Tabriz Persian Carpets
According to legend the ancient city of Tabriz in North East Iran was the site of the Garden of Eden. As that past faded into distant myth a new history as old as Rome swept in and still holds this biblical citadel in its thrall: the Great silk roads passed through here and the city became the centre of a flourishing trade in Persian carpets.
In an effort to reclaim the lost memories of Eden the Tabrizans concentrated on the beauty underfoot and even to this day the area is renowned for the excellence of its hand woven carpets. These carpets can fetch many thousands of pounds on the international markets and remain highly prized amongst collectors across the globe.
The quality of the hand woven carpets has fallen since the end of World War II due to the increased trade in the product but the experienced eye can still hunt out a bargain in the 15th Century covered bazaar in the old part of the town. Here, with patience and discrimination, carpets of extraordinary beauty can be unearthed.
The design of Tabriz carpets is traditionally highly symmetrical with deep blues and reds contrasted against an ivory background but Tabriz is also famous for its pictorial carpets. Allusions to its mythical past and history as former Persian capital abound in these designs as do some more risqué pieces not expected in such a Muslim country.
Quality is measured by the raj scale - where 24 raj equate to 75 knots per square inch and rise up to 110 raj or higher. This is the quality that is most highly prised - these carpets are often made with silk as opposed to the more prosaic cotton of standard manufacture - and the combination of intricacy and design can costs tens of thousands of dollars to purchase.
Sizes vary from prayer mat up to 40ft square but if you are prepared to haggle you can pick up something to make the neighbors green and fit under the coffee table for around £50 - though expect to pay much more for exports.
Author: Garry Pierrepont
Are you interested in Persian or Oriental Rugs? Look at our fine selection at http://www.biarug.co.uk
