Rarely occurring Persian carpets

Persian Rugs are among the oldest and most renowned crafts in the world. In the past, they were a symbol of wealth and prestige – they were indispensable in the palaces and homes of wealthy families. Particularly, Sheikh Naser ad-Din ensured that Persian rugs became a topic of conversation in his time, leaving an impression with their opulent designs.

However, over time, tastes changed: the younger generation moved away from classic patterns and wanted to experiment with new living styles. In this article, we tell the story of Persian rugs, their significance, and the challenges the craft faces today.

Fewer and fewer Iranians are choosing to work in one of the oldest crafts in the country. Carpet weaving requires a high degree of patience and a lot of experience. Additionally, the delicate work at the looms often comes with its own stresses.

An Iranian proverb says, “May your hands never hurt.” The decreasing number of newcomers in the field of weaving also means rising wages in this craft, as lower supply leads to higher prices. This is having an impact on the historically significant market for Persian carpets.

Prices have doubled in the last decade. A square meter of the highest quality can cost up to €4,000. While this may represent an extreme, the price shows: Persian carpets are not cheap mass-produced items, but always a piece of handwoven art.

Only a few countries in the world still practice this centuries-old craft. In Iran, it is one of the most important crafts in the country. But artisans in Nepal, India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan also weave high-quality carpets, often taking months to complete their work.

In past times, Oriental rugs adorned the palaces and homes of wealthy citizens. They simply served as a status symbol. Everyone wanted to have a genuine Persian rug in their living room. Only authentic with a certificate and high knot density.

It was not until 1873 that Sheikh Naser ad-Din brought the Persian rug to fame. His opulent lifestyle, along with the rugs, left a lasting impression on his contemporaries. One could say he was an influencer of the 19th century.

However, after about 100 years of success, demand declined, including a somewhat dusty image. The younger generation wanted to move away from their parents' decor and try something entirely new.