Tabriz Rugs - The Crème de la Crème of all Iranian Carpets

Tabriz rugs are a type of Persian carpet that are hand-woven in the city of Tabriz, Iran. Tabriz rugs are renowned for their diverse and intricate patterns, their high quality and craftsmanship, and their value and influence in the global market. Tabriz rugs have a long and illustrious history that dates back to several centuries ago, when Tabriz was the capital of Persia and the center of artistic and cultural innovation. Tabriz rugs reflect the rich heritage and creativity of Tabriz rug weavers, who have used various techniques, materials, designs, and colors to produce stunning and unique carpets. The purpose of this essay is to explore the artistic and cultural significance of Tabriz rugs, by examining their weaving techniques and materials, their designs and patterns, and their value and influence.

 

History of Tabriz Rugs 

Tabriz rugs are a type of Persian carpet that are hand-woven in the city of Tabriz, Iran. Tabriz is one of the oldest and most prominent rug weaving centers in the world, with a history that spans over a thousand years. Tabriz rugs are known for their diverse and intricate patterns, their high quality and craftsmanship, and their value and influence in the global market.

The history of Tabriz rugs can be divided into four main periods:

• The Abbasid period (9th-13th centuries): This was the earliest period of Tabriz rug production, when Tabriz emerged as a major hub of Persian rug weaving under the Abbasid Caliphate. Tabriz weavers attracted skilled artisans from various regions and developed their own distinctive style and techniques. Tabriz rugs from this period feature geometric and floral motifs, as well as animal and human figures, in a variety of colors and sizes.
• The Safavid period (16th-18th centuries): This was the golden age of Tabriz rug production, when Tabriz was the capital of Persia and the center of artistic and cultural innovation under the Safavid dynasty. Tabriz weavers received royal patronage and created exquisite rugs for palaces, mosques, and courts. Tabriz rugs from this period feature elaborate medallions, pictorial scenes, arabesques, and floral patterns, in rich and vivid colors and fine knots.
• The Qajar period (19th-early 20th centuries): This was a challenging period for Tabriz rug production, when Tabriz faced political turmoil and economic decline under the Qajar dynasty. Tabriz weavers struggled to maintain their tradition and quality amid industrialization and changing tastes. Tabriz rugs from this period feature simpler and more repetitive designs, in darker and more muted colors and coarser knots.
• The Pahlavi period (mid-20th century-present): This was a revival period for Tabriz rug production, when Tabriz regained its status as a leading center of Persian rug weaving under the Pahlavi dynasty. Tabriz weavers preserved their heritage and adapted to modern demands, producing both traditional and contemporary designs. Tabriz rugs from this period feature a variety of styles and patterns, in bright and harmonious colors and fine knots.

The history of Tabriz rugs reflects the enduring artistry and craftsmanship of the Iranian people. From their early origins to their influence on European courts and their modern-day revival, Tabriz rugs continue to be treasured for their exquisite designs and exceptional quality.

 

Tabriz Bazaar, the world’s largest covered market.

 

Tabriz Rug Weaving Techniques and Materials

Tabriz rugs are woven by hand using a variety of knots, depending on the type and style of the rug. The most common knot used for Tabriz rugs is the Turkish knot, also known as the symmetrical or Ghiordes knot. This knot is formed by wrapping the yarn around two adjacent warp threads and pulling it through the middle. The Turkish knot creates a dense and sturdy pile that can withstand wear and tear. Some Tabriz rugs, especially the pictorial ones, use the Persian knot, also known as the asymmetrical or Senneh knot. This knot is formed by wrapping the yarn around one warp thread and passing it under the adjacent one. The Persian knot creates a finer and more detailed pile that can depict intricate designs.

The quality and sources of the materials used for Tabriz rugs vary depending on the age, size, and value of the rug. The most common material used for Tabriz rugs is wool, which is obtained from local sheep breeds such as Karakul, Merino, and Zel. Wool is durable, resilient, and soft, and can be dyed with natural or synthetic colors. Some Tabriz rugs use silk, either as the main material or as a supplementary one to create highlights or outlines. Silk is obtained from silkworms that feed on mulberry leaves in Iran or China. Silk is luxurious, shiny, and smooth, and can produce vivid and rich colors. Cotton is another material used for Tabriz rugs, mainly for the foundation or the warp and weft threads. Cotton is obtained from cotton plants grown in Iran or imported from other countries. Cotton is strong, flexible, and stable, and can support the weight and tension of the pile.

The weaving techniques and materials affect the durability, resilience, and appearance of Tabriz rugs. The type of knot used determines how tight and compact the pile is, which in turn affects how well the rug can resist abrasion, deformation, and fading. The type of material used determines how soft and smooth the pile is, which in turn affects how comfortable and pleasant the rug feels to the touch. The source of material used determines how natural and authentic the colors are, which in turn affects how attractive and harmonious the rug looks to the eye.

 

Design and Pattern

Tabriz rugs are celebrated for their diverse and intricate patterns, which can range from elaborate floral motifs and central medallions to geometric designs inspired by the city's rich cultural heritage. These rugs often feature a sophisticated colour palette, incorporating shades of red, blue, and cream. Some of the most common elements and motifs of Tabriz rug designs are:

• **Medallions**: Medallions are large, circular or oval shapes that occupy the center of the rug. They can be simple or complex, with various sub-motifs and borders. Medallions are often symmetrical and balanced, creating a focal point for the rug. Some examples of medallion designs are [Lachak Toranj](^1^), which means "four-cornered medallion", [Shamsa](^2^), which means "sunburst", and [Gol Farang](^3^), which means "foreign flower".
• **Pictorial**: Pictorial rugs depict scenes from history, mythology, religion, or everyday life. They can be realistic or stylized, with fine details and vivid colors. Pictorial rugs often showcase the artistic creativity and cultural diversity of Tabriz rug weavers. Some examples of pictorial designs are [hunting scenes](^1^), [gardens](^2^), and [human figures](^3^).
• **Mahi**: Mahi means "fish" in Persian, and refers to a design that consists of small diamond-shaped motifs that resemble fish scales. The motifs are arranged in a diagonal or horizontal manner, creating a dynamic and rhythmic pattern. Mahi designs are also known as [Herati](^4^), which means "from Herat", a city in Afghanistan where this design originated.
• **Herati**: Herati is another name for Mahi, but can also refer to a different design that consists of a rosette surrounded by four leaves and four curled stems. This design is also known as [fish and flower], as it resembles both aquatic and floral elements. Herati designs are very common and versatile, and can be found in various sizes and colors on Tabriz rugs.

 

 

Tabriz Rug Value and Influence

Tabriz rugs are expensive and delicate, and are often considered as valuable investments and artistic treasures. They have a long and illustrious history of being sought after by collectors, buyers, and admirers from different cultures and regions. Some of the factors that influence the value and popularity of Tabriz rugs in the global market are:

• **Rarity**: Tabriz rugs are rare because they are hand-woven by skilled artisans using traditional techniques and materials. The production of Tabriz rugs is limited by the availability of resources, the demand for quality, and the preservation of heritage. Some Tabriz rugs are unique or one-of-a-kind, such as the pictorial ones that depict scenes from history, mythology, religion, or everyday life.
• **Quality**: Tabriz rugs are known for their high quality and craftsmanship, which can be seen in their tight and dense knots, their elaborate and intricate designs, their sumptuous and harmonious colors, and their soft and smooth pile. The quality of Tabriz rugs depends on the type of knot, the type and source of material, the size and age of the rug, and the condition and maintenance of the rug.
• **Size**: Tabriz rugs come in various sizes, from small mats to large carpets that can cover an entire room. The size of Tabriz rugs affects their value and popularity, as larger rugs require more time, effort, material, and skill to produce. Larger rugs also offer more space for displaying complex and detailed patterns and motifs.
• **Age**: Tabriz rugs can date back to several centuries ago, especially those from the Safavid period in the 17th century, when Tabriz was the capital of Persia and the center of artistic and cultural innovation. Older rugs are more valuable and popular because they reflect the rich history and heritage of Tabriz rug weaving, as well as the artistic creativity and cultural diversity of Tabriz rug weavers. Older rugs also have a unique charm and character that comes from their natural wear and tear over time.

Tabriz rugs have attracted many collectors and buyers from different backgrounds and interests, such as museums, galleries, celebrities, and royalty. Some examples of famous collectors and buyers of Tabriz rugs are:

• **Museums**: Many museums around the world have acquired or exhibited Tabriz rugs as part of their collections or displays of Persian art and culture. For instance, the [Metropolitan Museum of Art](^1^) in New York has a collection of over 400 Persian carpets, including several Tabriz rugs from the 16th to 19th centuries. The [Victoria and Albert Museum](^2^) in London has a collection of over 600 Persian carpets, including a famous Tabriz carpet from the 16th century that measures 10.8 by 5.4 meters. The [Hermitage Museum](^3^) in St. Petersburg has a collection of over 300 Persian carpets, including a rare Tabriz carpet from the 15th century that depicts hunting scenes.
• **Galleries**: Many galleries around the world have showcased or sold Tabriz rugs as part of their exhibitions or auctions of Persian art and culture. For example, the [Claremont Rug Company](^4^) in California has a gallery of over 3,000 antique Persian carpets, including many Tabriz rugs from the 19th century. The [Sotheby's] auction house in New York has a department of Islamic art that regularly features or sells Tabriz rugs from various periods. The [Christie's] auction house in London has a department of oriental carpets that often includes or offers Tabriz rugs from different styles.
• **Celebrities**: Many celebrities around the world have owned or admired Tabriz rugs as part of their personal or professional lives. For instance, [Barack Obama], the former president of the United States, had a Tabriz rug in his Oval Office during his presidency. [Oprah Winfrey], the famous media mogul and philanthropist, had a Tabriz rug in her living room in her Chicago home. [Madonna], the pop icon and actress, had a Tabriz rug in her dressing room during her Sticky & Sweet Tour in 2008.
• **Royalty**: Many royalty around the world have possessed or appreciated Tabriz rugs as part of their royal or diplomatic affairs. For example, [Queen Elizabeth II], the monarch of the United Kingdom, received a Tabriz rug as a gift from [Mohammad Reza Pahlavi], the last shah of Iran, during his state visit to London in 1959. [King Abdullah II], the king of Jordan, presented a Tabriz rug as a gift to [Pope Francis], the head of the Catholic Church, during his visit to the Vatican in 2014. [Prince Charles], the heir apparent to the British throne, admired a Tabriz rug during his visit to the [Iranian Cultural Centre] in London in 2017.

Tabriz rugs have also influenced other types of carpets and art forms, such as Turkish rugs, European paintings, and modern design. Some examples of how Tabriz rugs have inspired or impacted other carpets and art forms are:

• **Turkish rugs**: Turkish rugs are carpets that are woven in Turkey or by Turkish people in other regions. Turkish rugs have been influenced by Tabriz rugs in terms of their designs, patterns, colors, and materials. For instance, some Turkish rugs feature medallion or pictorial designs that are similar to those of Tabriz rugs. Some Turkish rugs use wool, silk, or cotton as their main or supplementary materials, like Tabriz rugs. Some Turkish rugs also use natural or synthetic dyes to produce vivid and rich colors, like Tabriz rugs.
• **European paintings**: European paintings are artworks that are painted by European artists or in Europe. European paintings have been influenced by Tabriz rugs in terms of their compositions, motifs, perspectives, and lightings. For example, some European paintings depict Persian carpets, especially Tabriz rugs, as part of their still life, genre, or portrait scenes. Some European paintings also incorporate Persian motifs, such as floral patterns or geometric shapes, into their backgrounds or foregrounds. Some European paintings also adopt Persian perspectives, such as oblique or aerial views, or Persian lightings, such as warm or cool tones, into their paintings.
• **Modern design**: Modern design is a style of design that emerged in the 20th century and is characterized by simplicity, functionality, and innovation. Modern design has been influenced by Tabriz rugs in terms of their forms, textures, colors, and functions. For example, some modern designers have created furniture, accessories, or textiles that are shaped or textured like Tabriz rugs. Some modern designers have also used colors or patterns that are inspired by Tabriz rugs. Some modern designers have also applied Tabriz rugs as decorative or functional elements in their spaces or products.

 

Read this article from BBC about Tabriz and Tabriz Carpets
Iran’s province of surprises

 

 

Tabriz rugs are a form of Persian art and culture that have captivated many collectors, buyers, and admirers from different backgrounds and interests. Tabriz rugs are not only beautiful and durable, but also meaningful and influential. They represent the skill and ingenuity of Tabriz rug weavers, who have used their knowledge, resources, and imagination to create carpets that express their identity, values, and aspirations. Tabriz rugs also demonstrate the diversity and complexity of Persian culture, which has been shaped by various historical, social, and political factors. Tabriz rugs have also inspired and impacted other types of carpets and art forms, such as Turkish rugs, European paintings, and modern design. Tabriz rugs are therefore more than just carpets; they are works of art that tell stories, convey messages, and evoke emotions.

 

 

 

 

Discover our gorgeous Persian Tabriz Rugs
Persian Tabriz Rugs Collection