Classification of Iranian Carpet:
It is impossible to ascertain with any degree of certainty the
weaving center to which a particular carpet belongs, but this
classification depends on the form of designs, the kind of
color, knots, the size and many other particulars. Persian
carpets are divided into two broad groups: Tribal Carpets and
Rural or Urban ones. Tribal carpets are small in size, woven in
a very short time and in the form of rug. They are thick and
woven in natural shape and bright colors. The nomads usually
prefer geometrical designs for this kind of carpet.
History of the Persian
Carpet:
Whatever is known of the origins of the pile rug is based on
suppositions but the can assume that pile weaving had a nomadic
origin although there are too many beliefs and sayings about
where really the origin is. In Iran An important period in
carpet weaving is during the reign of the Sassanian dynasty
(224-641 AD) and too many magnificent carpets were exported to
distant lands. From that time this art went though other
dynasties with some Fluctuations.
Raw Materials:
Wool: Sheep wool is one of the basic elements in
the carpet weaving. It is important how to choose the best
quality wool which can be obtained from mountainous and mild
areas and it should be refined from the external substances
before spinning by mechanical apparatus. Down (kork): It refers
to the soft wool that grows close to the skin of sheep and
goats. Fairly expensive rugs are made form them. Cotton: It has
an important role in carpet industry and is used to weave the
wrap and the weft of the carpets. Also, it is not eaten by
moths. Silk: It is produced by the larva of a species of moth,
called the silkworm. Silk carpets are so expensive and stronger
than wool ones. Because it is difficult to weave them, they are
delicate and expensive. Dyeing: It plays an important role;
since without colors, no design can be created. The dyers
combine the principal colors with the complementary ones to
obtain an exciting world of colors. The colors are divided into
two categories: Natural and Artificial. Natural dyes: Although
many of them were obtained from animal and mineral sources, they
are often referred to as vegetable dyes, which come from natural
sources and environments. These colors show the subtle beauty of
tone in the carpet. The natural dyes are Ronas, Saffron,
Logwood, etc.
Design:
Persian carpets fascinate the whole world by
their unique, pleasant, and varied design. Each has its own
beauty and perfect harmony. The works of the designers together
with the efforts of dyers and weavers has resulted in the
production of the most glorious creation, the "Persian carpet".
They are durable, unique, and with the special quality of wool
and brilliant colors. Thus, these characteristics gave Persian
carpet its world wide reputation.
Nowadays most of the carpet industries weave their carpets using
Persian designs and they know that they cannot improve on the
existing ones.
Weaving Looms:
Should be adjustable and it is a crucial factor
in the structure of the carpet; the carpets are divided into two
types:
Horizontal Looms (Flat) & Vertical Looms (Upright)
Horizontal looms are used by nomad weavers. They weave from the
sides which becomes too hard if the rug is too wide but this
kind of loom is suited to their way of life being easy to carry.
Vertical Looms:
These can be used in cities, their structure is
more complicated, its design and measurement are more precise.
In this loom the length of the carpet is shorter than the length
of the loom.
