Persian rugs
are one of the most popular rugs in the world, but the average person wouldn't
be able to tell you much about one of planet earth's most favorite rug
styles. The meaning behind the word
"Persian rug" has changed considerably since they've grown to their current
popularity. In the past the term Persian
rug was used to describe any kind of rug that was made somewhere in the Persian
empire; but now many people use the term Persian rug to describe a rug that's
made with a certain pattern.
Past Meanings
The country we know as Iraq is where the old empire of
Persia used to stand. Persia was one of
the most powerful and important empires in the Middle East, and the empire was
known for its particularly impressive artistic talents. Calligraphy, tile work, and miniature
painting were a few of the arts Persia was famous for. But there was no artistic talent that was
more revered than the distinct rug weaving that came from the area.
There's evidence that the art of carpet weaving existed in
ancient times, some people think that it goes back as far as 500 B.C. An array of weaving styles and patterns have
been used over the past millennia, everything from wool, cotton, and fine silk
have been used to make Persian rugs. The
style of carpets that we know and love today developed under the Safavid
Dynasty, between the years of 1502-1736.
Many of the traditional colorations and patterns that are used today
were developed during this time, and many high quality carpet factories were
also created at this time.
The patterns and styles Persian rugs have come in may have
changed, but the quality of Persian rugs
hasn't changed since they first came to be.
Persian rugs have always been praised for the high quality. The materials they're made out of, along with
their strength and durability have been lauded since they rugs became popular
around the world.