About Heriz Rugs
Heriz rugs are Persian rugs that originate from the area around the city of Heris, in the East Azerbaijan province in northwest Iran. The region is known for its history of rug weaving, dating back several centuries, and has developed a distinctive rug style that's globally recognized.
Heriz rugs are renowned for their remarkable durability and high-quality craftsmanship. The weavers in the Heriz region use a thick, tough, and heavy wool that is often rich in copper content due to the local geography. This copper content makes the wool exceptionally resilient, resulting in rugs that can endure decades of use.
In terms of design, Heriz rugs are particularly admired for their bold, geometric patterns. They usually feature a large central medallion, with the corners and borders filled with angular floral motifs, serrated leaves, or stylized geometric animals. The overall design often contains a harmonic balance between complexity and simplicity, which is characteristic of these rugs. The color palette typically includes earthy tones such as terracotta, rust, cream, and navy blue, but can also include brighter colors like orange, red, and occasionally, a small amount of blue.
Heriz rugs can be distinguished from other Persian rugs by the abrash effect seen in their coloring. Abrash refers to the variation in color that occurs when rugs are hand-dyed and handwoven, and in Heriz rugs, this effect is often quite pronounced and is considered part of their charm.
The knots used in Heriz rugs are Turkish or symmetrical knots, which contributes to their durability. The density of knots is not as high as some other Persian rugs like those from Tabriz or Isfahan, but the robustness of the wool and the quality of the weaving compensate for this.
Despite their rustic appearance, Heriz rugs can fit a variety of interior décor styles. From traditional to contemporary, their robust design and intricate patterns can make a powerful visual statement. They're considered an investment because of their durability and the fact that their value tends to increase over time.