The History and Appeal of Persian Carpets

A single carpet can change your life...do you believe in that kind of magic?

Hello! Welcome to the fascinating world of Persian carpets, where you can't leave once you step inside! "They're beautiful, but they're also very expensive..." "They seem difficult to make..." You probably have that kind of image, right? I understand, I understand. But if you feel that way, you might be missing out on one of life's great pleasures!

After all, Persian carpets have an incredible charm that goes beyond being just a "thing." They are living history itself, having traveled through time for thousands of years, far beyond our imagination.

"But why is it so long?" "Why does it still fascinate people all over the world?" Good questions! Let's go on an exciting time journey together to find the answers! Today, we'll tell you all about the drama hidden behind the carpet, which you won't find in textbooks, and the secret behind its continued popularity !

The history of carpets is the history of mankind! An amazing time slip!

The first thing that will surprise you is the length of their history. The origins of Persian carpets are said to date back 3,000 to 5,000 years. It's a time that's hard to imagine, isn't it? In Japan, it would be around the time of the Jomon and Yayoi periods. Don't you feel romantic about the fact that people have been weaving carpets and using them in their daily lives since such ancient times?

There is a carpet that is like a time capsule that proves its antiquity. This is the "Pazyryk carpet," which was miraculously discovered in the permafrost of Siberia. It is said to date back to around the 5th century BC and is currently treasured in the Hermitage Museum in Russia.

What is surprising is not only its excellent state of preservation, but also the intricacy of the design woven into it and the high level of craftsmanship used! It is hard to believe that such an advanced hand-woven carpet already existed 2,500 years ago... It is said that this Pazyryk carpet is the prototype of Persian carpets, and it eloquently tells us the beginning of that great history.

Chapter 1: Necessity is the mother of invention! "Wisdom for a beautiful life" born from the desert people

First of all, why did carpet culture flourish so much in Persia? One answer lies in the harsh natural environment of that region. The summers are blisteringly hot and the winters are freezing cold. In such a harsh climate, people first began to use felt (rugs made from compressed sheep's wool) as a way to stay warm and comfortable.

Eventually, the technology to spin wool into fine thread was developed, and this further evolved into the technology to weave cloth using that thread. Then, in addition to simply weaving, someone came up with the idea of adding beautiful patterns to the cloth!

Rugs, born out of a "necessity" for living in harsh natural environments, were combined with people's "desire for beauty" and were sublimated into stronger and more beautiful "carpets"... this could be said to be the origin of Persian carpets. Perhaps that is why they are not just beautiful, but have a warmth that is rooted in everyday life. Reason 1 for their continued popularity: Not only are they beautiful to look at! They have "beauty of utility" that fits into everyday life

Chapter 2: Even kings bow down before them! The ultimate luxury that captivated the powerful of the time

Before long, the technology and artistry of Persian carpets caught the eye of kings, queens, and wealthy merchants of the time. "We want to get our hands on those magnificent carpets at all costs!" They gathered the most skilled craftsmen in the country and had them create "carpets for the palace", lavishly using the finest silk and wool.

One of the most representative examples is the "Ardebil Carpet" in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. It is said to have taken as many as five skilled craftsmen three years to weave around 1540. The fineness of the weave is amazing! Its beauty takes your breath away. Even now, it still exudes a queenly aura in the museum, overwhelming us.

The silk Persian carpet at the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Qatar in the Middle East is also famous for its splendor. It is said that it took approximately 20 years to complete! Of course, it is made from the finest silk. Its brilliance and the graceful appearance of the craftsmanship cultivated over an unimaginable period of time are truly breathtaking. The fact that so much time and passion has been poured into it speaks volumes about the value of Persian carpets. Reason No. 2 for their continued popularity: They have the "real value" and "overwhelming presence" that are created by the finest materials, techniques that challenge the limits of human ability, and an immense amount of time.

Chapter 3: Crossing the seas and transcending the ages! Persian treasures that the world fell in love with

Thus, Persian carpets were prized as status symbols for royalty and aristocrats, and as important diplomatic gifts. Their beauty eventually spread beyond the borders of Persia and throughout the world.

Surprisingly, it is said that carpets were introduced to Japan in the 17th century. There are records that they were used as gorgeous decorations to decorate the floats of the Gion Festival in Kyoto! Isn't it exciting just to imagine that glittering carpets with strange patterns from a foreign land were decorating traditional Japanese festivals? It shows how much people at the time were amazed by their beauty and valued them.

From the 19th century onwards, Persian carpets became an important export item, supporting the Iranian economy, mainly in Europe. In particular, during the oil shock of the 1970s, when oil prices soared, interest in Persian carpets increased again as a valuable means of earning foreign currency other than oil. Thus, despite being buffeted by political and economic waves, their artistic value remained undiminished, and they continued to attract more and more enthusiasts around the world. Reason 3 why they continue to be loved: They have a universally recognized value that transcends cultures, borders and the waves of time.

Chapter 4: The birth of a new era star! The revolution brought about by "Qom silk carpets"

Now, let's take a little detour and look at the history of "Qom silk carpets," which are particularly popular among modern Persian carpets. In fact, Qom only became famous as a carpet production area relatively recently, in the 20th century. It is truly a "rising star."

But how did this young production center come to be called the "pinnacle" of silk carpets? It was because they were incredibly studious and adventurous!

The artisans of Qum eagerly studied and absorbed the wonderful techniques and designs of the older carpet-making centres such as Isfahan and Tabriz. But they didn't just copy them. They infused them with the modern and sophisticated sensibility that is unique to Qum, creating a completely new style of carpet!

They have an extraordinary commitment to silk materials in particular, using the highest quality silk thread and perfecting the technique of weaving it with incredible fineness and precision. The result is the one-of-a-kind Kum silk carpet, delicate, elegant and with stunningly beautiful colours. Respecting old traditions while breathing new life into them - it is this spirit of "learning from the past" that makes Kum so special. Reason #4 why they continue to be loved: They do not rest on their laurels on tradition, but instead have the "power to evolve" to constantly create new beauty

Chapter 5: Add some magic to your room? "Living Design"

As we can see from the example of Qum, Persian carpet designs are not just a legacy of the past. Of course, traditional motifs such as paisley patterns, geometric patterns, garden patterns that evoke the dream of paradise, and the mysterious tree of life that have been loved for hundreds of years are still cherished today. Each of these designs has a deep meaning and story, and learning about them is one of the joys of Persian carpets.

But at the same time, Persian carpets are alive and well in the present. Their colors and designs are constantly being updated to suit modern interiors and our tastes. They fit in surprisingly well with classic spaces, as well as surprisingly modern living rooms and minimalist bedrooms.

It is precisely because Persian carpets possess this universal beauty and the flexibility to adapt to the times that they attract us with their own unique charms, both old and new, and are able to blend naturally into the diverse lifestyles of today. Don't you feel a deep generosity in them, as if an experienced senior in life were kindly listening to the stories of any young person? Reason 5 for their continued popularity: Because they possess universality and flexibility that can withstand any time or space

So, we are "deep into" Persian carpets!

So, did you enjoy this journey into the secrets of why Persian carpets have continued to fascinate people for thousands of years?

The secret was never just one.

Proven practicality born from everyday wisdom. Overwhelming beauty born from the pinnacle of human skill. Universal value that transcends time and borders. Amazing innovation that is constantly evolving. Diverse designs that fit into any space. And the countless stories and human feelings woven into each and every piece.

All of these factors intertwine in a complex and beautiful way, making Persian carpets not just "rugs" or "interior decor" but "living art" that resonates deeply in our hearts.

So when we see such a photograph, we don't just say, "It's beautiful," but we may also be moved by thinking about the magnificent time behind it, and even the breath of the creator.

If you are looking for something that is not just beautiful, but also has a sense of history, culture, and the warmth of human hands, then the world of Persian carpets will surely enrich your life. Why not take a step into the world of Persian carpets and discover their profound charm? I'm sure you will be moved beyond your imagination.

Click here for advice on choosing a Persian carpet

Golestan, a Persian carpet specialist, will help you find the perfect carpet to suit your room and lifestyle. Our expert staff will be happy to help you choose from our extensive selection, so please feel free to consult with us.

• Check the size and texture at a physical store: Store address and access information
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