CARPETS

The history of the Iranian carpet began with nomadic tribes creating practical rugs for warmth and protection around 5000 BCE. These functional items evolved into intricate works of art, especially during the Achaemenid Empire (550–330 BCE), when they were used in palaces and as diplomatic gifts. The Safavid period (1501–1736) is considered the "golden age" for carpet weaving, with royal workshops producing highly sophisticated, globally exported masterpieces. Today, carpet making remains a vital part of Iranian culture and a significant global industry.

Today, Iranian carpet weaving continues, blending tradition with modern design and market adaptation. Master weavers explore contemporary designs, while commercial enterprises support village weavers who use natural dyes and traditional techniques, ensuring the survival of this ancient craft.

The very concept and expectations of Persian rugs slowly started to change over the past 25 years. The original tableau rug, also known as pictorial carpet is not known when it was weaved together but some of the old rugs back in 19th & 20th century show that the similar type design were used such as hunting scene in Isfahan or Qum carpet as well as floral design in Isfahan and Tabriz carpet.

Pictorial carpets are being woven exactly the same way as the Persian rug has been made over the past 2500 years so there is no different in quality. The main different is that in pictorial carpet, there is not the ancient design and it always has a picture or scenery that are much more colorful with many different scenes. They can be framed the same way as an art work or painting and they are designed to be hung on the wall.