Quality standards of Persian carpets | A thorough explanation of the number of knots and the beauty of the design

It's not just the number of knots? The deeper appeal that determines the value of Persian carpets

Persian carpets continue to fascinate enthusiasts around the world. Their beauty and durability are often measured by the number of knots, but is the value really determined by the number of knots alone? Here, we will explore not only the importance of the number of knots, but also the reasons behind the profound appeal of Persian carpets.

What are knots and why are they so important?

The "knot count" of a Persian carpet is a measure of how many knots there are per square meter or square inch. The more knots there are, the better the carpet will look.

• Intricate design can be woven
• More detailed color expression
• It has the advantage of being highly durable. In particular, carpets from Qom have an ultra-high density of over one million knots per square meter, and are astonishingly delicate, almost like miniature paintings.

Higher knots = more time

The more knots there are, the less of a carpet that can be woven in a day. Even a skilled craftsman can only do about 5,000 knots a day, and a large, dense carpet can take more than three and a half years.
Some people may think, "It takes years to weave a carpet, it's too expensive!" However, if you understand the amount of work that goes into it, you will realize that the price of a Persian carpet is by no means a "rip-off," but rather the culmination of skill and time.

It's not just the number of knots that determines the quality! Originality of design, materials, and workshop

While the number of knots is certainly a major factor in determining the quality of a carpet, the true value of a Persian carpet cannot be determined by that alone.

Design and color

• The artistry that is born from the artisan's sensibility and local traditions has a charm that is on a different level from the number of knots.
• The luster of the silk and the color of the natural dyes bring out a beauty that cannot be achieved by the number of knots alone.

Weaver's technique

• In the world of weaving, it's all about youth and sensitivity, so much so that girls in their late teens are treated as veterans.
• Her works are imbued with a "unique atmosphere" that comes from concentrating on tying knots while experiencing the joys, sorrows, anger, and happiness of everyday life.

Originality of the workshop

• Each famous workshop has its own unique style and use of colors, so even if the number of knots is the same, the feel can be completely different.
• The reputation and tradition of a workshop are directly linked to its "brand power" and are reflected in the price.

It is the combination of these multifaceted elements that determines the value of a carpet.

How to tell the knot count - first check the back of the carpet

Handwoven vs. machine-woven

• The back of a hand-knotted carpet: You can see each knot one by one. The knots are lined up like pointillism.
• The reverse side of a machine-knotted carpet: there are no knot marks and the reverse side is flat and smooth.

Machine-woven carpets last only about 3 to 5 years, and are considered disposable. On the other hand, hand-woven Persian carpets are durable enough to be passed down for decades, or even generations. This culture of "continuous use" can be said to be one of the eco-friendly aspects of Persian carpets.

The spirit of the craftsman is woven into the art -- art that is imbued with "ki"

It is said that Persian carpet weavers often infuse their own emotions and lives into the knots. When immersed in knitting or embroidery, they lose all sense of self and even feel "healed" or "prayerful" in the process. We often hear similar stories about traditional Japanese crafts.

• "I put all the feelings I had about love into the carpet."
• "I tied each one in hopes of my family's health."
  When you hear a story like that, it makes you feel warm inside just picking it up.

Summary: The number of knots is just the beginning, but the story that unfolds beyond is what makes it so fascinating.

The number of knots in a Persian carpet is an important indicator of its density and durability.

• The beauty of design
• Dyeing and material quality
• The technique and spirit of the weaver
• Elements such as the history and originality of the workshop highlight the profound value and artistic quality of the carpets.

Carpets with a high number of knots are certainly wonderful, but it may be a waste to get caught up in that alone. The real joy of enjoying Persian carpets is to look closely at the carpet and imagine things like, "What kind of dye was used to dye it this color?" and "What was the weaver thinking when he knotted it?"

A little interesting trivia

• It is not uncommon for masterpieces to take more than three years to complete.
• The color deepens as it ages, making it highly popular in the antique market.
• In some cases, they are passed down as family heirlooms.

Persian carpets have been loved by people for decades, even centuries. Their value is so profound that it cannot be measured by the number of knots alone. If you come across a carpet you like, try to imagine the magnificent story that unfolds "beyond the knots." You will surely feel a special connection with that carpet.