TABRIZ RUGS

Tabriz Rugs

Tabriz rugs are decorative textiles originating from the Iranian city of Tabriz. They belong to the general category of Persian rugs. The quality and appearance of Tabriz rugs is very diverse. This is because the weaving center has existed for a very long time and absorbed influences from many other regions and cultures. The art of carpet weaving in Tabriz reached its zenith between the 12th and the 16th centuries. However, today Tabriz carpets are still synonymous with top-notch quality and appearance. The major manufacturers in Tabriz today are Alabaf of Tabriz, Galibafi Nassadji Tabriz, and Miri Brothers.
We invite you to view the largest collection of Tabriz rugs and carpets in Los Angeles.

Tabriz Rugs: The Culture of Tabriz

Tabriz is the capital of the northwestern Iranian province. For centuries it has enjoyed a reputation of a hub of Persian culture. Tabriz artists and artisan flourished under the patronage of Shah Abbas the Great (1587-1629). They designed illuminated manuscripts or embroidered silks. Some painted miniatures and fabricated metal work in the Safavid style. This fertile, creative atmosphere also influenced the weavers. Inspired and encouraged by the ruler, they reached new artistic heights. Presently, antique Tabriz rugs are a rare treat for all design and beauty fans.

Tabriz Rugs: The History of Tabriz Weaving

The origins of Tabriz as a town are shrouded in mystery – its early history is not very well-documented. We know that the first signs of civilization there (Iron Age graveyard) reach the 1st millennium BC. When the weaving started in Tabriz is yet another enigma. Some historical accounts indicate carpets were produced there as early as the Sassanid era (224 to 651 A.D.). However, we are sure that the first heyday of textile production happened there between the 12th and 16th centuries. 400 years of intense activity in rug weaving resulted in the high renown of Tabriz rugs. The families of weavers have honed and handed down the craft for generations. Thus, specific weaving techniques have always been family treasures, allowing native artists to ply a respected trade.
The early 18th century saw the end of the Safavid Empire and the decline of the town of Tabriz. Its legendary craftsmanship fell into oblivion yet not for long. Under the Qajar Dynasty (1786-1925) the workshops of Tabriz were gradually revived. Thanks to this, by the 1880’s another golden age was underway. Tabriz again began to reestablish its position as the center for the export of Persian Tabriz rugs to the West. In the second half of the 19th century the city boasted some of the most famous masters. Names such as Kurban Dai, Sheik Safi, Faradji are forever to remain in the canon of expert weavers. Ever since then, Tabriz has been among the leaders of carpet-weaving both for domestic use and for export.

Tabriz Rugs: Construction

Designs of antique Persian Tabriz rugs can vary greatly. As mentioned at the beginning, Tabriz is one of the oldest weaving centers in Persia (if not the oldest). Moreover, many times in history it was the major cultural and trade hub of Persia. This contributed to the quality and immense variety of Tabriz rugs in equal measure. Therefore, it is practically impossible to describe one specific style reserved to Tabriz. Nevertheless, if we allow for generalization, it is safe to say that Tabriz rugs are exemplary Persian rugs. The vast majority contains the most classic Persian knot – the asymmetric Senneh. Although used in other countries like India, Turkey, Egypt or China, Senneh is native to Persia (Iran). The asymmetric knot makes it possible to weave a carpet with higher knot density and more details.
However, it is important to know that Tabriz rugs may feature all kinds of techniques and weaves. One may find them in a flat-weave or pile version, with a simple or complex composition. The range starts at Bazaar quality of 24 raj and goes on up to the incredibly fine 110 raj. Raj is a unit expressing the number of knots per 7 cm of the width of the rug.
In terms of materials, wool, cotton and silk are the top three, yet plant-derived and metal threads also appear. Cotton and wool usually go to the foundation while wool and silk form the pile. The most exquisite and rare rugs flaunt a silk pile on a silk foundation.

Antique Persian Tabriz Rug Design

Tabriz rugs appear in a plethora of styles. However, if we look at them through the prism of Persian classics, we may be able to describe a ‘typical’ Tabriz rug. The most traditional Persian arrangement consists of an allover, intricate floral pattern (with or without a medallion), executed in red, blue and white (in any configuration).
Nonetheless, Tabriz has one of the most diverse displays of designs. They range from medallion, Herati/Mahi, to figural, pictorial, and even 3-d shaped rugs.
This rich diversity also refers to colors. Tabriz rugs present a refined palette reliant on tones of copper, terracotta and ivory, with shades of blue and subtle touches of gold, green and salmon. In good-quality carpets, dyes are solely natural, not artificial. Next to eco-friendliness, durability and vividness, natural dyes have many advantages. They allow for ‘abrash’, which is a natural and variable change in color that occurs in a hand-woven Oriental rug over time when different dyes are used. These slight color variations within the design make a carpet absolutely unique.

If you're feeling inspired, here are several Antique Persian Tabriz rugs we have in stock!