About Kerman Rugs

Kerman rugs, also known as Kirman rugs, are one of the traditional categories of Persian carpets. They are named after the city of Kerman, located in southeastern Iran, which has a history of rug weaving dating back to the early 15th century. Here's some more information about these beautiful and intricate pieces of work.

Design and Characteristics:

  1. Color and Patterns: Kerman rugs are renowned for their broad range of colors and designs. Their hues can vary from soft pastels to rich jewel tones, with the most common colors being ivory, blue, and red. Their patterns can include a variety of motifs such as floral designs, hunting scenes, pictorial designs, vase designs, and central medallion patterns. These rugs often have a central medallion and quartered corners, filled with floral or arabesque patterns.

  2. Quality of Wool and Dye: Kerman rugs typically use high-quality wool for their pile, which is dense and plush. The wool is often sourced from the local sheep in Iran. The dyes used are usually natural, derived from plants, roots, and other organic sources, which contribute to their unique and varied color palette.

  3. Knot Count: Kerman rugs are known for their high knot count, typically between 120 and 840 knots per square inch. This high knot density allows for the creation of intricate designs and a high level of detail in the rug patterns.

  4. Sizes: These rugs are available in a variety of sizes, from small mats to oversized carpets, allowing them to fit a wide range of interior design needs.

Historical and Cultural Significance:

Kerman rugs have a rich history. During the Safavid dynasty in the 16th century, rug making flourished in Iran. Kerman gained a reputation for producing some of the most elegant and high-quality rugs in the country. Their popularity and demand have remained strong throughout history, making them highly valued in both local and international markets.

In the local culture, these rugs are more than just a floor covering; they are a form of art and a symbol of cultural identity and heritage. They often depict Persian folklore, historical events, or religious stories, making them a storytelling medium.

Caring for Kerman Rugs:

Caring for a Kerman rug involves regular vacuuming to remove dust and dirt, immediate attention to spills, and periodic professional cleaning to maintain its vibrancy and prolong its lifespan. It's also important to keep these rugs out of continuous direct sunlight to avoid fading.

In the field of interior design, Kerman rugs can serve as a striking focal point in a room due to their intricate patterns and vibrant colors. They can be used to add warmth, texture, and a sense of history and culture to a space.

Keep in mind, each Kerman rug is unique, reflecting the creativity and skill of its weaver, making it not just a functional piece but also a work of art.

Kerman rugs are made by highly skilled weavers in and around the city of Kerman in Iran. The rug-weaving tradition is passed down from generation to generation in these families. Often, the entire family is involved in different stages of rug making, from preparing the wool, to dyeing, to weaving.

While men traditionally prepared the looms and performed the physically demanding tasks such as shearing the sheep and dyeing the wool, women usually did the actual weaving, especially in rural areas. However, this division of labor isn't as strictly adhered to anymore, and both men and women participate in all aspects of rug production.

In the city of Kerman itself, there are weaving workshops where multiple weavers work together to produce larger rugs. These workshops are often run by a master weaver who oversees the design and quality of the rugs being made. In these workshops, designs are often more intricate and standardized, compared to the more free-style and organic designs typically found in rugs woven in a domestic setting.

In recent times, due to the high demand and commercial success of Kerman rugs, there are now rug-weaving facilities in other countries as well, especially in India and China, where Kerman-style rugs are produced on a large scale. However, authentic Kerman rugs are still made in Iran, and they are highly valued for their craftsmanship, quality, and cultural authenticity.