Persian rugs date back to 2500 b.C. At the time, used as protection against the severe winter, these essential goods quickly came to forms of art and luxury items.

Through various periods and undergoing changes since its essence, the art of Persian carpets spread out all over the world, no longer an exclusive article on Iran and starting to be produced throughout the East.

This art comes to Europe in mid-1948. On that date, the carpets manufactured gain expression due to the support of the Pahlavi dynasty. Currently, the manufacture of oriental carpets is mostly mechanized. However, traditional techniques are still in some countries, being these items more expensive but of higher quality due to its corporate art.

The materials used for making carpets are wool, cotton and silk and the diversity of colors used is also subject to these prestige products. The warp and weft, as well as the nodes used are unique to these articles. Another peculiarity of Persian rugs is the illusory difference, according to the viewing angle and the incident light.

Before making a carpet is draw a “card” with the architecture of the article to prepare. In this card, the Master paints the provision of decoration and their motives. In most of these works of art, we find the secondary and primary edges, the field, the corners and the central medallion.

On the decoration of the carpets we may find geometric figures, representing the natural taste of the craftsman or the traditions of a tribe. The curvilinear or floral designs are the result of Islamic art to which they belong.

Natural colors, still used today, are extracted from plants, animals and minerals. However, many producers are already using synthetic colors. Nevertheless, the use of other means of dying, did not damage the art of oriental carpets.

However, Persis sells only items dyed with natural colors, thus ensuring the durability of parts and original colors. If a rug is discolored (the process known by abrash) is a sign that the piece was colored with natural paints.

BLUE

Represented eternity, this color is obtained from branches of the indigo plant flowers.

GREEN

The green color is the Islamic sacred color. This is the identification of the prayer carpets in a mosque, so it is not commonly used. This color is obtained by mixing blue and yellow or through the bark of the apple.

YELLOW / ORANGE

The yellow and orange color is a symbol of devotion. It is obtained from the thorns of the alcan bush.

RED

Depending on the shade, this color means zeal and brings joy. The color is extracted from the bark louse or scale insect root of wild rubia.

BROWN

Brown color represents acceptance and fertility. The color is achieved through the natural camel or lamb wool, red apple peel from dwarf oak or walnut bark.

BLACK

The black color is the symbol of the unknown. It is made from the iron oxide.

ANIMAL FIGURES

On Persian rugs, we may found an endless variety of animal figures: dog, camel, insects, horses and elephants and some other wildlife animals.

The representation of the dragon, a sacred animal in ancient Persia, represents power. The rabbits, foxes, pheasants and peacocks are presented in the rugs as hunting animals. The significance of the lion goes from strength to power over the sun, a measurer of wealth and happiness.

The fight between animals, often found on carpets, has its symbolism in religion representing the power of good overcoming evil. This symbol is often depicted with a beast (lion, leopard, etc.) with a prey against the ground.

GEOMETRIC FORMS

The geometric forms on the oriental rugs represent the particular taste of the artisan or the traditions of the tribe. The carpets that have this kind of design have also horizontal, vertical and oblique lines. The plan is simple and is usually formed by the repetition of only one drawing.

The zigzag motifs represent water that symbolizes eternity. The triangle, in turn, is a representative of the Divinity and Mother Earth. The swastika, although appearing in different forms, is also used in oriental rugs, symbolizing happiness. Some say that this symbol is one of the oldest of humanity. The form in “S” appears with two interpretations. It may be present as sun worship or as a symbol of wisdom.

CURVILINIAL AND FLORAL FORMS

These forms appear in various formats such as Palm, arabesques, trees, and shrubs, vines and twigs, leaves and various types of flowers (tulips, carnations, chrysanthemums, roses, etc.). The wavy ribbons appear on behalf of life, immortality and Gods power.

HUMAN FIGURES

Human figures appear as both coarse and forms outing, as with the finest detail. In some Islamic countries, however, these figures were banned in order to facilitate the worship of a single figure – Allah.

ENTRIES

The entries that appear in these articles represent the value of the power of thought. They are written in Arabic language and divided into these categories:

  • Kufi writing;
  • Nashki or artistic written;
  • Diwani whitten which is the evolution of Nashki.