The Difference Between Persian Rugs and Oriental Rugs
Many people suppose that Persian rug is the same as oriental Rug. But the fact is that Persian hand-woven rugs are different from the ones woven in the other oriental countries. Today, the words “Persian” and “oriental” don’t just refer to where the rug is woven. It also indicates the style, technique and artistry applied in that rug.
Persian rugs are so popular among Europeans. You can find out the reasons of this popularity when compare it to the other oriental rugs.
The Development of Oriental Rugs with an Inspiration from Persian Rug-weaving Art
In the past, the rug weaving industry in oriental countries was not advanced enough to compete Persian rug. However, today, some oriental countries such as China and Turkey have entered this arena and compete Iran.
The fact is that Iran has a longer history in rug weaving art compared to the other countries. The design style of oriental rugs is inspired by Persian rugs, so they are sometimes mistaken for Persian hand-woven rugs. That is why they have become so prosperous on the global market.
What Makes Persian hand-woven Rugs Different from Oriental Rugs
Persian rugs and oriental rugs have intricate design and are woven by skilled artists. That is why they are of the most precious and popular types in the world. In the following, we discuss the most important factors that tell these rugs from each other:
The Difference Between Persian Knots and Oriental Knots
Knitting technique is one of the important factors that makes Persian and oriental rugs different from each other. Persian rugs are woven with a kind of asymmetric knot, called “Senneh Knot”, but oriental rugs are knotted symmetrically. It is mentionable that symmetrical knitting is also common is Azerbaijan of Iran. In addition, the knot count of Persian rugs is more than the other carpets.
Variation of Persian Rugs in Design
In general, Persian and oriental rugs are known with their unique style, technique and patterns. Persian rug has a magnificent color harmony and comes in unique designs such as paisley, pomegranate, Floral Shah Abbas and Chalipa. The motifs applied in these rugs are so variant such that every region of Iran has its own style in carpet designing.
The carpets woven in oriental countries indicate their traditions and customs. For example, Chinese rugs are designed with Buddhism patterns and some Indian rugs are inspired by symbolic concepts. Some other oriental carpets are also an imitation of Persian rug. Obviously, every imitation style has less artistic value than the original one.
Most of the Oriental Rugs Are Woven Out of Cotton
Both Persian and oriental rugs almost have similar fibers. Persian rugs are usually woven out of camel wool, Kork Wool and Manchester Wool. It is noteworthy that Kork Wool has higher quality than typical wools.
Compared to Persian rugs, oriental rugs include higher percentage of cotton, which results in lower durability and higher vulnerability. On the other hand, their color is faded so easily, which make them less valuable than Persian rugs.
Most of the Oriental Rugs are dyed with Chemical Colors
In the past, most of the oriental rugs were dyed with natural colors. But, today, organic colors have been replaced with chemical colors. Since carpet exports have prospered in many countries, the quality can’t keep pace with production amount.
However, Persian hand-woven rugs are still woven in traditional way, out of organic fibers and colors. Fortunately, the passage of time and procedure of business growth haven’t caused any reduction in their quality.
What does Oriental Rug Mean?
Oriental rug is referred to the rugs woven in oriental countries except Iran. Among the most important oriental countries in carpet industry, we can mention China, India, Pakistan, and Caucasus Region. In the following we introduce them:
Indian Carpets Designs, Inspired by Iranian Rug-weaving Art
Rug weaving was promoted in India in the 16th century with an inspiration from Iranian culture and art. In fact, the entrance of Persian rug transformed the art of textile patterning in this land. So, many Indian carpets follow Persian design style; however, in some cases you can see geographical and symbolic patterns as well.
India is ranked as the fourth country in producing silk carpets of the world after Iran, China and Turkey. In spite of the long history in natural dyeing; Indian carpets, today, are dyed with chemical colors.
China, One of the Most Active Countries in Producing Oriental Rugs
Today, China is known as one of the most active countries in producing oriental rugs. This land has a long history in this arena and uses Persian designs as well as its own traditional patterns. Some Chinese carpets are also woven with unsymmetrical Persian knitting techniques to some extent.
Turkish Rugs, Also Known as Anatolian Rugs
Turkey is an experienced country in producing the hand-woven carpets of the world. The most important center of carpet weaving in Turkey is Antalya. That is why the carpets woven in this country are known as Anatolian rugs. Turkish carpets are woven with symmetrical knitting technique, out of wool, silk and cotton. Most of Turkish patterns are inspired by Persian carpets. Among the Persian patterns applied in Turkish carpets, we can mention Mihrab, Lachak, Toranj (bergamot), Hunting and Tree of Life.
Caucasian Rug Weavers Share Cultural Similarities with Iranians
Caucasus is one of the most important regions in creating an important design styles of oriental rugs. Featuring geometrical motifs, these carpets have unique designs compared to the other oriental rugs. However, they have some similarities to Illiati Carpets woven in Iran such as the patterns that depict animals’ bodies. In addition, broken crucifix, ram’s horn and repetitive geographical figures, remind us of Iranian pen holders’ design.
Caucasus is a region between the Caspian Sea and Black Sea. It also shares border with Iran and Turkey from the south and Russia from the north. This region used to be a part of Iran, but was separated in the war between Iran and Russia. So, the weavers of this region have many cultural similarities with Iranians, and Iranian rug-weaving techniques are common among them.
