Carpets have been woven for millennia, with the oldest known carpet, the Pazyryk carpet, unearthed in 1948. It was found well-preserved in the frozen tomb of a Scythian chief in Siberia’s Altai Mountains, with radiocarbon dating showing it was crafted around the 5th century BC. However, given its intricate design and advanced weaving techniques, experts believe carpet weaving likely dates back at least 4,000 years.
The Origins of Persian Carpets
When the Persian Empire conquered what is now Iran in 539 BC, they encountered ancient civilizations already skilled in carpet weaving. As nomadic people, they relied on sheep and goats for an abundant supply of high-quality wool. Their weaving techniques and designs were passed down through generations, evolving into one of the region’s cultural treasures.
Cyrus the Great, the Persian emperor (600 to 530 BC), decorated his palace with locally-made carpets, elevating them to symbols of wealth and prestige. Initially, carpets served a practical purpose—covering dirt floors and providing insulation for nomadic tribesmen—but they soon evolved into decorative masterpieces.
Chinese records from the Sassanid Dynasty (224 to 641 CE) note that after conquering the Sassanian capital of Ctesiphon, Emperor Heraclius returned with carpets, including the famous “Spring of Khosro.” This legendary carpet, which adorned the palace of the Sassanian king Khosro I, was described in vivid detail:
“The border was a magnificent flowerbed of blue, red, white, yellow, and green stones; the background mimicked earth with gold, while crystal-clear stones gave the illusion of water. Silk represented plants, and colorful stones formed the fruits.”
Although reports on its dimensions vary, the carpet was ultimately divided into pieces by the Arabs after their conquest of Ctesiphon in 637 CE.
Persian Carpets Under Seljuk and Mongol Rule
In the 11th century, the Seljuks, a Turkish tribe, conquered Persia, bringing their women’s expertise in carpet weaving. The Turkish (or Ghiordes) knot, introduced by Seljuk women, is still used today in regions like Iranian Azerbaijan and Hamadan. This technique differs from the Persian (or Sinneh) knot in that the yarn wraps twice around two adjacent warp threads, rather than just once around a single thread.
Between 1220 and 1449, the Mongols ruled Persia, and records suggest that the palace of Tabriz, home to Ghazan Khan (1295 to 1304), was adorned with stunning carpets. In the early 15th century, Shah Rukh, ruler of the Timurid Empire, revived many cultural activities, including carpet weaving, after the Mongol suppression. Carpets from this era often feature simpler motifs and geometric patterns.
The Golden Age of Persian Carpet Weaving
Persian carpet weaving flourished during the reign of Shah Abbas (1587 to 1629) of the Safavid Dynasty. Artisans were encouraged to work at carpet weaving schools across the country, and the new capital, Esfahan, became a cultural center. Shah Abbas also recognized the economic value of Persian rugs and established trade with European markets. He created a court workshop where artisans wove luxurious carpets from silk with gold and silver threads.
Many of the world’s most prized antique Persian rugs date back to the 16th century, including the renowned Ardabil Carpet, now housed in London’s Victoria and Albert Museum. However, the Afghan invasion in 1722 and subsequent wars devastated Esfahan, and carpet weaving was largely limited to villages and nomadic camps during this period.
It wasn’t until the late 19th century that Persian carpet craftsmanship regained prominence, with rugs being produced for export to Europe and America. Foreign companies even established businesses in Persia to boost carpet production and exports. By then, Persian carpets had built a reputation for their rich colors, intricate patterns, and high-quality designs, making them coveted treasures in the West.
Persian Carpets Today
Persian carpets are now distinguished by their place of origin, with major weaving centers located in cities like Hamadan, Shiraz, and Mashhad. Tabriz, in particular, played a pivotal role in the development of Persian rug traditions and is renowned for its diverse designs. Kerman carpets often depict damask roses, while Kashan rugs are famous for their detailed floral patterns and central medallions.
One of the most renowned weavers from Kashan was Hajji Mollah Hassan Mohtasham, who produced finely woven carpets in the late 19th century. These "Mohtasham rugs" are recognized for their beautiful coloring, short-cut pile, and silk edging.
The Legacy of Persian Carpets
Historically, Persian rugs were not only used as floor coverings but also as wall hangings. As a result, many antique Persian carpets have survived in remarkable condition. Investing in a 100-year-old carpet ensures that you’ll have a piece that can last another 50 to 100 years, with much of the fading already completed, guaranteeing the colors remain vibrant for years to come.
For those looking to purchase Persian carpets today, an extensive collection of both modern and antique rugs from Iran’s major carpet-weaving centers is available, reflecting the country’s rich history and tradition.