They have a long, rich history that is intertwined with that of the people who make them. This prestigious craft, however, is dying partially as a result of the lack of appreciation for the history and artistry involved in their formation.
There are many weavers who use the same method as their ancestors to create Persian carpets, although this is not true of all weavers. Those who follow tradition use what is known as the Persian knot, the one feature that truly distinguishes the Persian from the Turkish.
A Turkish knot is a double knot, consisting of two loops, on the vertical threads, while the Persian knot is a single knot, consisting of one loop. Although the custom carpets with double-knots generally have a lower knot count and a more boxy design, the only way to truly tell which knot was used is to spread the pile of the rug and look at the base of the knot.
The most widely practiced craft in Iran is weaving, and there are currently over 1 million weavers of Persian carpets. Many weavers, however, no longer find it profitable as they are losing sales to the mass-produced, machine-spun copies from other countries. As even their original designs become part of the mass production process, weavers have started producing fewer carpets each year.
As a result, the centuries-old art form is being lost. Saving it will require a level of appreciation that comes only from knowing and understanding more about the craft itself.
To read more Persian Carpets On The Home Floor
