The Creation of a Persian Rug

By Ingrid E. Gonzalez

The most well-known Oriental handwoven rugs are Persian rugs. Handmade rugs are created in many other areas of the world, but often Oriental Rugs as a whole, are referred to as "Persian", even though this is not strictly correct. Handmade rugs of any kind, are set apart from machine made rugs by superior quality, materials, and design.

Authentic Persian rugs are carefully hand-made, not machine-made, giving them a unique style. They are made of wool in many different colors and styles. Wool carpets have the reputation of being the best in the world, and are characteristically lustrous, elegant and superior. A handmade wool rug can be created in a wide variety of styles, and nearly any color, so it is possible to find one that fits virtually any taste or decorating requirement. To identify hand-made rug, turn it over and look at the back. Handmade rugs should have the same pattern, back and front.

Handmade rugs are constructed on looms. The looms range from small portable looms, traditionally used by nomadic tribes, to larger stationary looms which are used for larger carpets, more often woven in the cities. Tribal crafted rugs tend to be not only smaller, but they typically have patterns that are more asymmetrical, with simpler shapes and repetitions. City carpets may be more complex, contain more contemporary designs, and have patterns with less asymmetry.

The weaving process can be long, difficult and tedious, depending on the quality, size and design. The length of time in making a rug depends on the finished size, a small 3' x 5' might take several months to make, perhaps a year for a medium size, 5' x 8' rug, and larger size will need several people to make and can take years. Depending on the quality and size of the rug, the knot count can be anywhere from 16 to 550 knots per square inch, with higher knot counts typically being worth more. Knot density is one measurement of quality.

Weaving something as intricate as a handwoven rug is a highly skilled art. Not only must one learn to create the specialized knots, but the weaver also must learn to combine the colors into a pattern, and then execute the pattern in a way that results in a pleasing and balanced appearance. Nomadic rugs may be created completely from custom grown wool, with the crafters dying the wool for their own designs, and constructing their own looms. It requires an abundance of patience, and the ability to take pleasure in small signs of progress.

Rug weavers are true artists - their style and to a certain extent, their philosophy is translated into the design of the carpet. Some designs contain traditional symbols such as a Camel which translate into wealth and prosperity, Cypress Tree (strength and endurance), Star (spirituality and good luck), Carnation (happiness) and many other symbols with various meanings. Whether the symbolism is understood or not, the resulting pattern conveys a sense of rich tradition.

Those who are new to the handmade rug market may be surprised at first when they see the price of a handmade carpet. But as one gains understanding, it becomes apparent that the work and skill that are required to create these textile masterpieces, are, if anything, undervalued.
Ingrid Gonzalez, marketing assistant for Image Carpets, Inc., http://www.imagecarpetsinc.com
Image Carpets, located in New York City, offers the trade, designers and retail clients a discerning choice of hand-made antique Persian, Indian hand made oriental rugs, Turkish hand made rugs and European rugs and other hand knotted rugs and carpets.
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