Tehran

(Posted on 05/11/16)

The capital of Iran is a major city of four million inhabitants, with a university and is the country's main political and trade centre. It is also the largest market place for Oriental carpets, although today it has practically no importance as a weaving centre. In antiquity, Tehran was capital of the Parthian empire and later was one of the centre of Seljuk Iran. Under the rule of the Qajar dynasty, starting in 1796, the town regain its former importance as the major city of Iran.

The commercial carpet weaving of early days produced individual carpets of the highest quality which are now only found in museums or major private collections. The court workshops founded by the Qajars produced rugs of excellent craftsmanship without grea originality of design.

Sizes: all formats can be obtained on the Tehran markets, especially large rugs.

Colours: early Tehran carpets are woven in elegant and harmonious colours.

Patterns: twisted tendril lattice designs in endless repeats are most common.

Foundation: thinly spun cotton is generally used.

Knots: Persian knots, very finely woven with 130-325 knots per sq. s.m.

Pile: generally clipped short to medium high.

Quality: old and antique Tehran are prized by collectors. Because of the high wages in Tehran modern rugs are as good as non existent.