Is There a Difference Between an Oriental Rug and a Persian Rug?

By Peter T Torkington

The Persian rug so much an icon and symbol of traditional skills and customs developed over many years by the people of Persia. Persia is the name for the old Persian Empire whose borders changed frequently over several thousands of years. In 1979 the Islamic Republic of Iran came about and is the modern day equivalent of Persia. The Persian rug is regarded as perhaps the finest or highest quality of all oriental style carpets and rugs. The Oriental area is loosely defined as the area from the Mediterranean coast to the Chinese foothills and includes Iran (Persia), Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tibet, large parts of India and countries along the India and Chinese Borders.

Persian Rugs and Carpets are a sound financial investment

Authentic Oriental rugs are truly hand crafted and therefore unique, they are long lasting and can be moved from one room to another or indeed one home to another. These qualities make an area rug a cost effective interior decorating solution. Persian rugs and Oriental rugs can increase in value and can last for generations representing greater value for yourselves and even better value for your children!

How much will I have to pay for a Persian Rug or carpet

Oriental rugs and carpets are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes including the runner size suitable for hallways, stairs or just any narrow area in you home. The variety of shapes and sizes alone means there is a large variation in price of a quality Persian rug. There are also a wide range of designs to take into account from a luxurious tribal rug, a traditional rug or modern rug. Prices range from typically $80 or so for a small rug to $15,000 or more for the truly wonderful master pieces.

Whatever your taste you can almost always find something suitable - subject to price - from the vast range of designs and patterns that have emerged over hundreds of years from hundreds of villages or small regions. Persian and Oriental rugs have always been hand knotted and woven by hand using traditional skills and artistic designs that have evolved over these many years. Subtle differences have emerged over the many years between the so called city rugs and carpets and those made by the tribes people

The best of the oriental or Persian rugs are always hand made, from natural products and natural colors. Some rugs are made with wool which remains un-dyed and therefore rely on the shades of brown, beige, and off white of the original fibers. Other rugs utilize one or more dyed wools again using dyes made from naturally occurring products. You can imagine the dyes themselves being a large source of trade in the markets and bazaars frequented by the nomadic tribes. Some of the more popular styles include the Tabriz, Hamadan and Ghoochan rugs.

For those people who have just considered the Persian rug as a traditional rug, with - perhaps geometric designs or patterns - then please do take another look. The variation of designs and styles are almost infinite. Some rugs have just a single color with no pattern whilst other rugs maybe a contemporary design with many bright and vibrant colors. The Gabbeh Persian Rugs are perhaps the most appealing to those people wishing to create a modern look. - 29857

About the Author:

Sign Up for our Free Newsletter

Enter email address here