The Oriental Collection - Catalog - Page 42
REZAS NOMADIC RUGS
Shiraz
Shiraz is the fifth most populous city in Iran with a population of about one and a half
million. It’s the capital of the south-eastern province of Fars, and is situated in the
Zargros Mountains. Shiraz is an ancient city and has been the capitol of Iran multiple
times. It is known as the city of poets, literature and flowers because of its literary
history and beautiful gardens. It has a reputation of being very relaxed, with a “we’ll
get to that tomorrow” attitude.
Shiraz has laid name to the rugs that are knotted in not only Shiraz itself, but also the
small towns and villages surrounding it from where they are brought to the city to be
sold. The local tribes like the Kashghai, whose best works are even finer and more
densely knotted than those knotted in Shiraz itself, also weave rugs.
Shiraz rugs are characterised by a deep claret colour, combined with dark blue
and small areas of white and green. The wool is soft, and darker wool, sometimes
mixed with goat’s hair, is used for both warp and weft. The patterns are coarse and
geometrical, often identical to the Kashghai patterns. In some designs, there are
small, geometrical birds and animals to add a bit of whimsy and brighten them up.
Shiraz rugs are made in all sizes, although large rugs are rare. Knot densities are
between 150,000 and 250,000 knots per sqm.
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