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Carpet proveniences

General criterias for quality

What is KPSM?

KPSM, or knots per square meter, is one of the factors used in determining rug quality. It refers to the knot density within one square meter of the rug. From the backside of the carpet, count the number of knots along one cm of the warp (vertical) and one cm along the weft (horizontal). By multiplying these numbers, you arrive at the KPSM. For instance: 12 knots on the warp multiplied by 10 knots on the weft equals a KPSM of 120 knots per square cm. A picture of the back of the rug is shown, together with a linear measurement guide, to help you verify the KPSM of the rug you are viewing.

The different rug producing regions in Iran

The Bakhtiari (or Bakhtiyari, Bakhtyari) are a group of southwestern Iranian people. A small percentage of Bakhtiari are still nomadic pastoralists, migrating between summer quarters (yaylaq) and winter quarters (qishlaq). Bakhtiaris speak Luri, and are a subgroup of the Luri people.[citation needed] Numerical estimates of their total population widely vary. In Khuzestan, Bakhtiari tribes are primarily concentrated in the eastern part of the province. Bakhtiaris trace a common lineage, being divided into Chahar Lang (Four "limbs") and Haft Lang (Seven "Limbs") groups. The Bakthtiaris are Shia Muslims. Bakhtiaris primarily inhabit the provinces of Lorestan, Khuzestan, Chahar Mahaal and Bakhtiari, and Isfahan.

In Iranian mythology, the Bakhtiari consider themselves to be descendants of Fereydun, a legendary hero from the Persian national epic, Shahnameh. Many significant Iranian politicians and dignitaries are of Bakhtiari origin. Famous Documentary "Grass: A Nation's Battle for Life" (1925) tells the story of the migration of Bakhtiari tribe between summer quarters Chahar-e-Bakhtiari to winter quarters in Khuzestan. This film also tells the story of how these people crossed the river Karun with 50,000 people and 500,000 animals. The documentary "People of the Wind" (1975) retraces this same journey, 50 years later. As of 2006, the migration still takes place, although the livestock are now transported in trucks, and the shepherds no longer walk barefoot in the snow between provinces.

Bijar (or Bidjar) Kurdish rugs are often called the Iron Rugs of Iran. The Bijar was a heavy durable rug that has been very popular in the United States. Now the Bijar rug rends to be a finer thinner more Sarouk like rug. Most Bijar Kurdish carpets are woven by Gerrus Kurds in the Bijar area while a finer copy of Bijar carpets are woven by Afshar weavers who live in the Tekab and Tekkenteppe Area in Gerus. Bijar is a town in North-West Iran approximately 45 km from Senneh (Sanandaj) Nowadays, the Bidjar carpets made in Iran can be put into the following three main categories:

Traditional Bidjars, f.i. Bidjars with rose motifs. Halvai and Tahjavi-Bidjars. Afshar Bidjars

are a Turkic-speaking tribal confederation of clans in Iran. They mainly live in the provinces of Fars, Khuzestan and southern Isfahan, but especially around the city of Shiraz in Fars. The Qashqai were originally nomadic pastoralists and some remain so today. The traditional nomadic Qashqai travelled with their flocks each year from the summer highland pastures north of Shiraz roughly 480 km or 300 mi south to the winter pastures on lower (and warmer) lands near the Persian Gulf, to the southwest of Shiraz. The majority, however, have now settled, or are partially settled. The trend towards settlement has been increasing markedly since the 1960s.

Qashqai carpets and weavings Qashqai caravan haltThe Qashqai are renowned for their magnificent pile carpets and other woven wool products. The wool produced in the mountains and valleys near Shiraz is exceptionally soft and beautiful and takes a deeper color than wool from other parts of Iran. Qashqai saddlebags, adorned with colorful geometric designs, are considered to be the finest available.

Qom (Qum / Ghom) carpets are among the finest in the world. Although it does not boast a long and ancient history, Qom, south of Tehran, creates exceptional works of art, frequently entirely in pure silk. The carpet industry of this city is incredibly modern, producing quality which is extraordinary. Prices tend to be very high, reflecting super quality of materials, design and execution . Syles and patterns vary tremendously, as this city usually recreates ancient historical patterns from many other noble sources. Most respected are hunting scenes or other pictorials, not to mention the brilliant medallions and borders of unbelievable finesse.

The city of Qom is considered a sacred place among Iranians, where many make pilgrimages for inner peace with God. Its weaving industry, started only in the 20th century, has developed an unequalled reputation for spectacular pieces of pure hand-woven silk. Qom has no pattern unique to this city, so its carpets are produced in a variety of beautiful and historic designs, demanding prices in the highest range of all Persian weaving. Brilliantly detailed medallions, all-over patterns of the greatest intricacy, and breath-taking pictorials and hunting scenes, attest to the craftsmanship of Iran's finest master-weavers. Some pieces of fine wool are also made there. Although signatures are found on fine rugs made elsewhere, the weavers of Qom take such enormous pride in their product that they almost always weave their signatures into a small part of the carpet´s border. Many shapes and sizes are produced, including squares, rectangles, oval or round, and the sizes may vary from a very small rug to a carpet which would suit the grand salon of a palace. The materials used can be wool, silk, or any combination of the two.

Hamadan is the capital city of Hamadan Province of Iran. It had an estimated population of 550,284 in 2005. Hamedan is believed to be amongst the oldest Iranian cities and one of the oldest in the world. Hamadan is a green mountainous area on the foothills of the 3574-meter Alwand Mountain,in the mid west of Iran. The city is 1850 meters above sea level. The special nature of this old city and its historic sites attract tourists during the summer to this city, located approximately 400km southwest of Tehran.

Hamadan is also home to many poets and cultural celebrities. The city is also said to be among the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities. Handicrafts: Hamadan has always been well-known for handicrafts like leather and ceramic work as well as for its beautiful carpets. Iran's Cultural Heritage Organization lists 207 sites of historical and cultural significance in the city of Hamadan alone.

Among the finest handmade carpets ever made, Isfahan rugs are the pinnacle of the Persian carpet. In an enchanted city, renowned for its taste and finesse, these carpets are of great delicacy and utmost intricacy. The city of Isfahan holds pride of place in the Persian rug industry because of its rich history and reputation dating back to the 16th century. Most Isfahan carpets are finely detailed in wool and silk, often on a base of pure silk. Until the middle of the 20th century colors were mostly stronger, like bold reds and blues on the ubiquitous beige. But later comes the visible influence of the international Designer, with more subdued ranges of subtler colors. Still, at the sight of curvilinear vines snaking over an elegant field around an exquisite medallion, especially if the long fringes glisten silkily from magnificent borders, the word 'Isfahan' tends to spring to one's lips. Patterns include pictorial and tree-of-life schemes, as well as the Shah Abbas field with its floral vines.

Besides the legendary cities of central Iran, such as Tehran, Isfahan, Kashan, Yazd, and Kerman, there are many smaller towns scattered throughout this area that also weave carpets of very high quality. Some of these small towns near Tehran are Veramin, Tafresh, Boroujerd, Khomaine and Taleghan, and, near Isfahan, are Najafabad, Josheghan, and the village of Maymeh. There are also a few near Kashan that produce fine rugs, such as Yazd and Ardekan. Kashan and Isfahan, being among the pioneers from the 16th century, have had enormous influence on their surroundings. Najafabad produces the designs of Isfahan, and Yazd and Ardekan the famous designs of Kashan, almost indistinguishably. An expert weaver in one of these cities will work non-stop on a carpet for many years. The famous asymmetrical Persian knot is generally the one used. The materials can be all wool, all silk or a mixture of the two. The foundation is usually cotton, except in very fine pieces, where it can be pure silk. Although rugs produced in the major cities of this region are technically superior to the ones produced on the outskirts, these pieces from the smaller towns of central Iran are still among the best. Many carpets from this area have been known to last several hundreds of years.

Kashan is located 258 km South of Tehran. Part of this township is located in a vast plain and the other part is in a mountainous area. The climate of the township, like other central parts of Iran, is changeable depending on height of the area. The mountainous regions are cold and the plain areas, especially bordering the desert, are warm. Kashan is one of the oldest cities of Iran. According to archeological excavations in the Sialk hills (located 4 km. West to the city) this area was home to pre-historic man.

Kashan carpet styles have the most curvature in their patterns. They have a single medallion in the center and Persian floral motifs, including arabesques and flower-stems, palmettos, rosettes, blossom and leaf motifs. Kashan carpets also have one of the most dense patterns. The quality of Kashan carpet vary widely. The older (before 1945) pieces are very good but some of the newer ones are not. Some of the newer rugs have a lower KPSI and they are chemically dyed instead of using the traditional vegetable dyes.
Kashan carpets are mostly mid-sized. You can also find large examples up to 18x10 feet. The colors are mostly Ivory, light green and red are predominate. Newer ones have soft green and blue colours. Texture: Soft wool, thin, tight piles. The foundation (warp and weft) of the rugs are cotton, except in very fine pieces - which are pure silk.
Rugs that where made in Kashan feature Persian knots, the weave is fine to exceptionally fine. The number of knots range from around 120 KPSI up to 842 Kpsi.

Kerman is a city in Iran. It is the centre of Kerman province. Located in a large and flat plain, this city is located 1,076 km (669 mi) south of Tehran, capital of Iran. Kerman city had an estimated population of 533,799 in 2005.[1] The city's many districts are surrounded by mountains which bring variety to Kerman's year round weather pattern, thus the northern part of the city is located in an arid desert area, while the highland of the southern part of the city enjoys a more moderate climate. The mean elevation of the city is about 1755 m above sea level.

There is ample archeological evidence which indicates that Kerman has had a long past. It was mentioned by the Greeks by the name "Karamani". The city was probably founded by the Sassanid king Ardashir I in the 3rd century, and for this reason it was called "Ardasheer Khoreh". The Muslim Arabs called this place "Bardeseer" or "Bardesheer" and the Iranians used to call it "Guasheer". Kerman has numerous international attractions for tourists. The city has traditionally been a centre for the production of fine Persian rugs and is famous for growing pistachio nuts. The archeological ancient city of Jiroft is located south of Kerman. Kerman also has a small but culturally significant Zoroastrian minority. Politics in Kerman are influenced by the former President Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, his brother and Vice President Mohammad Hashemi, and the Vice President Hossein Marashi, both from the nearby Rafsanjan.

Mashhad (also spelt Mashhad ar-Reza, literally the place of martyrdom) is the second largest city in Iran and one of the holiest cities in the Shiah world. It is located 850 kilometers (500 miles) east of Tehran, Iran (Persia), at the center of the Razavi Khorasan Province. Its population is 2,387,734 people (2006).

Mashhad is also home to one of the oldest libraries of the Middle-East called the Central Library of Astan-e Quds Razavi with a history of over six centuries. The Astan-e Quds Razavi Museum, which is part of the Astan-e Quds Razavi Complex, is home to over 70,000 rare manuscripts from various historical eras. There are some six million historical documents in the foundation's central library. In 1569 (977 H), `Imad al-Din Mas`ud Shirazi, a physician at the Mashhad hospital, wrote the earliest Islamic treatise on syphilis, one influenced by European medical thought.

Kashmar,Chorasan and Mashad rug is a type of Persian rug indigenous to this region.

Moud respectively Mood is the probably world-wide most famous borough of South Khorasan's provincial capital Birjand in Iran. The last prince of Birjand was Shah Seyyed Ali Kazemi who came from Moud, a relative of the emperor Shah Reza Pahlavi and the Prime minister Asadollah Alam. Moud woollen blankets and carpets have normally a curvilinear design with a sun flower shaped picture in the center. The production of such carpets is usually very high-quality and these are also accordingly expensive therefore. These carpets are made of wool.

These attained their special valuation by the decree of the Safawid emperor Shah Abbas I. (Persia), who not only the building of the fortresses in this region arranged, but also retained the original purely Persian design styles and knot techniques.

Among the finest carpets in the world, the word Nain is sometimes used in Iran as a synonym for 'fine'. These elegant carpets are produced in and around the city of Nain, some 60 miles east of the enchanted city of Isfahan.

A favorite of many collectors, Nains are precise, delicate and can be stunningly beautiful. They are woven on cotton, or on silk of varying degrees of quality, and are mostly beige and blue, with stunning silken highlights. The blues can vary from the deepest midnight to the palest sky, with royals and spectacular turquoises along the way.

Typical details include the curvilinear vines with forked leaves, Shah Abbas flowers, birds and animals, and regal borders. Many are signed, and for a genuine Habibian signature it is permitted to sell the farm.

Although Nain is not a very old rug-weaving city, it is well established and among the most valued carpet-producing centers in Iran. It has adopted most of its skills from the very ancient, neighboring city of Isfahan. Customs and traditions here have changed very little in the past century.

For many generations, the people of Nain produced a superior quality of handmade woolen cloth used to make traditional garments and fine wool cloaks, until just prior to WWII in the 1930s. After the war, Iranians began to adopt western clothing styles, and the market for these fabrics dwindled. Thus the highly developed knowledge and skill of Nain´s fine textile industry were transferred to the making of handmade carpets. Nain´s reputation for the finest quality weaving was once again established in modern times.

Its talented master weavers may take several years to complete a single carpet. Though very similar in appearance to Isfahans, they are easily identifiable because of their distinctive color scheme and smooth, closely clipped pile. Nain carpets usually feature an overall arabesque and curvilinear floral pattern of blues against a warm beige or ivory background, with touches of greens and whites. Over 300 to 500 knots per square inch are not uncommon in Nains. Excellent grades of wool and silk are used on foundations of fine cotton or silk.

Tabriz is an ancient city in north-western Iran, and the most prolific of all carpet centres. The quality in their carpets is generally exceptional, with most on a base of fine cotton, but sometimes on pure silk. There are many unique designs but typically the pattern in a Tabriz rug is filled with dense floral motifs, large palmettes, vases, or vivid hunting scenes or pictorials in the field. These can be with or without a medallion, and geometric designs are also seen. Tabriz has sub-styles as well. These include the restrained and elegant 'Mahi' in co-ordinated borders of subdued tones that fit in anywhere; the Naqsheh, with its plethora of pinks on beige, or very occasionally, black; and the wild but beautiful Tabatabaie, always in touches of orange, lemon green and beige. The finer Naqsheh and Mahi are mostly in highly-priced Kurk wool, and silk is often used to outline lavishly the highlights of the rug.

Tabriz is probably the most prolific carpet-producing center in the world, and certainly one of the oldest. This enchanted city was established more than a thousand years ago. After many invasions, occupations and wars, Tabriz took the ancient techniques of the past and created a huge rug-exporting industry. The finest era of Persian rug weaving was the Safavid Dynasty (1499 - 1722), when the Safavids overthrew the Turks who had occupied Tabriz. They gave the city one of the first Royal workshops, making it the artistic center of Persian culture. In spite of all the later conquests and political restructurings, Tabriz managed to keep these ancient traditions alive. Today, many rugs produced in Tabriz emulate the artististic heritage of the Persian Safavid carpet, and when a designer in any part of the world wants to commission a certain pattern to be hand-woven, Tabriz is the city that he visits. Attesting to their pride in producing fine carpets, the master-weavers of Tabriz often weave their signature into a part of the carpet's border. These signatures can, of course, be found on extremely fine rugs made in other cities, but a signature on the 'ceremonial' border of a Tabriz Naqsheh is the ultimate in formality and sophistication. The material used for the pile of these rugs are wool, silk, or a combination of the two. A beautiful blend of fine Kurk wool and silk is the most common in a fine Tabriz, with wool only used in those of average quality. In the very finest carpets, the foundation of the rug is pure silk instead of cotton, and some even have 18 or 24 karat gold threads woven into the foundation, with 300 to 800 KPSI not being uncommon. The only rugs that can be compared with a fine Tabriz are Isfahans, Kashans, Kermans, Qums, and Nains. Most spectacular are the Nagsheh (some of the many hundreds of beautiful patterns are still owned by private families), the intricate, restrained Mahi (the Decorator's carpet), or the magnificent Dome, depicting the internal architecture of a mosque.

Varamin is a city located in the south of Tehran Province, Iran. It has a population of 176,000. Varamin has an extensive history. The raiding of Ray by the invading Mongols and Timurids, generated a flux of migrations to this area. Among the relics of antiquity of Varamin one can mention the mausoleum of Imamzadeh Yahya built in the 14th century, and the Congregation (Jame') Mosque, from the era of the Ilkhanid Abu Saeed are located here. Varamin carpets are one of the finest qualities in persian carpet with more than 500.000 knots per square meters. Varamin has special rarity designs.

In central IRAN, slightly north of ISFAHAN, lies the town of YALAMEH, well known for top quality tribal rugs with beautiful diamond patterns, distinctive use of color, and imaginative designs. The local tribes are: Qashqai, Khamseh, Lur

In the early nineteenth century, YALAMEH produced some very handsome and densely knotted rugs. These finest YALAMEH rugs have many beautiful colors and are skillfully divided into a lattice of diamonds that encloses a number of stylized geometrical animal, flower, and bird pattern.

Visibility: YALAMEH rugs and runners have tribal patterns and a very warm look. A unique characteristic is three or more diamond-shaped medallions in a straight line. They are great with modern furniture.

Quality: YALAMEH rugs and carpets are among the best tribal rugs and carpets woven in IRAN.

Color: Dark red and light brown on a blue or orange background are the main.