Why are Persian carpets so expensive?

Until a piece of art is born

We will introduce you to the reasons why Persian carpets are considered works of art, the secrets of their weaving, and the amazing world of craftsmanship. After reading this, we are sure to change the way you look at Persian carpets.

There are two ways to knot a Persian carpet

The most distinctive feature of Persian carpets is that each thread is knotted individually. There are two main types of knotting methods. This is the first point that determines the character of the carpet.

• Persian knot (single knot): A method of wrapping the thread around one of the warp threads. This is suitable for creating flowing curves and intricate, delicate patterns. It is often seen in highly artistic carpets.
• Turkish knot (double knot): A method of firmly tying two adjacent warp threads. The knot is strong and durable, and is often used in practical carpets.

Neither is better than the other, and they are used depending on the design and place of origin.

The mind-boggling process of handwork required to make a single carpet

So how are Persian carpets actually woven? The process is surprisingly painstaking and requires a series of painstaking tasks.

1. Deciding on the design (creating a design) First, a design is created, which will serve as the blueprint for the carpet.Traditional patterns and new designs are drawn out on something like graph paper.
2. Tying the threads (making knots) While looking at the pattern, threads of the specified color (pile threads) are tied by hand, one by one, to the warp threads stretched on the loom.Once tied, the excess thread is cut off.This process is repeated over and over again.
3. After each knot is secured with the weft thread , the weft thread is passed through and tapped downwards with a comb-like tool to firmly secure the knot. This makes the carpet tightly woven and strong.

This process of tying and fastening is repeated hundreds of thousands, even millions, of times until a single carpet finally takes shape.

Why are Persian carpets so expensive?

You can imagine that hand weaving must take a long time, but how long exactly?

Even a skilled craftsman can only weave a few centimeters of high-density Persian carpet in a day, and the maximum number of knots is said to be around 5,000.

For example, if you have a 2m x 3m carpet that you would lay in your living room, with 1 million knots per square meter...

Even with simple calculations, it will take more than three years to complete!

This "time" is crucial to understanding the value of a Persian carpet: it is not just the time spent working on it, but the time that the artisan pours into it, their skilled technique, unwavering concentration, and a part of their life.

Unfortunately, because it takes such a long time to make a carpet, not all carpets are completed. There are cases where the weaver stops weaving midway due to personal reasons. For this reason, a completed Persian carpet can be said to be a miracle, born after overcoming many difficulties.

The "extremely difficult" weaving of Qom silk carpets

Persian carpets, especially silk carpets from Qom, are known for their difficulty in weaving, due to their extremely high density (over 1 million knots per square meter!) and the large number of colors used.

Imagine this: a world measured in millimeters, with over 100 knots in a square centimeter. Then you have to choose the right color silk thread from dozens of colors according to the pattern, and tie it in the right position without a single deviation... This is a task that requires superhuman concentration and precision.

What is it that supports this difficult task, which cannot be overcome by skill alone? We believe it is the artisan's deep love for the colors and patterns of Persian carpets, and their strong will to create the finest works of art with their own hands. The special brilliance of Qom silk is imbued with the soul of the artisan.

Art woven from materials, tools, and "human hands"

Of course, a good carpet requires good materials (silk, wool, cotton, etc.) and the right tools (usually manual looms).

However, it is the "human hand" and "heart" that ultimately determine the quality of a Persian carpet. Precision, concentration, perseverance, and the sensibility to create something beautiful. These combine to breathe life into a carpet. Sometimes the fresh sensibility of a young weaver shines through, and other times the skilled techniques of a veteran shine through. The personality and passion of the maker give the carpet its "flavor."

summary

Weaving a beautiful Persian carpet is no easy task.

• Calculated knotting techniques
• Knot by knot, the painstaking work of weaving together colours and shapes
• An enormous amount of time, sometimes even several years
• Millimeter-level accuracy is required, requiring extreme concentration
• And the deep love for carpets and the spirit of the artisans

Only when all these elements are combined can a Persian carpet become more than just a rug; it becomes a work of art.

The next time you have a chance to see a Persian carpet, try to think not only about its beautiful patterns, but also about the time and effort that went into each and every knot of the carpet. You will surely come to realize the true value and deep charm of the carpet.

[For advice on choosing a Persian carpet, click here]

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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