History of Persian carpets

The history of carpets is the history of humanity!? An amazing time slip!

The first thing that will surprise you is their long history. The origins of Persian carpets are said to date back an astonishing 3,000 to 5,000 years. That's a long time that's hard to imagine, isn't it? In Japan, that would be around the time of the Jomon and Yayoi periods. Isn't it romantic to think 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, proving its antiquity. This is the "Pazyryk Carpet," which was miraculously discovered in the permafrost of Siberia. It is believed to date back to around the 5th century BC and is currently treasured in the Hermitage Museum in Russia.

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

"Wisdom for a Beautiful Life" Born from the People of the Desert

First of all, why did carpet culture flourish so much in Persia? One answer lies in the harsh natural environment of that region. Summers are scorching hot and winters are freezing cold. In such a harsh climate, people first began using felt (rugs made from compressed sheep's wool) 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 fabric!

Rugs were born out of necessity for survival in harsh natural environments, but they were combined with people's desire for beauty, and were sublimated into stronger and more beautiful carpets... This can be said to be the origin of Persian carpets. Perhaps that is why they are not just beautiful, but also have a warmth that is rooted in daily life. Reason 1 why they continue to be loved: Not just because they are beautiful to look at! They have the beauty of utility that is close to daily life

The ultimate luxury that captivated the powerful of the time

Before long, the skill 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 artisans in the country and had them create "carpets fit for the palace," lavishly using the finest silk and wool, and featuring the utmost in luxury.

One of the most representative examples is the "Ardebil Carpet" housed in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. It is said to have taken as many as five skilled artisans three years to weave around 1540. The fineness of the weave is...! Its beauty is breathtaking. Even now, it 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. According to one theory, it took about 20 years to complete! Of course, it is made from the finest silk. Its brilliance and the elegant appearance that combines the craftsmanship cultivated over an unimaginable period of time are truly breathtaking. The fact that so much time and passion can be poured into it speaks volumes about the value of Persian carpets. Reason #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 the immense amount of time that goes into them.

Persian treasures that the world fell in love with

In this way, 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 around the 17th century. There are records that they were used as luxurious decorations to adorn the floats of Kyoto's Gion Festival ! Isn't it exciting just to imagine that dazzling, mysteriously patterned carpets from a foreign land would adorn 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, attention was drawn once again to Persian carpets as a valuable means of earning foreign currency other than oil. In this way, even as they were buffeted by political and economic waves, their artistic value remained undiminished, and they gained more and more fans around the world. Reason 3 why they continue to be loved: They have a universally recognized value that transcends culture, borders and the times.

Click here for advice on choosing a Persian carpet

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

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