Heriz rug

Heriz rugs and carpets were woven in Northwest Persia starting in the mid 19th century in response to a great increase in demand for rugs internationally. Prior to that, there were not rugs woven (in Persia) for export that exhibited this stylized drawing of plant and flower forms. The lower knot density and thicker pile became the standard for these rugs, which lent to a less formal aesthetic which remains popular to this day. The use of natural dyes in the Heriz workshops prevailed well into the 20th century, setting them apart from city workshops, which began to embrace synthetic dyes as early as the turn of the century. What was once one of the least expensive rugs is now highly sought after for just these qualities. This rug draws a small diamond-shaped medallion against an ornamented navy ground. Lush foliage and blossoms issue forth from horizontal beams at the top and bottom, seemingly hanging from both directions towards the center. This composition combines the focus of a more standard central medallion piece with an all over field aesthetic. Like many classic Persian carpet designs, it originated as a small scale repeat. Here the weaver has isolated the essence of that design from one solitary unit and has blown it up, while embellishing it with dramatic detailing and bold vegetal color.