Persian rugs have been in production both as pieces of art and as carpets since the ancient Persians more than 3000 years BC. Woven from mixtures of wool, silk and cotton these original decorative pieces rarely survived the centuries to provide much in the way of information on their weaving techniques; but the worn out fragments discovered are enough to provide evidence of their creation and existence all that time ago.
Born out of a necessity to protect it's owner, often a desert dwelling nomad, from the elements in a harsh climate the Persian rug also provided the kind of inner wellbeing that today we might associate with a framed photograph or a book. It enabled the wanderer to take something familiar, homely or perhaps sentimentally significant with them no matter where their path led them. It wasn't long before these carpets were viewed as a symbol of wealth and were adopted by rulers and rich folk alike.
The original Persian rugs were produced over the course of a few months, or sometimes even years; despite several weavers working on one piece at the same time. During the winter months weavers would often cease work on a rug whilst they moved their camp to more inhabitable surroundings, before continuing with the project once the weather permitted it.
There are three design classifications into which Persian rugs can be placed; geometric, floral and pictorial. In all three styles there are themes within them common to cultural, religious or tribal traditions. For example the shapes depicted in the geometric designs would usually be representative of motifs individual or special to the tribe. Similarly the floral patterns are said to have been inspired by the domed roofs of the religious temples, whilst many of the images portrayed in the pictorial designs depict historical events important to ancient Persian culture.
It's exciting to think that these artefacts are being produced in modern times and moreover that the ancient methods are still in operation today. In fact when I really think about it, it's mind blowing that in my role as a Persian rug dealer I am helping to keep these traditions alive; both for the villages and villagefolk who produce them and for the people who choose to furnish their homes with these beautiful carpets.
It is important if you are looking to invest in an authentic Persian rug that you speak to a dealer of repute and experience. There are certain tell-tale signs relating to the quality and authenticity which only an experienced seller of such items will be able to identify. The quality of a rug relates to the higher the knot count in the weave; the higher the count, then the better the quality. There are other factors such as the quality of raw material (wool or silk) or the dyes used. You should also remember that because a genuine piece has been handmade exact symmetry is not likely, and in fact slight "eccentricities" in the pattern or the shape of a rug can actually contribute towards the piece being more desirable.
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Oriental Rugs of BathPersian Rugs
Oriental Rugs and Carpets
As enthusiasts and purveyors of fine oriental rugs and carpets we thought it would be interesting to write a little on their origin. The story begins with the fact that the Islamic faith does not allow humans, animals or birds to be depicted in art form. This left the ancient oriental artists with little choice but to create abstract art based on the interaction of texture and colour in varying patterns.
The original rugs would not need to be so hard wearing as some historians speculate that they were originally intended to be used as works of art in the form of wall hangings, and not necessarily as the traditional floor covering we might imagine. And although they were soon adapted as carpets (something inevitable given their birth into a land and a time where the floor was nothing but sand, dirt or wood) when they were used on the ground, the oriental custom of removing one's shoes upon entering a place of worship or habitat ensured the life of these carpets was not a short one.
As time passed by the beauty of the oriental rug caught the attention of the Western world, and although this diluted it's function as a religious artefact, today they are rightly regarded as a luxurious and valuable part of the home. Much of this is down to the fact that the practice of creating an authentic oriental carpet is still ongoing. In fact all of the rugs supplied by Oriental Rugs of Bath are hand made using techniques which have been in operation for more than 2000 years. We are proud of the fact that support an ancient art form, whilst also providing our customers with genuine high quality tribal and village rugs.
As each oriental carpet is hand made you can be sure that you are getting a unique piece individual to you. As part of our service we can even perform a specialist search for you to ensure you get the right rug for you. Having had more than 25 years experience as a dealer in oriental rugs and carpets I am proud of the service we offer. We have in the past seen holidaymakers return from their vacation with overpriced items purchased and under false pretenses. Speaking to experts like ourselves ensures this won't happen to you.
The original rugs would not need to be so hard wearing as some historians speculate that they were originally intended to be used as works of art in the form of wall hangings, and not necessarily as the traditional floor covering we might imagine. And although they were soon adapted as carpets (something inevitable given their birth into a land and a time where the floor was nothing but sand, dirt or wood) when they were used on the ground, the oriental custom of removing one's shoes upon entering a place of worship or habitat ensured the life of these carpets was not a short one.
As time passed by the beauty of the oriental rug caught the attention of the Western world, and although this diluted it's function as a religious artefact, today they are rightly regarded as a luxurious and valuable part of the home. Much of this is down to the fact that the practice of creating an authentic oriental carpet is still ongoing. In fact all of the rugs supplied by Oriental Rugs of Bath are hand made using techniques which have been in operation for more than 2000 years. We are proud of the fact that support an ancient art form, whilst also providing our customers with genuine high quality tribal and village rugs.
As each oriental carpet is hand made you can be sure that you are getting a unique piece individual to you. As part of our service we can even perform a specialist search for you to ensure you get the right rug for you. Having had more than 25 years experience as a dealer in oriental rugs and carpets I am proud of the service we offer. We have in the past seen holidaymakers return from their vacation with overpriced items purchased and under false pretenses. Speaking to experts like ourselves ensures this won't happen to you.
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