TYPES OF ORIENTAL RUGS

This information, gleaned mostly from books and information from my suppliers, will
supply a VERY GENERAL background for the rugs listed in this web site. Please email
me at rugcrazy@gmail.com with any corrections, additions or suggestions.

ABADEH ABADEH is a large town in the Fars region, Northeast of Shiraz. Abadeh is part
of a major migratory route of the Qashquai tribes people and their designs influenced the village
weavers (Bold, colorful and geometric). They use thin wool, with good textured piles. The rugs
are mostly woven using the Turkish or symmetrical knot and are very firm and tightly knotted.

AFSHAR THE AFSHARIS are a nomadic or semi-nomadic tribe located in the region
between Shiraz and Kerman. Afshari rugs are brightly colored with blue, red or ivory being
the predominant shades. Patterns used are generally stylized and have naturalistic florals.
Textures are fine with good quality piles. Natural vegetal dyes are mostly used. Most Afshar
rugs have a tightly knotted weave. The finest rugs are made in Sa'idabad, a large town of the
semi-sedentary Afshars.

ARAK ARAK rugs are hand-woven rugs made in Arak (formerly known as Sultanabad),
the capital city of the province of Markad, which sits in central of IRAN. They are excellent
quality rugs with fine, soft and good textured wool piles. The weavers use the Asymmetrical or
Persian knot with an average KPSI of 120. There are many different grades of rugs made in this
region, ranging from medium to fine. Rugs from ARAK are beautiful and there is very high
demand for older ones.

ARDABIL ARDABIL is a town in the northwestern Iranian province of Azerbaijan, in the
Caucuses region. Ardabil is the center of Persian Kazak rugs. Ardabil rugs are similar to
Caucasian rugs with predominantly geometric designs but differ by having motifs woven into
them and tend to be lighter in their color use. Fine wool is used with tight good textured piles.
The asymmetrical knot is mostly used and the average KPSI is 120. There are many different
grades of rugs made in this region, ranging from medium to fine.

ARDAKAN ARDAKAN rugs have exceptional firmness due to the extremely dense
asymmetrical knots, also known a Persian knots. ARDAKAN came to be made in large
numbers only about a century ago. Excellent- quality wool from the neck of lambs is used to
weave these rugs. The ground color is usually red beige or blue, and the designs vary in color.

ASADABAD Asadabad is a village in the northwestern Iranian province of Hamadan. Like
other Hamadan rugs,Asadabads are hard wearing, attractive, all purpose rugs. The KPSI ranges
from 60-120.

BAKHTIAR BAKHTIAR rugs are woven by the villagers and nomads of the central
Iranian province of Chahar Mahal-and-Bakhtiar. They tend to be mostly geometric, colorful
and bright with very crowded designs. They are woven using the symmetrical or Turkish knot.
They vary in knot density. The quality varies from the coarser nomadic pieces to the finer
Bibbibaf and Jahadbaff rugs. Old and antique BAKHTIARI rugs are sought after and are rather
rare collector's pieces. They are extremely durable rugs and harmonize well with both traditional
and modern decor.

BALUCH BALUCH rugs are woven by the nomadic Baluchi ethnic groups of Baluchistan
province, in southeastern Iran. Very geometric and intricate design, borrowing largely from
Turkoman influence especially in the use of the "gul" motif. They also weave saddlebags, salt
bags, prayer rugs, which reflect their nomadic way of life.

BIRJAND Birjand is a city in Khorasan province in eastern Iran where Mood carpets are
generally woven. However, because Mashad is one of the biggest rug-collectors in the world,
it is the city where they get marketed. Mood rugs are widely known for their unique style and
extreme smoothness as the wool is often made of velvet and silk. The majority of Mood rugs
are woven using the Persian or asymmetrical knot.

BIJAR BIJAR rugs are woven by Kurd and
Ashfar weavers of the Gerus region around the town of Bijar in western Iran. Bijar rugs have a
very unique weave using the symmetrical Turkish knot and double wefts, compacted very tightly,
making them heavy and durable rugs. Designs in Bijars are difficult to define. They usually have
all-over repeating herati, as well as florals, arabesques, and medallions.

BOKHARA Bokhara rugs usually hand-woven by the Turkoman tribes. Bokhara rugs have
small, repeating geometric designs using the elephant foot and octagonal gul motifs and are of fine
quality. These rugs usually come in greens, reds, whites, and browns.

BORCHELU BORCHELU rugs are woven by Kurdish nomadic tribes of the Borchelu
district of Northwestern Iran. With a strong Kurdish influence and use of bright colors these rugs
are all unique and one of a kind. This well constructed marvel of tribal art will certainly add its
unique character and warmth to your decor.

BOROUJERD Boroujerd is a district in Lorestan province of Western Iran. They are hand-
woven with high quality materials and are of the highest standard of tribal rugs. They often use
all over Boteh motifs and have reds, burgundy, ivory and blue as principal color combinations.

FARAHAN A beautiful Farahan rug from the famous district in the west of Iran, one of the
biggest rug-exporting areas in the country .Farahan rugs are knotted on a foundation of cotton,
with woolen pile .Both Ghiordes and Seneh knots are used. Farahan rugs are among the most
popular rugs in Western communities and they are a beautiful addition to modern decors.

GABBAH Gabbeh refers to a traditional style of weaving from southern Iran. Each Gabbeh
carpet is individually selected for its artistic merit and rich color combination. They are unique,
modern and produced from 100% hand-spun selected new wool using 100% pure vegetable dye.
Most of the Gabbeh carpets have no fringes which make the carpets more unique and attractive.

GERAVAN GERAVAN is a district situated in Northwestern Iran. Nomads in this region use
the Turkish or symmetrical knot to weave beautiful geometrical shapes. Geravan rug are unique in
style, and have busy backgrounds which add a lively touch to any decor. Medallions and floral
designs with bright colors are used to weave Geravans. They are also durable and sturdy.

GHARAJEH GHARAJEH (also Kharaheh) rugs are woven by nomads and villagers in the
Gharadagh region in the Azerbaijan province of northwestern Iran. Similar to Caucasian rugs in
style and color. Bold and colorful, they are usually geometric in design. They are mostly woven
using the Turkish or symmetrical knot.

HAMADAN HAMADAN rugs are tribal hand woven rugs made in the city of Hamadan and
its surrounding regions in western Iran. The wool is durable coming from hardy sheep from the
high altitudes of the area and the colors are mostly from vegetal dyes. The patterns vary from
geometric, to floral and overall Herati designs. The KPSI ranges fro 80 - 140. They are excellent
quality rugs, durable and keep their colors for a long time. A beautiful addition to your decor. Most
of Hamadan carpets, likewise and other Kurdish carpets, has one side fringes and the other side is
mostly Kelim weaving which made the carpets more unique and attractive.

HERATI HERATI Hand made from 100% natural wool, in floral and all over pattern designs
with very dense weave. These Items are mainly woven by Afghan tribes in the North West of
Afghanistan, also I have also seen some Persian "Heratis".

HERIZ HERIZ is a city in Northwestern Iran. Rugs from this city are world renown for their
unique style. Coarsely woven with the Turkish or symmetrical knot, they usually have a large
diamond or floral geometric medallion with square and rectangular corners that resemble the
centerpiece. The design is usually geometric with overall motifs in the very busy background.
They are highly prized for their marvelous design and sturdiness.

HOSSEINABAD HOSSEINABAD is located in Hamadan Province. Most of the rugs woven
here are sold in the marketplaces of Hamadan city and are often classed as Hamadans. They are
mostly woven with the Turkish symmetrical knot and are hard wearing, attractive, all purpose rugs,
which will blend with both modern and traditional decors. Most of Hosseinabad carpets, likewise
and other Kurdish carpets, has one side fringes and the other side is mostly Kelim weaving which
made the carpets more unique and attractive.

INDO HERIZ INDO HERIZ rugs are the best imitation of Persian Heriz rugs, which is a city
in Northwestern Iran. Rugs from this city are world renown for their unique style. Coarsely woven
with the Turkish or symmetrical knot, they usually have a large diamond or floral geometric medallion
with square and rectangular corners that resemble the centerpiece. The design is usually geometric
with overall motifs in the very busy background. They are highly prized for their marvelous design
and sturdiness.

ISFAHAN ISFAHAN is located in central west Iran. Isfahan rugs are very famous for their
extremely fine weave and excellent quality wool. They have many different and intricately executed
designs and use many vibrant colors in their palette. Isfahan rugs are truly for the fine art lover.

JAIPUR The Agra Jaipur rugs are hand made in the Rajasthan Province of India. The city of
Jaipur is a major rug-producing region in India. The designs are taken from antique Persian rugs of
the 18th century, which are normally hard to find, especially in room sizes. Jaipur rugs are highly
regarded worldwide. They are capable of handling heavy traffic and could be washed, and vacuumed
as many time as necessary. The high quality hand spun wool and vegetable dye, give them a
decorative look.

JOSHAGAN JOSHAGAN rugs are woven in the town of Joshagan and its nearby villages in the
north central Iranian province of Esfahan. They are considered very high quality and rare rugs due to
their limited production.

KASHAN KASHAN rugs have exceptional firmness due to the extremely dense asymmetrical knots,
also known a Persian knots. Kashan rugs date back to the sixteenth century, and came to be made in
large numbers only about a century ago. Excellent- quality wool from the neck of lambs is used to weave
these rugs. The ground color is usually red or blue, and the designs vary in color.

KAZAK Tajik Kazak rugs are hand-woven by the ethnic people of Tajikistan, one of the newly
independent republics of once Soviet Central Asia. Tajiks are descendants of ethnic nomadic Iranians.
These stunning rugs are also woven in Iran, Pakistan and India from hand spun wool and the colors
used are pure vegetable dye.

KERMAN KERMAN rugs are woven in the city of Kerman in southeastern Iran and its surrounding
villages and towns. Traditional Kerman designs consist of the medallion-and-corner, all-over floral,
all-over both, and striped designs, as well as paneled garden, tree-of-life, prayer, vase, garden, hunting, and animal pictorials. The more modern designs have the medallion and corner on an open field. Usually more than 15 colors are used in one rug.

KHAL MOHAMMADI Arguably works of art, these rugs with their classical and innovative
designs and colors are highly prized possessions. Made from 100% wool and hand woven by the Sari
Turkmen of Northern Afghanistan whose reputation for creating these unique well crafted rugs is
without question.

KOLIAI KOLIAIS are tribal Persian rugs woven by nomadic Kurdish tribe's people in western
Iran. Bright and lively, they often have hexagonal herati medallion designs. They were not originally woven for commercial use but for their everyday use in their nomadic lives.

KURDISH Kurdish hand-woven rugs and Kilim are made by the nomadic Kurdish tribes of Iran.
Beautiful, bold and with a plethora of patterns, from geometric to floral, are characteristics of these pieces. These one of a kind and unique rugs are beautiful collector's pieces.

LILIHAN LILIHAN is a town south of Arak in western Iran. Lilihans are classed like Saroughs.
Lilihans are single wefted and are woven on a cotton foundation using an asymmetrical knot.

LURI THE LURI are a nomadic tribe of shepherds who live in the Zagros Mountains of southwestern Iran. Their weavings are strongly influenced by the kurdish style using bright colors for their floral and geometric patterns. As with all nomadic weavers their rugs were not woven for commercial us but for their day to day needs.

MAHAL Mahal is situated in the West-Central part of Persia and is known for its history of weaving quality rugs for generations. The Mahal Persian rugs are densely woven of soft and select wool, using asymmetrical or Persian knot and vegetable dye. These rugs have the appeal, beauty and the versatility to go with many different decors.

MALAYER MALAYER is located in the northwestern Iranian province of Hamadan. Malayer rugstend to be mainly geometric in design, consisting of diamond or hexagon medallions with all-over small herati or both motifs. Both the symmetrical Turkish and asymmetrical Persian knot are used.

MASHAD MASHAD, the capital city of the northeastern Iranian province of Khorasan, is a rug-
weaving and trading center for rugs produced by the surrounding villagers and nomadic groups.
Mashad rugs are mostly curvilinear with the medallion and corner floral design, and very busy motifs
in the field. The majority use the Persian or asymmetrical knot.

MEHRABAN Mehraban is a district north of Hamadan in Iran.. There are two distinct types of
Mehraban rugs, both single wefted. The older style, which is more geometric is best known for long,
narrow runners and carpets. Mehraban is based on the American Sarouk style and seems to have
begun as a king of superior Darjezine. Many other designs also exist in the new-style production, some of them being further developments of the American style, others quite different, including for example geometric, slightly Caucasian-looking patterns. The quality is very good: fine thick yarn with great natural luster, combined with a fine weave, the Yarn has a high twist, which gives the back of the rug
a knobby effect. The most common ground color is dark blue, but a whole range of other shades is readily available red, cream, gold and light blue in particular but in the main the overall color effects
are better than in most new Hamadans.

MESHKIN Meshkin or Meshkinshahr is a village in mountains of Azerbaijan in Northwestern
Iran. The rugs have a strong Turkoman influence with strong geometric shapes, predominantly using diamond medallions. They are of good quality and very sturdy rugs. The colors are usually reds, |greens, navy blues, olives.

MOUSEL MOUSEL rugs are hand woven by the Kurdish tribes living in Western and Southwestern Iran. Mostly local wool and vegetal dyes are used. They have a strong geometric pattern, yet unlike other Kurdish rugs, Mousel rugs have curvilinear floral medallion designs as well. Woven of soft wool with thin, tight piles, the Turkish knot is mostly used with an average KPSI of 120.

NAHAVAND NAHAVAND is a village north of the town of Hamadan in Northwestern Iran. These hand-woven treasures are usually constructed on horizontal looms reflecting the nomadic nature of the people. They often have geometric and stylized floral patterns woven with very good quality wool. A hardwearing and attractive piece that will blend with many a decor.

NAIN NAIN is a city in western Iran, situated between Isfahan and Yazd. Nain rugs only date back to the beginning of the twentieth century, however because of their exquisite designs and outstanding quality, they are widely known throughout the world. These rugs are woven on a cotton foundation, and are finely and regularly knotted on a pile of wool and high light of silk. The ground colors are mostly red or cream and the designs are very harmoniously decorated.

NEPALI KATHMANDU. These striking rugs are made using the finest of Himalayan fleece which is hand combed, carded and spun. Vegetable and chemical dyes are used giving a rich and lustrous coloration. Striking graphics, exaggerated scale, repeating forms combined with rich colors
bring about an aesthetically pleasing effect. A definite must at unbeatable prices.

NISHABOOR NISHABOOR, Less than 200 km west of Mashad ,is located in the eastern part
of Iran. Nishaboor carpets have influenced by Mashad carpets design and weaving method . The wool that is used in weaving is apt to make very soft rugs. The most common color used is red, Navy and cream. Nishaboor rugs have beautiful medallion designs like Mashad, with borders that are made from the best Iranian tradition, of a broad main boarder and several smaller ones.

PESHAWAR Woven by Afghan weavers in the Peshawar regions of Pakistan. They are knotted using locally handspun wool and the beautiful variety of colors and shading is achieved by using vegetable dyes. They have fine knot and the designs are inspired by the Caucasian Shirvan and Kazak styles. A stunning execution of design, and fantastic subdued palette. A definite must at unbeatable prices.

QASHQAI QASHQAI rugs are woven by the Qashqai nomadic tribes of the Fars province in southwestern Iran. Their designs are bold, colorful and geometric. They include diamond and
hexagonal medallions (usually connected vertically) and floral, animal and human motifs in an all-over layout. The rugs are mostly woven on horizontal looms with a wool foundation using the Turkish or symmetrical knot.

QUM The city of Qum is situated in the south of Tehran, Iran's capital. The city is known for being ancient and holy among many. QUM rugs are among the best artwork in the whole world. They can
be found in museums or private antique collections. These rugs are rare in numbers compared to other Persian rugs. Their popularity is for their astonishing quality. Hand-woven, the Qum rug has a cotton foundation and is densely and evenly knotted. Although there are no specific patterns or designs to
Qum rugs, they are easily recognized by their delicate pastel shades. Truly a work of art!

ROODBAR ROODBAR, a small village, Northern Iran, produces a higher quality tribal rug than what is normally found in the region. Usually of geometric design with stylized floral, animal and vase designs. Turkish and Kurdish influences are strong in the weavings.

RUSSIAN NOMADIC TRIBE These elegant Russian carpets are hand knotted by the professional weavers engaged in this profession for generation in Tajikistan region. Using a
combination technique of carpet weaving and Kilim, vegetable dye, and hand spun wool, make these Russian pieces unique.

SABZEVAR Sabzevar, fewer than 300 km west of Mashad ,is located in the eastern part of Iran. Sabzevar carpets have influenced by Mashad carpets design and weaving method . The wool that is used in weaving is apt to make very soft rugs. The most common color used is red, Navy and cream. Sabzevar rugs have beautiful medallion designs like Mashad, with borders that are made from the best Iranian tradition, of a broad main border and several smaller ones.

SARAB Sarab rugs originate from Sarab village in the Northwestern Iranian province of Azerbaijan. These rugs are hand-woven by semi-nomadic tribes of Turkoman descent. Sarab rugs are of very high quality, using simple geometric motifs with combinations of earthy tones of browns, rusts, reds and greens. Most are produced as long runners and are hard wearing authentic tribal pieces.

SAROUGH SAROUGH is a city south of the Borchalu region in central Persia. This city
produced exceptional quality rugs and today the name denotes high quality pieces woven in the region centered around Arak.

SAVEH SAVEH is a town in the Hamadan province. They usually have a geometric medallion-
and-corner design and all over motifs or both and are mostly woven with the symmetrical Turkish
knot. They tend to have bright colors using blue, red, dark brown, black, green and white. It is a hard wearing, attractive, all purpose rug.

SENNEH SENNEH also known as Sanandaj is a Kurdish city in Kurdistan in Northwest Iran
which is known for very fine antique rugs and kilims. Most rugs have a cotton foundation, use the symmetrical knots and are single wefted. Warps are sometimes dyed in very colorful bands. Designs include the all over both, all over herati (mahi), and others with central medallions. The quality of SENNEH rugs are excellent with the older ones being extremely valuable and durable. The majority
of SENNEH rugs are vegetal dyed and use soft wool with thin tight piles. The number of knots vary from 120 KPSI to 400 KPSI on finer rugs

SEREBAND Sereband is a district located in southwest of Arak in west-central Iran. These hand-woven. Sereband rugs are renowned for their strength and durability which makes them a terrific piece to be used in traffic areas. These beautiful carpets have the characteristic pattern of small leaves
(which are commercially known as Boteh designs) in diagonal rows, with their tips pointing in opposite directions. The borders are usually similar leaf forms or geometric shapes occupying the margins.

SHIRAZ SHIRAZ is the capital city of the Fars province in southwestern Iran. It is mostly a
trading center for rugs woven in the surrounding areas. Although the designs vary greatly, they do have some common trends. One common trend is the myriads of small motif throughout the field and the similar use of color. They are often of wool pile on wool or goat hair foundation. What really makes these rugs popular is their richness and warmth both in design and color.

SULTANABAD Persian Sultanabad rugs were exclusively made for the European market since mid 19th century. They often favored bold floral designs with spacious patterned Rugs. All rugs and carpets from this period were exclusively made with pure natural dyes. Dark red, blue, soft green, gold, and ivory are the typical colors. Warps, foundation, and wefts are cotton. The pile is wool. The wool
of the Sultanabad rugs is hand spun usually from the weaver's own sheep. The rugs are woven using asymmetrical Turkish knots to tie each loop one by one. Besides using wide and bold borders, Sultanabad rugs had designs are based on small repeating floral patterns as well as all-over large scale lattice vine patterns. Sultanabad rug designers simplified the designs by creating a special work of art with unique character. Foreign companies around the world from India and Pakistan adopted a similar system, causing Sultanabad carpets to become carpets of high decorative value, even today byboth interior designers and the discriminating collector. Sultanabads have great value in any condition, often favored for their bold floral designs with spacious patterns.

TABRIZ TABRIZ is the capital of Eastern-Azerbaijan province and one of the most important rug weaving centers of Iran. Tabriz rugs have the most diverse designs in Iran. Typical is the medallion
and corners with endless repeats of curvilinear rosettes and palmettes. Paneled garden, pictorial, scenery, animal, all-over and geometric designs are also woven. Dark reds and powerful blues predominate with ivory used as a contrast. Both the Turkish symmetrical and Persian asymmetrical knot are used.

TAFRESH TAFRESH is a small town, south west of Tehran, in central of Iran. Although better
in quality, the rugs of Tafresh closely resemble those of Hamadan. Tafresh rugs usually have a dense thick pile, made with fine quality wool. The patterns mostly floral with some animal elements, and occasionally geometric patterns are also used. Dark reds and blues predominate with ivory used in contrast.

TOUSERKAN TOUSERKAN rugs are hand-woven by Persian and Kurdish nomadic tribes in Northeastern Iran. The bright colors and geometric shapes of their weavings show the strong Kurdish and Turkish influence. As with most Tribal pieces, they are primarily woven for daily use as floor coverings and sleeping mats.

TURKISH SARABI The strong Persian influence is immediately recognizable in the Turkish Sarabi rug. These fine wool hand woven rugs made using the tradition Turkish knots are found in the south east of Turkey near the Azerbaijan border with Iran. The mainly Persian geometric patterns and colors combined with the Turkish knot construction make this an extremely durable rug, ideally suited to high traffic areas.

WISS WISS is a small town located in the Hamadan region. Rugs from this area are similar to those from Hamadan, Tabriz and Arak. They usually have floral patterns with vases, foliage , palmettes and gardens throughout. Colors are generally deep, rich shades of red or burgundy with a myriad of accent colors. Wiss weavers produce superior quality rugs.

YALAMEH YALAMEH is a town located north of Isfahan, which is situated in central Iran.
This city is well known for weaving very good quality tribal rugs. These warm looking rugs have wool wefts and mostly cotton wraps. Turkish or symmetrical knot is used to hand weave Yalameh rugs. Yalameh carpets have three or more diamond medallions in a straight line, which are further
glamorized by dark red and light browns on a blue or orange background.

YADZ Yazd is a very old city located on the western edge of the Dasht-i Lut (salt desert) in Iran. It
is also noted as the home of the Zoroastrian faith. The city and surrounding area produce carpets very similar to Kerman. The rugs are typically in the style of Kerman but when Kerman cheapened the weave Yazd did not. Currently Yazd carpets have a lower knot count but overall the quality is much higher.

ZANJAN ZANJAN rugs are hand-woven by nomadic tribes people on the northern regions of Iran. The weavings have strong Kurdish and Turkish influences. Bright and lively with geometric designs these durable works of art are usually woven on a Horizontal loom.

ZIGLER GABBEH Woven by Afghan weavers on the Pakistani Afghan borders. They are knottedusing locally handspun wool and the beautiful variety of colors and shading is achieved by
using vegetable dyes. The designs are from a variety of sources, including the Ziegler and William Morris looks. A stunning execution of design, and fantastic palette.