Tabriz Carpets

The history of carpets in Iran goes back a long way. It's fascinating to think that the Pazyryk carpet, which dates back over 2,500 years, is closely linked to Iran. Even back then, carpets were beautifully crafted and quite advanced for their time. Carpets are an essential part of Iranian life; they are woven into our culture. I remember as a child learning about colors and flowers from the patterns on the carpets beneath my feet, whether they were fine, delicate pieces or coarser rugs. Regardless of their type, carpets represent the pinnacle of Iranian art, especially in Tabriz.

Unique Characteristics of Tabriz Carpets

Tabriz carpets are one of the many types of Iranian carpets, woven in the city of Tabriz, which is a major center for carpet making in Iran. The carpets produced here are known for their variety and richness. Recently, Tabriz has been recognized by the World Crafts Council as a global city for carpets.

History of Tabriz Carpets

The history of Tabriz carpets dates back to the Safavid era. During this time, Iran was a key player on the Silk Road, bringing great wealth through trade, which elevated the importance of art, including carpet weaving. The Safavids took carpet making to new heights, transforming it from a simple rural craft into a sophisticated art form enjoyed by royalty. Today, many museums around the world showcase carpets from Tabriz, shining like jewels among other treasures.
As Iranian carpets were exported worldwide, Tabriz artisans adapted to the tastes of foreign buyers, creating new designs that captured markets and won hearts. Tabriz is now considered the hub of carpet production in Iran, with thousands of weavers working on numerous looms. As time has passed, the quality of Tabriz carpets has improved, with higher knot counts and better colors and designs. The introduction of silk flowers has also enhanced their beauty, with bright colors influencing buyer preferences. Tabriz carpets often feature designs with vases, trees, prayer motifs, chandeliers, animals, hunting scenes, and geometric patterns, woven in various sizes. Today, Tabriz is recognized as a major exporter of Iranian carpets, with examples found in many museums, palaces, and royal residences.

Popular Designs in Tabriz Carpets

Some well-known designs from Tabriz include:
- Mostofi design
- Floral arabesques
- Central medallion
- Fish or Herati motifs
- Vase patterns
- Tree motifs
- Garden designs
- Hunting scenes
- And many others.
In recent decades, Tabriz carpets have seen significant advancements in design, color, and quality.
Modern Tabriz carpets often use bright colors like cream and beige, with intricate patterns and perspectives. The use of Turkish knots has improved durability, while the addition of silk for floral designs has transformed carpet production and export. One popular style that has gained popularity in Western countries is the "Zir Khaki" design, characterized by special colors like beige and olive, giving it an antique look.

Weaving Characteristics of Tabriz Carpets

In the past, Persian knots were used instead of Turkish knots, which are now more common due to their strength and durability. Urban carpets are typically woven on vertical looms, while horizontal looms are used in nomadic areas. Modern Tabriz carpets come in sizes like 2x3 meters, 2.5x3.5 meters, and 4x3 meters, whereas smaller sizes were more common in the past. Today, Tabriz carpets have knot counts ranging from 24 to 110. The knot count indicates the number of knots per 7 or 10 centimeters, similar to image resolution; the higher the number, the better the quality. High-quality carpets use silk or cotton threads for the warp and fine wool for the pile. Sometimes, silk is used around floral designs to enhance the carpet's overall quality. Currently, Tabriz is recognized as the largest and most important carpet weaving center in Iran and the world, playing a significant role in the development of culture and decorative arts.

Design and Color Features of Tabriz Carpets

Modern carpet weavers are not strictly adhering to traditional designs; they are experimenting with various patterns and colors to meet the tastes of both domestic and international customers. Geometric designs have become popular, with many Tabriz weavers drawing inspiration from them. In recent years, Tabriz artists have made significant advancements in producing silk carpets and intricate floral designs, achieving great success in this field. Some carpets feature silk threads, while others have silk floral borders. Most of these carpets are produced in beige and cream colors, with floral designs incorporating shades of pink, burgundy, and green, ranging from small to large sizes. As mentioned, carpets are deeply ingrained in Iranian culture. Every home in Iran has at least one carpet. Today, exquisite silk carpets adorn the homes of many affluent individuals, and everyone desires to have a piece of these handmade carpets. In the past, when furniture was not common in Iranian homes, people would sit on beautiful, handmade carpets on the floor, enjoying their warmth and softness.

Today, Tabriz carpets have made a comeback, transitioning from the floor to the walls and beautiful frames. Tabriz artisans have elevated the art of carpet weaving, and now Iranian carpets are often synonymous with Tabriz. With their new and innovative colors and designs, Tabriz carpets captivate buyers and leave a lasting impression. Tabriz carpets are now recognized as the flagship of Iran's handicrafts and can play a significant role in the region's economy. If you plan to visit Iran, don't hesitate to consider Tabriz carpets as the perfect souvenir, one that will brighten your home for years to come. The team at Sana Persian is ready to assist and provide information to you, dear travelers, and we hope to meet you soon in Iran, East Azerbaijan, and Tabriz. Looking forward to that day!