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Within the basic weaving process, rug makers incorporate
a lot of variety. With over 300 different styles of rugs,
it makes sense to know the two basic categories of
handmade rugs; tribal, and city, and the specific
styles that they incorporate - nomadic, village, workshop,
and master workshop.
Tribal Styles
Nomadic Rugs
Nomadic rugs are produced by nomads and semi-nomadic tribes
whose lifestyles have traditionally revolved around breeding
sheep and weaving. Little has changed throughout the centuries,
and the rugs made today by this group remain true to their
ancestor's rugweaving methods and designs. Rug making within
this group is usually a female activity and is an expression
of the artistic, cultural and religious heritage of the tribe.
In nomadic tribes, rugs are floor coverings as well as bags,
seating, and other home furnishings. Today, these rugs are
very popular due to their bold colors and the primitive designs
that are now extremely fashionable. Favorite styles of nomadic
rugs include the popular Gabbeh, Qashqai, Shiraz and Lori.
Village Rugs
The term 'Village Rugs' is applied to a broad category of
rugs that share common features of construction, character
and design. Village rugs fall somewhere between nomadic and
workshop rugs. They can be very beautiful and intricate in
design, but most possess the rougher or coarser weave associated
with nomadic rugs. They tend to be sturdier and are usually
made of good wool. Village designs vary greatly and draw both
from nomadic and workshop designs. The most popular designs
are prayer-rug medallions and repeating geometric forms. Some
popular styles of village rugs include Bakhtiari, Baluch,
and Hamadan.
City Styles
Workshop Rugs
Workshop rugs are just that, made in workshops, usually in
a main city. They are distinguished from village and nomadic
rugs by their finesse and appearance because of the way they
are made. A weaver usually works from a design laid out on
paper or under the direction of an overseer who systematically
calls out, the color of each knot as it is required. This
process takes away from the spontaneity of a random design,
however more technically exacting designs can be achieved.
Workshops employ both men and women and exceptionally talented
weavers can earn great acclaim and financial rewards. The
rugs that have been produced in the last 30 years are among
the finest ever made. In Iran and Turkey, each workshop group
has developed its own style. Some of the best-known workshop
rugs include Heriz, Kashan, Kerman, and Tabriz.
Master Workshop Rugs
Master Workshop rugs are the most esteemed,
and typically, the most expensive of all Persian
rugs. The term 'Master Workshop' is applied to workshops
that consistently produce exceptional rugs under the direction
of a master weaver. Master workshop designs are very elaborate
and sophisticated interpretations of classical themes.
When evaluating a master workshop rug, look primarily
for technical and aesthetic perfection. The knotting should
be very fine and even throughout. Patterns and motifs
should be symmetrical; exact in size and spacing with
colors that are even and consistent in tone. Some of the
styles that can be found at the master workshop level
include Isfahan, Qum, and Nain.
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