The History of Persian Rug
The history of Persian rug is so interesting because Iran is among the high-experienced countries in rug-weaving. Since long ago, Iran has been active in exporting the highest-quality rugs to other countries. That is why you can see the reflection of Iranian rug-weaving art on the carpets produced in other countries worldwide. So, you can consider the formation history of Persian rug as an important part of the world carpet history.
The history of Persian rug has witnessed ups and downs, and represents Iranian identity. So, the artists who are active in this field should know the history of Persian rug to improve their artistic insight.
The History of Persian Rug in Ancient Persia
Nobody knows exactly when the history of Persian rug started, or what tribe started rug weaving for the first time. Because the natural fibers of rugs are vulnerable to moisture and insects. As a result, there is not enough information about the initial carpets that human started weaving. However, it is definite that Central Asian Nomads were among the first tribes that used rug for the first time. Because they made living through husbandry and had access to wool.
The first tokens of rug-weaving art were found in the northern Iran and a part of Turkmenistan. One of the discoveries, dating back to the Bronze Age, is a carpet-weaving knife. In 1975, two other carpet-weaving tools were discovered in Fars Province that are of the oldest ones.
Pazirik, the Oldest Hand-woven Texture in the History of Iran and the World
Pazirik, the oldest carpet of Iran and the world, was discovered in Pazirik Region, located in southern Siberia, in 1949. This discovery totally transformed the history of rug-weaving. This woolen rug, whose patterns depict the glorious Achaemenid era, is the only rug-weaving evidence of the Ancient eras.
The History of Persian Rug in the Sassanid Era
The historical evidences suggest that rug-weaving was so prosperous in the Sassanid era. At this period of time, Iran traded rug with China, and the name of Persian rug was mentioned in the Chinese Calendar.
Baharestan Carpet, also known as Bahar Khosro, is one of the most famous carpet examples in the Sassanid era. Unfortunately, all the remains of this carpet have been destroyed, but its beauty is described in “The History of al-Tabari”. This rug was woven out of silk, emerald and pearl and included heaven patterns.
The History of Persian Rug in the Post-Islamic Era
The art of carpet weaving stagnated in the early years of the entrance of Islam in Iran. This recession was not very stable and during the Umayyad caliph’s era, this art flourished again and culminated in the Safavid government.
The Culmination of Rug-weaving Art in Iran in the Safavid Era
As mentioned above, Persian carpet reached the peak of prosperity in the Safavid era. At this era, the Europeans increased their requests for Persian rug. As a result, carpet became a commercial lucrative article by which Iran gained much Foreign exchange earnings.
Tabriz, the center of rug weaving in the Safavid era, is the cradle of artists who transformed rug industries. The oldest inscribed rugs, having produced in the Safavid era, include the poems of Hafiz and some of Tabrizi poets. Today, lots of the carpets, belonging to this city, are held in globally-renowned museums.
The reign of Shah Tahmasb, one of the Safavid Kings, is known as the golden period of rug weaving in Iran. He was so interested in rug weaving, even more than the kings who ruled before him. He also played an important role in designing some famous Iranian rugs. As a result, the most famous Safavid-era rugs having remained, belong to his reign. More to the point, some well-known travelers such as Jean Chardin and Shirley brothers, described this period of Iran history so prosperous.
Different factors are involved in the prosperity of rug weaving in the Safavid era. One of the most important factors is the interest of Safavid kings to the Persian hand-woven rugs and their support for rug designers. The other one is related to the growing establishment of rug-weaving workshops in the cities. The producers also had an easy access to raw materials.
The History of Persian Rug in the Qajar Era
The Qajar era was a turning point in the history of Persian rug. In this era, rug weaving flourished again in Iran after a relatively long recession, especially in Naser al-Din Shah Reign. In the reign of Naser al-Din Shah rug business developed, and Persian rugs were widely exported to Turkey.
Persian rug was an important part of Iranian culture and life. The photos having remained from that era, depicting Persian rugs in the background, bear this witness. In fact, Persian rug was known as a decorative and necessary good in the meetings and public places.
In this era, some multinational companies were established that traded rug and played an important role in increasing rug demands. By growing demands, the quality of Persian rugs decreased in this era. Because the rug weavers placed importance in quantity more than quality.
