Posted on June 7, 2020 by Behnam Rugs

Tabriz Persian Rugs: A Short History

The city of Tabriz in Iran sits in the northwest part of the country, near the border with Turkey. It is a major center of commerce because of its location.

Tabriz is also well known for the fine Persian rugs that are made in the area. The city is known around the world for its Persian rugs and has played a major role in the development of the decorative arts in Iran.

An antique silk Tabriz Persian rug.

The City of Tabriz

Tabriz has a rich history of rug making. It is one of the oldest rug-making centers in the country and has one of the greatest varieties of rugs. The rug designs range from medallion, Herati, figural, and pictorial.

A variety of carpets come from this area, ranging from pile carpets to flatweaves. The craft of carpet making was passed on through generations, and this skill was considered the most valuable thing a family could have. Traditionally, Tabriz rugs focused on ornamental patterns with cream, red, or navy blue background colors.

The designs for these rugs are often taken from the writings of the great Oriental poets. They often show scenes of falconry or images of a menacing lion. Tabriz rugs are also noted for images of palaces, mosques, and battle scenes. Other scenes have been inspired by the covers of ancient books.

The rug-making tradition in the city was at a high point in the period from the 12^th to the 16^th centuries.

Later, during the 19^th century, the city of Tabriz was home to some of the most celebrated rug weaving artisans, who carried on the tradition begun there hundreds of years earlier. Artisans in the city led the way in a renaissance of rug making, rugs that were made for the people of Iran as well as for export.

Their craftsmanship was unparalleled, and the materials they used were of the highest quality. Tabriz weavers made rugs with tightly-packed knots and complex floral designs. Some of the rugs produced there in the 20^th century are among the finest ever made.

These rugs are unique because they have a double weft, most often made from cotton or wool, along with cotton warps. They also use both Persian and Turkish knots and a tightly woven double foundation.

If you’d like to look at some Tabriz hand-knotted rugs yourself, visit the Behnam Rugs showroom in Dallas. Give us a call at 972-733-0400 to make an appointment.

By Nazmiyal Collection (nazmiyalantiquerugs.com) [CC BY-SA 3.0]via Wikimedia Commons