Kerman Rugs

History of Kerman rugs

WhiIst I don’t profess to be an expert on Kerman rugs, for that remains the domain of academics, I do have many years of  accumulated knowledge of these rugs. Further, just using a search engine on the internet to find information on these rugs, promises to keep you busy for some time. However a cursory look reveals, Kerman or even referred to as Kirman, is a city and province located in the Southeast of Iran. Rugs from Kerman first appeared in the 16 th century during a period when Iran was ruled by the Safavids, a dynastic family. Extremely rare rugs from that period, which are exhibited in some museums are hence termed Safavid rugs. Around the 19th century civil strife in Kerman city caused most weavers to escape to Ravar, a town in the north of Kerman, where they continued to ply their craft. Finer quality rugs from the Kerman area are sometimes described as Laver ( and even Lavar) Kerman, a corruption of the name  Ravar, irrespective of whether they were woven there or not. Incidentally the most expensive carpet sold was in 2013, a 17th century carpet thought to be of Kerman origin , sold at a prestigious auction house for $33.7 million.

Source :Sothebys public domain. “sickle leaf” kerman rug.

To my knowledge the second most expensive carpet sold in 2009  was also of Kerman origin and did so for $9.6 million with auction costs. Incidentally this carpet was valued 4 years earlier at $900 .

Source: om expensive-world.com Kerman vase rug

 

Evolution of Designs of Kerman rugs 

The history of the kerman rug is a history of change. Kerman weavers found that they could adapt their boteh or paisley designs from the shawl industry to meet the demand for rugs. Recognisable Kerman designs include:

  •  
  • Centre medallion
  •  All over boteh, florals and stripes
  • Garden panel
  • Tree of life
  • Prayer
  • Vase
  • Hunting scenes
  • Pictorials
  • French aubusson

There is much literature to be found that correlates the age of the rug to design and the colours of dye used. To reiterate, the information below can be used to corroborate the assertions made regarding the age of rugs in my collection.

A synopsis of research reveals :

 

 

1890 to 1920

Design

  • All over boteh*
  • Centre medallion
  • Figural motifs (including stylised branches, birds and animals
  • Hunting scenes in the early 20th century)
  • Prayer rugs with mihrabs#
  • Central medallion usually had wide borders, filled with flowers

*- paisley

#-prayer arch

Field colours

  • Main colours were deep red,indigo,blue, forest green and golden tan

 

1920 to 1950

Design

  • Emphasis on floral motifs with detached floral sprays introduced during the 1940s

Field Colours

  • Main colours were ivory , with jewel tones of ruby red, emerald green and sapphire blue

 

1950 to present

Design

  • No distinct borders i.e no distinction between the field and border. This was geared to the US market. French floral rugs (Aubusson and Savonnerie) also influenced the modern design.

Field Colours

  • Pastel colours of green, rose, blue and ivory.