Tabriz Carpet
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Tabriz Carpets: Art and Tradition of Persian Azerbaijan
Tabriz, a city in Iranian Azerbaijan, has played a fundamental role in the history of Persian art and culture. According to legend, it was founded by the wife of Harun al Rashid, and it managed to withstand numerous invasions (Turkmen, Mongol, Ottoman, and Afghan) thanks to its strategic position, becoming the capital of the region several times.
During the reign of Shah Abbas I (1587-1629), Tabriz experienced a period of great artistic splendor. However, the Afghan invasion of 1722 caused a severe crisis in local craftsmanship, with a recovery only in the second half of the 19th century. In medieval times, the city was a flourishing center of various art forms, including miniature painting, calligraphy, and manuscript illustration, profoundly influencing the development of floral motifs in Tabriz carpets.
Characteristics of Tabriz Carpets
Tabriz carpets stand out for their exceptional craftsmanship and the refinement of their designs. Among the main features are:
- Style and designs: wide range of decorative motifs, with a predominance of central medallions, corners, palmettes, and floral motifs.
- Colors: predominance of red, blue, and white, often combined in contrast.
- Knotting: Ghiordes knot with density ranging from 180,000 up to 1,000,000 knots per square meter, with some exceptions of super fine quality (up to 70 raj).
- Materials: wefts and warps in cotton, with high-quality wool for the pile. Some finer specimens may feature silk inserts.
A distinctive aspect of local production is the use of the so-called "Tabriz knife", a specific tool that allows for extremely regular knots and a very compact back.
Evolution and Influence Over Time
From 1920 to 1950, a German company called Petag operated in the area, producing carpets inspired by the great masterpieces of the past. In the 1950s, the American market favored the spread of the so-called Taba Tabai, carpets characterized by pastel shades and monochromatic medallion motifs.
Since 1965, under the influence of master craftsman Mashayekhi, production has become even more refined, with carpets of excellent quality, made on numerous looms scattered throughout Azerbaijan. Today's manufactures cover a vast area and the carpets are divided by quality, identified by the number of raj (from 25 to 70), which indicates the number of knots in a 7 cm unit.
Today, Tabriz carpets represent one of the most refined examples of the Persian textile tradition and are among the most sought after by collectors worldwide.
Buy an Authentic Tabriz Carpet
Discover our collection of authentic Tabriz carpets in our online catalog at www.artigianatopersiano.it or visit us at our store at Stradone Arcidiacono Pacifico 14, Verona.
For more information, contact us at info@artigianatopersiano.it.
©2025 Shahmansouri, All rights reserved