THE STORY

Persian carpets, renowned worldwide for their beautiful and artistic designs, do indeed rise to and sometimes even above the expected definitions of beauty. Aesthetics and purpose are manifest in the framework and content of the Persian rug. In fact, you will rarely find a Persian home sans carpet. While they beautify the interior space of a household, carpets are considered both a property and an investment.  The number of carpets spread on the floor, their quality and texture is a sign of a family’s wealth and prosperity. Moreover, the Persian rug is a precious possession that could be sold and traded like gold in time of need. “Even if I have to sell the carpet under my feet, I will… (For instance, pay my debt)”, is a saying in the Persian language that shows how essential carpets are to the Persian household and economic status. Persian rug is indeed an indispensable element of the Iranian everyday culture. Even our childhood stories, like Alaadin and the tale of Prophet Solomon had accounts of magic and flying rugs.
The Persian rug is the soul of the room with its range of colors which can layer the colors of the space. Its patterns and textures differ depending on the region in which and the layout and material from which it is woven.  If someone wants to flatter a woman who ages beautifully, they would likely say, “You are like a Kerman carpet, the more it is trampled, the more beautiful it becomes.” Kerman is a province in the central south of Iran, famous for exquisite silk carpets which gain more value by age.
But the Persian carpet is more than just an item of beauty or a property for trade.  One could also say that it is the illustrative history of the art and the culture of a nation as the carpets of each period reflect various patterns and elements of their time. Moreover, the carpet industry annually creates a range of employment opportunities, brings about export currency, national self-reliance and also spreads Iranian art and culture in the world.