Antique Rugs

Antique Carpets from Persia

Antique Persian Carpets are carpets that are generally over 100 years old, originating in Central and Western Asia, what is commonly referred to as historic Persia (or current day Iran). According to The Nazmiyal Collection, antique rugs are those made before 1925; however, when referring to carpets and rugs, the term “antique” encompasses more than age alone. As Western influence expanded across the Middle East throughout the 20th century, primary cultures began to loose their autonomy. People’s abilities to sustain traditional crafting techniques diminished and original motifs were slowly lost. The divide between antique carpets and all those that follow shows, over time that the quality of these pieces diminished on all levels. The number of Antique Persian Carpets will only decrease over time, which is one of the reasons why they are of such great value.

Decorative Pieces Ingrained with History

Throughout history and continuing into modern day, Persian Carpets have been collected throughout the Middle East and across the world (as investments). Introduced to the European market during the 12th Century, antique Persian carpets were coveted by noblemen who displayed the pieces as wall hangings and table coverings as well as for their intended purpose – decorative floor coverings. Today, antique Persian carpets have found an ever expanding home within the art world and are enjoying a rejuvenated appreciation. Modern day collectors acquire antique Persian carpets, which represent the best examples of their kind. Composed of a multifaceted clientele including historians, interior decorators, collectors and individuals searching for decorative pieces, antique Persian carpets suit every taste and need.

The story of antique Persian carpets is one of succeeding conquests amongst empires such as the Mongols, Turks, Russians, and the most famous (as far as carpets and weaving are known) Persian Empire itself. At the height of its power, the Persian Empire was one of the largest and most powerful empires in human history. Encompassing approximately 8 million kilometers, it spanned the historic region of Southwest Asia, associated with the region that is now known as Iran. As a result of territory domination, cultures intertwined and the major market centers of Persia were frequented by tribes, nations and traders, who constantly introduced new designs, textures and patterns to the industry.

Naming Names: The Structuring of Styles

With the introduction of varying cultures’ commodities and art (in all its varying forms) at the market place, came the inevitable copying and constant modifications of design and motifs. A rug’s design, in and of its self, does not necessarily identify where it was made, or the people who authored it. Antique Persian Carpets receive their names from either the tribes that wove them or the region (city, district, town, villages) in which they were crafted. There are exceptions to this general rule, as is the case with Serapi carpets. In the case of Serapi carpets, the term Serapi refers to the older and “better” rugs that were made in the city of Heriz.

While methods of weaving vary from region to region, motifs found in Antique Persian Carpets widely include stylized intricate floral patterns, as well as larger geometric motifs. The more finely woven and intricate “city made” rugs will usually incorporate medallions and finely executed floral motif. The more geometric “village” industry rugs will usually comprise more primitive, bold and geometric designs. Since it is forbidden by Muslim doctrine, it is rare to find antique Persian carpets depicting human or animal forms – those pieces were mostly likely made specifically for European or Western markets.

The Group versus the Individual Identity in Antique Persian Carpets

Design styles were passed down through long lineages of craftsman within a tribe or group. Family members wove alongside one another, weaving first for the household and secondly for the market. Typically, a carpet would take between a few months and a year to complete. For the common weaver, individual identity was not important, what was important was to accurately execute the traditional style; thereby ascribing the signature patterns and motifs of the tribe to each carpet.

Urban cities have traditionally facilitated Persian rug weaving as a commercial industry.  A certain manufactories production was greatly influenced by the market demands of the time.  At the helms of such manufactories were master rug-weavers who chose colors and organized the weavers.  These master-weavers designed with a personal identity that superseded group identity and in such instances, vernacular craft gave way to conscious visual art form.  Today these masterworks can be found in museum collections such as those of The Metropolitan Museum and in the inventories of fine antique carpet galleries such as The Nazmiyal Collection in New York.   

== The Depth of Nature: Fibers and Dyes in Ancient Persia ==

The materials used when weaving antique Persian rugs were generally natural; which served to create lustrous, animated works and as a result portrayed a great depth of field. Beginning with the carpets of nomadic people, which were comprised solely of wool, Persian rug materials later expanded to include jute, cotton, silk, flax and hemp. The recipes used to dye the fibers (which were commonly comprised of berries, insects, minerals and seeds) were as unique to its tribe as the weaving techniques they employed and as such they recipes were guarded as precious tribal secrets.