Quoom

(Posted on 03/01/15)

Country: Persia (Iran)

Category: workshop and masterwork-shop

Price range: low/medium to high

General details The holy city of Quoom in central Persia is noted for silk rugs, which at their best are considered the epitome of contemporary Persian silk weaving, although relatively coarse items are also made; woollen pile rugs are produced in equally varying qualities.

Being relatively new to rug-making, Quoom has no design tradition of its own and employs the design of other Persian workshop groups and some Caucasian. The most popular schemes are medallion, Shah Abbas, vase, boteh, zel-i-sultanand panelled garden, but almost any other composition may be found. The palette is equally diverse – various shades of red, blue, green, mushroom, rose, gold and both yellow and orange ochres are employed – but the extensive use of ivory and champagne, particularly as ground colours, is a distinguishing feature. These colours may be either rich or pastel, and it is not uncommon for an antique wash to be used to subdue the tones and give the impression of mellowness through age. Quooms can be very well made, with between 250 and 300 Persian knots per in on woollen items, and 600 or more on silk; good quality materials are normally used. The foundation may be either cotton or silk, and both materials may be used, either independently or in conjunction, for the pile.

Woollen rugs are made in a wide range of sizes, including large carpets, but pure silk rugs are usually confined to smaller dimensions. Arguably the most important contemporary master-weaver is Rashtizade, and items from his workshop are generally considered to be of exceptionally high quality.

Resale value The finest silk Quooms may prove to have a sound investment potential, as may the finest woollen rugs, but average items probably lack the character and aesthetic authenticity needed to ensure their long-term value.