HISTORY OF HANDWOVEN RUGS

“It is only when we look to the past that we begin to see the real wonder of today.”

Persian carpets are renowned for their sumptuous colour, variety of patterns and quality of design. These characteristics are the base of the deeply rich history, almost as old as time itself. Our Sydney showroom lets you see and feel this history first hand.

When and where carpet weaving actually began is unknown though the art form is extremely old. The oldest knotted pile rug in existence is over 2500 years old. The complex weaving techniques and design of that piece indicate that the art form had already evolved over many centuries. The tradition has been passed down through generations of pastoral nomads and refined under the patronage of powerful kings. Still, to this day, the techniques have not changed.

The oldest existing rug was found in the Altai Mountains of Siberia, in 1947. Approximate dating places it around 500 BC. The “Pazyryk Rug”, as it has become known, was woven by Scythians as a burial shroud for their prince Pazyryk. The rug was frozen in his burial tomb after ancient grave robbers left it open. This is where the carpet remained frozen for over 2,500 years until its discovery by Russian archaeologist, Prof. S.I. Rudenko. 

Although now associated with quality and luxury, the Oriental carpet began its history more humbly. Nomadic tribesmen across the East wove carpets as a way of protecting themselves from the cold. As well as protection from the cold, the rugs became a means of expressing religious belief and political events, a way of “writing” traditional stories, and creating artistry and beauty.

By tracing the history of the Persian rug, we understand the enormous growth of one of the oldest civilizations in the world. As the beauty and complexity of the carpets developed, kings and noblemen used them to adorn their palaces and houses, and one of the cornerstones of Persian culture was created.

Family groups organised themselves into workshops, vying for business and commissions and closely guarding their secrets from their competitors.

It is generally agreed that during the period under the Safavid Dynasty (1502-1736), weaving grew to new level of creativity, invention and beauty. Carpet workshops in the cities of Kerman, Isfahan, Kashan, Tabriz, and Herat were established and they created rugs of exceptional quality. The use of gold and silver carpet thread was developed in this time. The Court commissioned rugs, and its relationship with carpet masters and weavers is an integral part of the look of each rug produced.

Throughout Persia’s turbulent history, the rug has maintained its special place in people’s souls, inspiring song and poetry for centuries. Throughout war, invasion, and in times of peace, the carpet held captive the imaginations of its people and an increasing worldwide audience.

It is thought that Italian merchants first began to import Oriental carpets throughout Europe. These rugs were exotic and expensive and kings and noblemen across the continent sought these symbols of wealth and luxury. King Henry VIII was among the first in England to buy large numbers of Oriental Carpets and many are shown in portraits of the King and his Court.

The worldwide trade in Oriental rugs has grown, and the carpets remain a symbol of a unique art and culture.