Zomorod Group

People and stories, legends and realities make up the magical world of Persian Carpets. Traditional rugs are more than just floor coverings; they are art objects, enjoyed at leisure. The variations in weave, color and design give rugs their character, aesthetic appeal and artistic value.

Carpet weaving is truly a Persian tradition. Iran is the oldest empire in the Middle East that stands at the crossroads of Eastern and Western civilizations. Xenophon, the ancient Greek historian recorded that in Achemaenid times the ancient city of Sardis, then subject to the Persians, prided itself on its carpets. Under the Safavid Dynasti (1502-1736) Persia attained its artistic height in abstract impressionism. Court weaving, together with the arts of calligraphy, miniature painting, and tile work flourished to the exceptional level.  This brilliant era witnessed the development of highly qualified carpet factories in the cities of Isfahan, Tabriz, and Kashan.

"Iran is the genesis of the most motifs, patterns and traditional colorations produced in rugs throughout the world." Susie Beringer, Texas Christian University

The creative purpose for Persian rugs was the glory of God. Elements and motifs were borrowed from Byzantine, Coptic, and Persian Sassanian (AD 224-642) traditions and fused into a distinctive decorative style, based on Arabic calligraphy.  Each rug's particular pattern, palette and weave uniquely linked with the indigenous culture of the region.  Weaving regions were very particular in the choice of natural dyes, design and techniques. Persian Carpets and Rugs have the quality of improving with use.  The most notable rug dated to the 16th century AD is the famous Ardabil Carpet at London's Victoria & Albert Museum.