Rugs of Persia: Tabriz

Photo: Example of a Tabriz Carpet

The art of carpet making in Persian (modern day Iran) goes back more than 2,500 years. As Iranian history progressed the art of carpet weaving began to change from city to city in Persia. Each city and tribe began to create their own style of weaving and design. The result is a varied and beautiful history of carpets with differing motifs, colors, materials and subjects. This and the subsequent blog posts after will help inform you on the many different styles of Persian carpets, from the small and basic designs of nomadic tribes to the intricate, large tapestries of Persian kings and nobles.

This first post in this series is going to focus on rugs from Tabriz, one of the oldest, most renowned and varied rug-making centers in Iran. The majority of Tabriz rugs feature a central "medallion" or large central design in the middle of the carpet. Their designs are very detailed and precise, exhibiting years of practice and refinement. Another characteristic to Tabriz carpets are designs that evoke the look of fine lacework. The colors in a Tabriz carpet are usually reds, blues, greens and ivories in lighter shades to show a floral design.

While many of these carpets feature more abstract and geometrical designs, Tabriz carpets can also feature buildings like forts, palaces and mosques.

Next week, we will explore the Qum style of Persian Carpet. Check back and look at our photo gallery at www.persianrugtulsa.com

Also, be sure to read about our beautiful da Vinci's "Last Supper" carpet here: http://amirspersianimports.blogspot.com/2010/09/last-supper-rug-beyond-compare_17.html

The Last Supper: A Rug Beyond Compare

Photo: The carpet measures an incredible 8 feet 1 inch by 9 feet 6 inches and creates a dramatic tapestry.

In the league of famous paintings by Leonardo da Vinci this one off Persian carpet magnificently tributes da Vinci’s greatest work, Christ’s Last Supper honoring the most famous meal of all humanity. This carpet is one of the largest such works ever woven in Persia and is woven entirely of 2 day old lamb’s wool on a pure filamentary cocoon silk foundation. Filamentary cocoon silk is the finest available because it is not spun but rather is plied from single strands of silkworm fiber. The knot count for the entire carpet approaches 9 million individually hand tied knots.

Photo: Leonardo manages to make the moment come to life with his personifications of each of the twelve disciples, demonstrating their personal reactions to the announcement through inquisitive facial expressions and movement.

Depiction: The da Vinci Last Supper of 1495 in the dining hall of the famous Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan. The scene depicts the very moment Christ announces that among his disciples lies a traitor. Leonardo manages to make the moment come to life with his personifications of each of the twelve disciples, demonstrating their personal reactions to the announcement through inquisitive facial expressions and movement.

Photo: Jesus tending to the flock.

The weaver’s interpretation of the Last Supper renders all of da Vinci’s original intent and adds fine drapery, garnished columns, and a cityscape in the background with mountains and a lake all with an evening sky. The decision to employ fine knots brings wonderful minute detail including combed hair, groomed beards, linen folds on the table cloth and pleated robes. Further details emerge including flourishes, bouquets, cherubs, roses, vinery and assorted garlands.

Photo: Mother Mary with palm frond.

Surrounding the image of the Last Supper are eight exquisite panels highlighting moments in Christ’s life and the Mother Mary. Both ends finish in approximately 4 inches of perfectly knitted pure silk guards woven on top with piled panels of famous architectural elements of Persia. More than 20 dyes were used in the work.

Photo: Extremely fine weave approaching 800 individually hand-tied knots per square inch. The decision to employ fine knots brings wonderful minute detail including combed hair, groomed beards, linen folds on the table cloth and pleated robes.

Measures: 8’1” x 9’6”
Knot Count: App. 800 Individually Hand Tied Knots per Square Inch
Time of Weaving: 3 Master Weavers 2½ Years Together. 7 ½ years Total.
Age: App. 40 Years Old

For sale at Amir's Persian Imports at 15th and Lewis for a short time.