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Persian rugs and carpets are an essential part of Persian Culture, starting from beng articles of need, as floor coverings to protect from cold, to symbols of wealth and beauty, made for kings and noblemen. Rug and Carpet weaving is one of the most ancient traditions of Persian culture and art, and dates back to the Bronze Age (c. 3500-2000 BC). Though carpets are referenced by early Greek and Arab writers, when the first Persian rug was woven is unknown. The earliest known Persian carpet called the Pazyryk rug was discovered by Russian Archaeologist Sergei Rudenko in 1949 during excavations in Siberia. The Carpet had been preserved by chance, after it survived the grave robbers raid of the burial mound. Water poured into the mound through the opening they had created, and froze, thus protecting the carpet from decay. The rug dates to the fifth century BC.
Persian styles are the most diverse styles worldwide. Although carpet production has mostly become mechanized today, the coveted traditional hand woven rugs are still found around the world. Here at eRug.com, we sell these handmade rugs.
The city of Nain is located in the central Iranian province of Esfahan. Prior to the 1930s, men's cloaks (abaas) were woven in this city; however, as cloaks went out of fashion, the rug industry replaced the cloak-industry. Nain rugs are woven with the asymmetrical (Persian) knot inside both workshops and homes, and are sold through the bazaars of the capital city of the province also named Esfahan. Although the majority of Nain rugs have either wool pile, or wool pile with silk highlights, all-silk Nain rugs are woven as well. The foundation of Nain rugs can be either cotton or silk. Similar to other nomads, Qashghais mainly weave rugs for their daily use or as dowry. They weave their rugs on horizontal looms with wool foundation. However, Qashghis who have settled in villages and towns make rugs on cotton foundations.
For a complete look at the hundreds of area rugs in our full inventory of over 20,000, please visit eRug.com.
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