a town in northwest Iran, has been producing Persian rugs. These rugs have a bold and rustic style. Geometric designs with a large central medallion and corner motifs often feature on them. A vibrant palette of colors such as red, blue, yellow, green, and orange often features on Heriz rugs. They are made with coarse wool and have a thick pile and a loose weave with a knot count of around 100 per square inch. Heriz rugs are durable and can withstand heavy traffic. Serapi, a name given to the finest quality of Heriz rugs, made some of the most famous Heriz rugs.

 

 

Hamadan

As the center of a large rug-weaving area, Hamadan is a city in western Iran. Its rugs have diversity and variety of designs. Floral motifs such as Herati or Boteh (paisley), geometric motifs such as medallions or diamonds, or tribal motifs such as animals or humans can feature on them. A range of colors such as red, blue, brown, yellow, and ivory often features on Hamadan rugs. They are made with wool or cotton.

 

 

Zanjan

Located in northwestern Iran, Zanjan produces Persian rugs similar to Hamadan rugs. Zanjan rugs have geometric designs with medallions or all-over patterns. A range of colors such as red, blue, brown, yellow, and ivory often features on Zanjan rugs. They are often made with wool on cotton.

 

 

Karaja

Karaja rugs also called Karajeh Gharajeh are handmade in or near the village of Qarajeh just south of the Azerbaijan border northeast of Tabriz. Like Heriz rugs Karaja rugs have a bold and rustic style. Geometric designs with large medallions and corner pieces often feature on them. A vibrant palette of colors such as red, blue, yellow, green, and orange often features on Karaja rugs. They are made with coarse wool and have a thick pile and a loose weave.

 

 

Sarouk

Sarugh is a village in central Iran that produces Persian rugs similar to Farahan rugs. Sarouk rugs have strength and charm. They often feature floral designs with medallions or all-over patterns. A range of colors such as red, blue, beige, green, and pink often features on Sarouk rugs. Fine wool with a compact weave make Sarouk rugs.

 

 

Malayer

Malayer is a town in western Iran that produces Persian rugs similar to Sarouk rugs. Malayer rugs have simplicity and elegance. They often feature floral designs with medallions or all-over patterns. A range of colors such as red, blue, ivory, green, and brown often features on Malayer rugs. Fine wool with a smooth pile and a medium weave make Malayer rugs.

 

 

Types of Tribal Persian Rugs

Baluch

The Baluch nomads who live in the border regions of Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan weave Baluch rugs. These rugs have tribal, geometric designs which include prayer, medallion, and all-over patterns. A limited range of colors such as dark blue, brown, black, red, and ivory often features on Baluch rugs. They are made with wool or goat hair and have a coarse pile and a loose weave. Baluch rugs often have a rugged and rustic appearance reflecting the heritage and traditions of the Baluch tribes.

 

 

Abadeh

Similar to Shiraz rugs Abadeh rugs come from a town in southern Iran. They have tribal designs with geometric motifs such as diamonds hexagons stars and animals. A combination of colors such as red blue brown ivory and yellow often features on Abadeh rugs. They are made with wool or cotton.

 

 

Senneh

The Kurdish people who live in the Sanandaj region of western Iran weave Senneh rugs. These rugs have fine quality and intricate designs. Floral motifs such as Herati or Boteh (paisley) geometric motifs such as medallions or diamonds or pictorial motifs such as animals or humans often feature on them. A range of colors such as red blue green yellow and ivory often features on Senneh rugs. They are made with wool or silk and have a thin pile and a tight weave.

 

 

Turkmen

Persian Turkmen tribes who live in northeastern Iran weave Persian Turkmen rugs. These rugs have tribal designs with geometric motifs such as guls (octagonal medallions) stars diamonds and animals. A limited range of colors such as red brown black white and yellow often features on Persian Turkmen rugs. They are made with wool or camel hair and have a coarse pile and a loose weave.

 

 

 

Shiraz

From the city of Shiraz in southwestern Iran come Shiraz rugs. Their tribal designs bold geometric patterns and vibrant colors characterize them. Stylized animal motifs tree of life designs and a warm color palette often feature on Shiraz rugs.

 

 

Afshar

The Afshar tribe who live in southeastern Iran weave Afshar rugs. These rugs have tribal designs which often feature geometric motifs such as diamonds hexagons stars and animals. A combination of colors such as red blue brown ivory and yellow often features on Afshar rugs. They are made with wool or cotton and have a dense pile and a tight weave.

 

 

Kurdish

Persian Kurdish people who live in various regions of Iran weave Persian Kurdish rugs. These rugs have tribal designs with geometric motifs such as diamonds hexagons stars and animals. A variety of colors such as red blue green yellow orange and pink often features on Persian Kurdish rugs. They are made with wool or cotton.

 

 

Qashqai

The Qashqai nomads who live in the Fars province of southwestern Iran weave Qashqai rugs. These rugs have tribal designs with geometric motifs such as guls (octagonal medallions), stars, diamonds, and animals. A range of colors such as red, blue, brown, ivory, and yellow often features on Qashqai rugs. They are made with wool or goat hair.

 

 

Khamesh

The Khamseh confederation of tribes who live in southwestern Iran weave Khamseh rugs. These rugs have tribal designs with geometric motifs such as diamonds, hexagons, stars, and animals. A combination of colors such as red, blue, brown, ivory, and yellow often features on Khamseh rugs. They are made with wool or cotton.

 

 

Gabbeh

Nomadic tribes in various regions of Iran handmake Gabbeh rugs. They have a thick pile, simple designs, and bold colors. Abstract geometric patterns, animal motifs, and a cozy, rustic appeal often feature on Gabbeh rugs.

 

 

For many people in the West, oriental carpets are synonymous with Persian carpets. This is of course not correct, but the mistake is understandable considering the influences of Persian carpet manufacturing worldwide. The Swedish writer Knut Larson says in his book about oriental carpets: “The Persians preserve their carpet culture carefully. Their art of weaving carpets is something superior, it is the best in the world”.

 

As a remarkable form of art, Persian rugs showcase the skill and creativity of Iranian weavers. They have many types, each with its own features and style. Not only are they beautiful to look at, but they are also durable and valuable. They can enhance any space with their elegance and charm. If you are interested in learning more about the types of Persian rugs or seeing some of our collection, please visit our website or contact us  today.