Types of Persian Carpets

Khorasan

• The ancient province of Khorasan included areas of what are now northeastern Iran, northern Afghanistan and southern Turkmenistan. The distinguishing features of Khorasan carpets are the use of superior wool and dyes, a wide color palette and a distinct knotting pattern. Blue-green, bluish-red and orange are some of the colors represented in Khorasan carpets. Patterns on Khorasan carpets are often outlined in red. Instead of the usual asymmetrical knot covering two wards, each asymmetrical knot in Khorasan carpets covers four warps.

Isfahan

• Located in central Iran, Isfahan is one of Iran's biggest cities and has a long tradition of carpet weaving. Isfahan carpets usually have symmetrical designs inspired by the intricate tile work found in the city's mosques and historical monuments, such as the Jom'eh Mosque and Shikh-Lotfollah Mosque. One common design is a large round medallion in the middle with smaller medallions on the corners. The main colors used are blue, cream and vermilion (orange-red). All Isfahan carpets are asymmetrically knotted. High-quality Isfahan carpets are made with silk warps.

Bidjar

• Carpets from Bidjar, a small town in northwestern Iran, are heavier and more compact than other Persian carpets. Wool from mountain sheep, which are sometimes mixed with cotton or goat hair, is densely weaved and held together with symmetrical knots. A popular design of Bidjar carpets is the Herati medallion, which is a flower inside a crystal surrounded by leaves. Bidjar carpets incorporate different shades of red, blue and ivory, with the light shades surrounding the middle medallion and corner medallions.

Hamadan

• Carpets from Hamadan in northwestern Iran are made with cotton, wool or camel's hair and are knotted symmetrically. The carpets are thick and dense. Typical patterns include geometric, Herati and floral designs. Floral designs include the use of vines and paisleys. While Hamadan carpets can come in all sizes, a large percentage of Hamadan rugs are made in runner sizes, from 3-by-6 feet to 3-by-10 feet.