Persian carpets

Looking at the Persian carpet is viewing the world of art that has been fostered for over 2500 years. The Persians 1were the first to begin making carpets and, taking advantage of the

experience accrued by the generations as the centuries of creative and inventive work were passing by, they acquired unique and unparalleled capabilities in this field.

Carpet making is the subtlest and most refined forms of expression in Iran, and the best-to-present-day carpets are considered to be the top level pieces of art ever created by mankind. Even today, when the industrial and urban society of Iran keeps emerging, the relation to the Persian carpets is as strong as aforetime.

Keeping the track of the Persian carpet history we can follow the cultural growth of one of the greatest civilisations of the world. carpetThe carpet, which used to be a part of household and floor cover protecting the nomand kinsmen from cold and humidity, has been turning more and more refined, gaining new mission and acquiring new users – the kings and noblemen seeking to bring out their welfare and decorate the interior of their palaces.

The luxury element, which the Persian carpet has become today, is a true contrast to the modest one back in the history of the nomad times, when the tribes were wandering in Persia looking for a source of living. In those times the carpet used to be an essential utensil keeping them warm during winter cold. This notwithstanding the necessaries gave birth to art.  Bright and magic colour carpets and rugs protecting the tribesmen from chilly environment would bring a grain of delight and higher spirits into their hard life. Picture 2136In those days the carpets were small and their size depended on the tent accommodating the people.

The oldest known carpet survived by accident. It is called the Pazyryk carpet and is made of soft wool, the central field of it is a deep red colour and it has two wide borders, one depicting a deer and the other a Persian horseman. This carpet has been woven in the 5 century B.C. and now is housed by the Hermitage Museum in St.Petersburg.