A brief history of Persian Rugs
We can all easily recognize a Persian rug when we see one. They are all over the world. Persian rugs can be found in top department stores, and in everyday homes. They are beautiful pieces of artwork that tie the decorating of a room together and remind us of an ancient time long ago.
No matter how trendy and modern we become in our grand designs, there is nothing like a touch of history to complete the style of a room. A London high rise flat may have a Persian rug stretched out over its floor that resembles a rug stretched out over a room in the ancient palace of Persia where Cyrus the Great is believed to have introduced the art of making rugs around 500 BC..
The designs and methods of Persian rug making seem to have much to do with who was ruling and reigning over Persia at the time. The Turks brought their influence in the 11th century when they invaded. They had a different method of knot making, which is still found in some Persian Rugs today.
During the Safavid dynasty, Persian rug trade spread throughout Europe. Throughout this notable period, workshops were funded and established throughout the land and the top artists would design the rugs that the most skilled designers would craft, using the best dyes, and the best wool from sheep who were especially raised to produce high quality wool.
Unfortunately when Afgans invaded Persia in the 18th century, rug making ceased to be a central industry, and production diminished. However in the later part of the 19th century, the industry started to grow once again. Iran’s largest non oil export nowadays is hand made carpets. Nearly five million workers are employed by one of the largest enterprises in Iran.
Machine made counterparts, fakes of the original designs, and cheaper quality substitutes make fierce competition now for the hand made genuine articles, but good quality rugs are still hand made today in villages all over Iran, and appreciated and invested in around the world.
For a great choice of Persian rugs at great prices visit therugcompany.co.uk
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