(#H1278) approx. 158x83cm Hand-knotted Tabriz Persian carpet

Carpets from Tabriz (also Tabriz)

Tabriz rugs are among the oldest hand-woven Persian rugs and are valued not only for their patterns but also for their craftsmanship. It is an essential piece for any antique rug collector because of its sheer beauty and ability to liven up any room, it represents an impeccable piece of history and art for your home. A Tabriz Persian rug on the floor is undoubtedly a great way to make everyone who walks into your space feel special.

History and origin of the carpet

The Tabriz carpet, as its name suggests, comes from Tabriz. It is the capital of the province of East Azerbaijan in the northwest of the Iran and is close to the border with Türkiye. Carpet weaving in Tabriz has a millennia-old tradition. However, historians agree that production began between the 12th and 16th centuries. The great demand for this type of carpet came mainly from customers in European and Western countries.

According to some carpet experts, Tabriz carpets have gone through several significant developments and advancements throughout their long history, from the ancient Tabriz carpets that were introduced around the 1970s to the current Tabriz carpets that have been produced since the 1980s. They all differ in the materials used, the processing and the type of fabric. They differ, among other things, in the materials used, colours, patterns and weaves. However, the Taba Tabriz and the current Tabriz are two of the most famous types.

patterns, designs and colors

If you have a Persian Tabriz rug at home, you will be admired by collectors and rug lovers. It is famous for the stories behind the patterns, the type of material and the solid construction.

The designs and patterns of Tabriz carpets, like those of its Persian cousins, range from medallions to pictorial motifs and figures to the remarkable Herati designs (stylized rosette in a rhombus surrounded by acanthus leaves) or mahi-Patterns (fish). There were also variants with flowers, scrolls or arabesques and tendrils.

However, according to some historians, the skilled carpet weavers of Tabriz were also inspired by the poems of oriental poets and book covers, especially in the 19th century. Depictions such as falconry, lions, hunting, palaces, mosques and battle scenes are common in modern Tabriz carpets. The newer ones already have geometric motifs. Other popular motifs are agriculture in the four seasons. There were also images of weeping willows as a symbol of love, oak trees for courage and strength, and pomegranates for luck and abundance. In some cases, the master weavers sign their craft on the borders.

Fine Tabriz carpets are made from silk, cotton, pure soft wool or a combination of these yarns. Yarns in shades of tan, rust, jewel or pastel are usually used for antique Tabriz rugs. Some accounts indicate that navy blue and deep red yarns were also used. With the introduction of Taba Tabriz, hues expanded to include ivory, bright orange, celery green and light blue. Muted shades of green, blue, and brown appear in newer carpets. It has been adapted to the tastes of the European and Western markets. Sizes vary from medium to large and have also taken shapes other than rectangles: some rugs are available in circles, triangles, hexagons and octagons.

What also distinguishes the Tabriz rug from other Persian rugs is the way it is woven. The knotters of this carpet use the Turkish or symmetrical knot. The reason for this is that the city of Tabriz is predominantly inhabited by Turks since it was the capital of the Turkish Empire.

However, carpet lovers rate Tabriz carpet by the strength of the cords or the number of knots in a carpet. You measure them in Raj or Rajah, which is the number of knots per 7cm of width. The ideal Raj for a good Tabriz carpet is between 24 and 110 or 120 and 850 knots per square inch. This parameter determines the rigidity and delicacy of the final product, which indicates high quality.

Why choose Tabriz carpets? Today, Tabriz carpets come in more modern colors and fit perfectly into modern homes. But they have retained the charm and beauty for which these majestic Persian carpets are known. They are ideal for people who enjoy entertaining at home as they can be a talking point for guests. Because of their soft and delicate texture, they can evoke a sense of comfort and familiarity.