To explain the history of this celebrated Iranian art and handicraft, it should be referred to that after the founding of the Safavid, whose kings paid much attention to arts and culture, and choosing of Isfahan as the capital during the rule of Shah Ismail I, numerous carpet workshops were established all around the country specially Tabriz and weaving carpets turned from a rural handicraft into a form of royal art. That is why the Safavid dynasty is considered to be the flourishing time of carpets. Iranian carpets were exported to different countries around the world from the 17th century. In the meanwhile, Tabriz weavers began considering the taste of European buyers more than before and made carpets that matched them.
One of the important traits of Tabriz carpets which distinguishes them from other handicraft products is the big star located in the center and cursive arabesque that has been covered with paisley motifs. Tabriz carpets are also considered as one of the most exquisite Iranian carpets because occasionally silk, golden or silver threads are used in their structure and knots, too. One of the most prominent designs of this weave are “Mostofi”, or “Gol e Farang”, arabesuq, paisley, “Lachak o Toranj” paisley, “Mahi” or “Maherati”, “Goldani”, “Minakhani”, “Derakhti”, “Tasviri”, “Golestani” of garden and “Shekargah” or hunting grounds.
During recent years we have witnessed innovations in Tabriz carpets which were not seen before and add to the value of these products. Some of them are high count of rows, high density of knots, diversity of the colors, short piles and their post product treatment by professionals, using high-quality yarns and light-dark colors to simulate depth and perspective. And the designers have created new patterns such as “Zir e Khaki”, applying new elements in traditional patterns, and using animal motifs that have gained the admiration of many. Today most of the workshops are located in Tabriz and cities surrounding it.
Persian Carpets and Rugs
