Persian carpet weaving and craftsmanship | The secret of artworks born from traditional techniques

An art woven by craftsmanship - The weaving of Persian carpets and their appeal

Persian carpets are highly regarded around the world. Their beauty, durability, and artistic design are the culmination of centuries of tradition and technology. In this article, we will take a closer look at how Persian carpets are woven, the advanced technology behind them, and the time-consuming process that goes into creating them.

Basics of weaving: Persian knots and Turkish knots

There are two main ways to tie Persian carpets. The texture, durability, and intricacy of the design of the carpet will vary greatly depending on the knotting method.

Persian knot (single knot)

Characteristics: A method of wrapping thread around one of the warp threads
Advantages: Design can be flexibly expressed, and it is suitable for intricate and delicate patterns.
Main uses: Used for weaving highly skilled and intricate patterns and highly artistic carpets.

Turkish knot (double knot)

Features: A method of tying knots on both warp threads
Pros: Symmetrical knots, durable and retain their shape for longer
Main uses: Often used in practical carpets intended for long-term use

A major feature of Persian carpets is that the finished appearance and durability vary depending on the knotting method used.

Carpet weaving process

All Persian carpets are woven by hand, a laborious process that begins with creating the design, stretching the warp threads on the loom, then threading the weft threads and tying the knots.

Creating the design (Karigar)

The designs combine traditional motifs such as floral, geometric, animal and religious symbols.
It acts as a "blueprint" that determines the overall layout of the carpet.
Based on this design, the craftsman proceeds with weaving, accurately reproducing the colors and patterns.

Tying Knots

Repeat the process of tying threads to the warp threads and fixing them with the weft threads.
The more knots (the number of knots per square meter), the more detailed the design can be.
Carpets with more than 10 knots per cm2 are considered to be of high density and have intricate patterns.

2-3. Density and number of knots

The quality of a carpet is greatly affected by the number of knots
The denser the carpet, the more limited the area that can be woven in a day, and the longer it takes to complete, from several months to several years.
Among the silk carpets produced in Qom, there are some that have an extremely high density of over 1 million knots per square meter.

Materials and weaving machines used

Persian carpets are primarily made from natural materials such as silk, wool and cotton, all of which are functional and beautiful, and each gives the carpet different characteristics.

silk

The finest materials used in luxury goods
Beautiful luster and extremely fine weaving possible
Highlighting intricate design and artistry

wool

Highly durable and ideal for everyday use
Naturally water-repellent and absorbs dyes well
The quality varies depending on the place of origin and the breed of sheep, and there is a wide range of grades.

cotton

Used as warp and weft threads to support the structure of a carpet
It has the property of stabilizing the shape and is also excellent in terms of cost.
Sometimes only a part of the fabric is dyed to add an accent to the design.

About the weaving machine

Traditionally, Persian carpets are woven on manual looms, with artisans knotting each piece one by one. Because it is difficult to automate, the entire process is characterized by the enormous amount of time and effort required.

The Importance of Craftsmanship

The quality of Persian carpets depends heavily on the skill of the craftsman. Especially in weaving high density and intricate designs,

Accurate knot count management
The concentration required to faithfully reproduce the design
Patience to endure long hours of work is essential. Some craftsmen become so skilled that they are called "veterans" by the time they reach their late teens, and the carpets they spin are said to be woven with a wealth of emotion and spirit, adding depth to the work.

Time required to complete weaving

In the case of high-density Persian carpets, it is said that a craftsman can weave about 5,000 knots in a day.

At 1 million knots per 1m2

For a 200 x 300 cm carpet, it would take 1,200 days (approximately 3 years or more).

The carpets that are completed through this lengthy process can truly be described as "art that requires skill and time."

The difference between machine weaving and hand weaving

Characteristics of hand-woven fabric

You can see each knot.
The knot marks are clearly visible on the back.
Highly durable and can be used for generations

Machine-woven features

The knots are not reproduced, and the back side is noticeably flat.
Although the price is low, it is not durable and needs to be replaced every 3 to 5 years.

Although hand-knotted carpets are expensive, the longer they are used the more their character improves, and it is not uncommon for their value as antiques to increase over time.

summary

Persian carpet weaving is a true art that is woven over a long period of time, with centuries of tradition and skilled craftsmanship.

Skillful knotting techniques such as Persian knots and Turkish knots
The painstaking work of stacking knots according to detailed patterns
Reproducing intricate and beautiful patterns with high density knots
A combination of natural materials such as silk, wool and cotton
High-quality finishes born from the experience and concentration of our craftsmen

All of these factors combine to make Persian carpets not just rugs, but works of art that can be passed down through generations. Their appeal, which does not fade even after years or decades of use, is truly the "crystal of time and skill" -- each and every one is treasured as an irreplaceable item.

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