Category Archives: Perfectly Persian

Unique Finds: Signed Persian Rugs from Master Weavers

When people bring home beautiful works of art, they expect to find the signature of the artist somewhere on the canvas. When they bring home a hand woven Oriental rug, however, they may not realize that these lovely pieces may also contain a clue as to the creator of the rug.

Signatures on rugs can be difficult to find, especially for those who do not understand Arabic script, but taking the time to examine the edges may reveal a few surprises.

What Do These Rug Signatures Look Like?

Persian rugs signed by master weavers frequently contain simple initials or other identifiers written in Farsi in Arabic script woven into the rug. Interestingly, many of the signatures may not be of the actual weaver, but that of a financial benefactor or the person who commissioned the rug.

signed-persian-rug-isfahan

Some of our Master Weaver signed rugs include:

Antique, Authentic Persian Isfahan rug, signed by Master Seyrafian
Authentic Persian Isfahan rug, signed by Master Davari
Authentic Person Mashad rug, signed by Master Ghadiri
Authentic Persian Nain rug, signed by Master Habbibian

Those who do not read Arabic may confuse a signature with calligraphy known as ‘Kufic’, which is derived from Arabic script as decoration. Often, however, the Kufic will have mirror images and flow more with the decoration than a signature.

Where Do Signed Persian Rugs Originate?

Most of the rugs signed by master weavers actually originate in big cities well known for their weaving cultures. In the cities, weavers tend to have the freedom to make personal embellishments they may not have in the more culturally restrictive rural areas. There are also higher rates of literacy in city centers, making it more likely that the weaver would have the ability to add in initials, a full signature, or even a verse from a poem or the Koran.

Do Signed Persian and Oriental Rugs Have More Value?

Signed Persian and Oriental rugs do not necessarily have more value, unless the signature is of particular note, but that is quite rare. Since rug weavers tend not to be well known globally, it would be difficult to find a buyer for a particular signature. In general, however, the signature does add a bit of interesting history to the piece and something that might definitely interest future buyers if the owner ever wished to sell.

If you’re interested in unique and exclusive rugs to add to your home, eSaleRugs offers a variety of traditional, antique and modern rugs at discounted prices to fit your budget.

Affordable Persian Options: Reproduction Persian Rugs from Romania & Surrounding Countries

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We’ve just introduced a new collection of Persian reproduction rugs from Romania, which can be great options for those looking for more affordable Persian-style rugs.

For over three hundred years, the weavers throughout Romania have created beautiful rugs and carpets that have delighted both local people and foreign traders alike. The vibrant colors and unique design patterns tell the story of the region and are in many ways unique compared to other types of ornate, hand crafted rugs. Unfortunately, the rug industry in the region has suffered over the last century, first during the World Wars and then again in recent years. Although the government has at times shown an interest in preserving the traditional Romanian carpet trade, it remains to be seen how long it will last: enter Persian reproduction rugs.

Romanian Weaving Techniques Resemblance to Kilim Style

Although the different regions of Romania have unique styles, a great number of Romanian rugs are made in a flat woven or Kilim style, meaning that they look finished from both sides. The rugs derive their colors from the colors naturally found in the sheep’s wool as well as local plants that can be used for dyes. In many ways, the techniques and patterns found in a Romanian carpet weaving are influenced by weavers both from further west in Europe and from weavers to the East throughout Persia and the Asian world.

Traditional Romanian Weaving Designs Seen in Persian Reproduction Rugs

Many antique Romanian designs are done in the unique Bessarabian style. These techniques are believed to have originated under Ottoman rule and are common throughout Romanian and Bulgaria. This style encourages a floral pattern on a brown or black ground.

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Many traditional carpets from the region also derive symbolism from the daily life of the makers. For example, weavers in the rural northwest areas of Romania have been known to create stunning patterns with traditional design motifs that contain various symbols for the meaning of life in traditional culture. Other Persian reproduction rugs may contain images from village life, such as animals, people, or simply unique patterns found throughout the traditional, rural Romanian culture.

These Persian reproduction rugs offer a great deal of unique beauty to existing rug collections. If you’re interested in Persian reproduction rugs, browse our collection. We also offer a range of timeless, beautiful, and authentic Oriental rugs and Persian rugs for your home or workspace.

Kerman Persian Rugs: Why the Colors of These Rugs Catch So Many Eyes

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Since the 15^th century, the south – central city of Kerman, Iran and the surrounding province by the same name have been known for their gorgeous, intricate, and quality antique Persian rugs. Everything about them makes them a highly prized possession for any household. The brilliant designs are often a key feature that capture the eyes of many interested buyers.

The dyes from Kerman, Iran are famous for their beauty. Here are just two of the reasons why they have been noted throughout the ages in Kerman Persian rugs.

Kerman Dying Techniques

The wool dyed for Kerman Persian rugs varies wildly, containing many vivid and beautiful colors. The dying typically occurs while the wool is still in flock, before it is spun. This helps to encourage uniform color and allows for the eye catching designs that draw so many to these beautiful rugs.

The rug makers from this region are known for their ability to capture even the slightest variations in color, especially the lighter shades. This wide range in color gradients makes the final product even more stunning.

The Kerman Persian rug also makes frequent use of traditional Persian carpet colors, such as brilliant reds and blues, which both tie the carpets in to the wider Persian carpet design culture, but also keep them distinctive.

Kerman Persian Rug Patterns & Designs

What really helps the dyes in Kerman rugs stand out for observers is the final design. When the colors are expertly woven together, the contrast between the colors and the subtle differences in shade become obvious.

Kerman Persian rugs are known for their curvilinear designs as well as floral patterns, which add taste and grace in any home décor. The assortment of colors allow for a richness in design that speaks highly to the skills of these traditional Kerman carpet weavers. The weaves are traditionally done with as many as 400 knots per square inch, which demonstrates the level of quality involved in the carpet creation.

Kerman Persian rugs and their colors speak to a valued art in a centuries old technique. These carpets that have been designed in the Kerman tradition offer a gorgeous complementary piece for any home. See our entire selection here.

Authentic Persian Rugs: How to Tell What You’re Buying

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Hand Made Persian Rug Buying Guide

Persian rugs are considered the finest of all Oriental rugs, and as one of the most distinguished demonstrations of Persian heritage, they are an indispensable part of the Persian cultural history.

Carpet weaving has been a part of the Persian culture for centuries, and the practice actually dates back to the ancient Persia. These also account for a major portion of their export business.

The highest quality authentic Persian rugs are hand woven (also known as hand knotted). Although machine made rugs are cheaper, they lack the one-of-a-kind charm that authentic rugs provide and are consequently significantly less valuable.

Evaluating Your Persian Rug’s Authenticity

To test your Persian rug’s authenticity, you must determine whether it is handmade or not. Handmade Persian rugs are woven by skilled craftsmen, and each rug requires great talent and time to create.

A quality Persian rug will be hand-woven with quality silk or wool thread, and may have imperfections if it was in fact made with a wooden loom. Its design should also be unique; if your Persian rug’s design is completely identical to other rugs, chances are it was machine made.

The most genuine Persian rugs are made using Persian Senneh knot, a special knot made using two knots that combine to look like one. The Yazd Persian rugs from our collection are wonderful examples of fine hand-woven craftsmanship.

Yazd Persian area rugs are made with Senneh knots

Part of the specialty of these weaves is that passing one strand under another can create a wide range of knots and patterns. The unique artistry is what makes these rugs so valuable and unique. For instance, the Bakhtiar Persian rug is made using 100 knots per square inch in order to lend it the authentic luxurious feel.

Persian rugs come in many variants of materials such as silk, wool, jute and others. Their rich texture and bright colors brighten up any room and add glamour. Persian rugs have intricate designs, the central piece and the border being their most important parts. Some use imperial golds and crimson reds, and others use more neutral browns and blues.

Persian rugs can be pricier than other rugs due to the amount of skill, time and effort that goes into creating each one of them. This uniqueness is part of what makes them so sought-after around the world.

Find the perfect Persian rug to add a special design touch to your home.