Natural dyes are dyes made from the natural world, including plants, insects, and sea life. Until approximately 1860, carpets in Iran were made entirely of naturally dyed fibers.

When natural dyes, an organic element, are combined with another organic element, wool, the result is a color that will never be constant. Over time, the dyes in these rugs will change and mature; morphing into beautiful, sophisticated tones that can only be achieved with age.

In the late 19th century, aniline- or synthetic- dyes were introduced through Europe and weavers were often tempted into using them, as they saved countless hours of forgaging for and processing plants and other ingredients in order to produce the large vats of vegetable dyes.

Aside from their convenience, synthetic dyes are inorganic, and thus when combined with organic wool, the resulting color is so much more predictable. In some rugs, this constancy comes at a price- for example the gorgeous shades of red resulting from natural dyes may be replaced with an electric red that lacks character and depth. However, synthetic dyes are nearly always used in city-woven silks and wool-and-silks in which the artist is seeking symmetry, constancy, and perfection. 

In the world of natural and synthetic dyes, one is not "better" than the other- they're just different. You can't beat an antique madder or cochineal red, but a natural "black" turkoman dye can be much more corrosive to the wool than a black synthetic, and a silk Qom demands an on-point color that a tribal does not. Ultimately, a rug should speak to you, and if it achieves this goal, whatever dyes were used, whether natural or aniline, must have been well thought out and carefully chosen by the artist.

Synthetic dyes on a wool and silk Tabriz                Natural dyes on a tribal Turkoman

In rug weaving, knots are created by looping yarn around pairs of warps and cutting off the standing end. The cut off ends of the knot become the pile, or the nap, of the rug. When looking at the rug from the "bottom" (where the rug was started), you are looking against the nap, with light being absorbed into the pile of the rug making it appear darker. When viewing from the "top," you are looking toward the nap, and the light is bouncing off the rug making it appear lighter. Often, these are referred to as the "dark side" and "light side" of the rug. Depending on the length of the nap, this change in color can be subtle or very drastic, but it is present in every handmade rug. 

There is no real right or wrong way to look at a rug, it is purely personal preference. When putting a rug on your floor, it is important to try looking at it from both directions. Depending on your space's particular lighting, one direction will instantly "look right."

It is simple to see the difference between the "light" and "dark" sides when comparing two identical rugs, first when viewing them each from opposite directions, and then when viewing them both from the same direction.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Opposite directions, showing the "light" vs."dark" sides         Same direction, both showing the "dark" side

Located in the mountainous western Iran, Hamadan is among the oldest cities in Iran; and dating back to 3,000 BC, it one of the the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities. With a history going back to the bronze age, Hamadan has of course fallen under the rule of countless regional powers including the Medians, Achaemenids, Assyrians, Mongols, and Ottomans, even being mentioned in the Biblical book of Ezra. Obviously, Hamadan has played a major part in the history of the region.

Hamadan as a city and province has long been known for it's exceptional handicrafts, especially rug making. Carpets from this region incorporate designs from the approx. 1,500 surrounding villages. On average, two distinct designs have been produced from each village, giving an astonishing 3,000 different types of Hamadan rugs.

Made of high quality, thick wool, Hamadan rugs are heavy and substantial. A distinctive feature are single wefted edges (a single weft utilizes one piece of yarn woven throughout the rug). Another identifying feature in Hamadans is a geometric diamond or hexagon medallion pattern, usually with  medallion-and-corner design, or all-over boteh or Herati. Common field colors include red, blue, dark brown and camel, with motifs and outlines often in black, green, and gold.

Toysarkan                                Asadabad                               Nahavand

Carpets from three different cities in the Hamadan province

In 1949 during an archeaological excavation in the Pazyryk Vallery in the Altai Mountians of Siberia, a discovery was made that would change the world of the Persian rug as we know it. Frozen in a perfectly preserved royal grave, an intricate carpet was unearthed. Radio-carboning dating places the piece back 2500 years, to the 5th c. B.C.. It is important to note the level of skill and intricacy displayed in the weaving indicate a long history of carpet-weaving tradition. This is the oldest complete carpet ever found. Although dubbed the "Pazyryk" carpet after the valley in which it was discovered, there has been some controversy over who exactly produced this incredible carpet. It was discovered in a royal, yet nomadic tribal grave; leading many to believe it is of nomadic origin. However the design is clearly Persian. So the question becomes: is it a nomadic rug with a Persian design, or a Persian rug acquired by nomadic people? After a close study of the design and style of weave, the general consensus seems to be that it was indeed woven in Achaemenid Persia, having migrated through trade to Siberia. Now on display at the Hermitage Museum in Leningrad, the Pazyryk carpet is an amazing testament to the advanced level of artistry and sophistication seen in the 5th century Eastern world. 

The Pazyryk Carpet; the world's oldest complete rug

"Because the eye can see in a moment encompass the whole surface of a rug it is assumed that it can be seen at a glance. But no worthy piece gives up its meaning so lightly. Its inner beauty is revealed only to a sympathetic and leisurely observation which knows how to read the pattern. The finer examples are often as elaborately composed as a symphony and as sensitively organized as a sonnet. The elements of the design are like notes in a melody or words in a poem: only as they are individually understood, interpreted and assembled is their meaning made plain. In order to see a rug, therefore, it is necessary to sense the quality of each component part, to feel the manifold relations of the parts to each other and to comprehend them all in a harmonious and significant unity. The great carpets are ready to declare their glory, and a wonderful glory it is, to those and only those who will make this effort of attention."

-A.U. Pope, 1926

Gabbeh is a word meaning natural, raw, or uncut. Although often referred to as modern or contemporary, the Gabbeh has actually been woven for centuries by the nomadic tribes around Shiraz (such as the Qashqai). Originally produced for personal use by the weavers themselves, they have only been exported for commercial use in relatively recent years.
Gabbehs are ultra thick, extremely high-pile, and always simple in design. They are seen in bright colors such as red, blue, or yellow, with vegetable dyes always being used. Often they are completely undyed, woven just with natural color sheep wool. To accent the solid field, geometric designs are occasionally featured, and may include small animals, trees, or people- cheerful images inspired by nature and the nomadic life. Heavy and plush, the Gabbeh is an excellent choice for any place you want to take off your shoes and relax- kids rooms, living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, etc. With their thick pile and high-oil wool, they are extremely durable- perfect for entryways and other high-traffic areas. 

A beautiful example of a Qashqai Gabbeh featuring designs  inspired by nomadic life, such as goats, trees, and primitive human figures.

Shiraz is much more than just the namesake of the well-loved grape. Approximately 4,000 years old, this city in Southwestern Iran has had a rich cultural history. In addition to it's long Islamic history, it is a holy city and pilgrimage site for the Baha'i faith, and is also home to some of Iran’s few strong Jewish and Christian communities.
Shiraz is famously home to two of Persia’s two master poets, Hafez and Saadi. Their elaborate tombs are visited by thousands of Iranian and foreign tourists alike each year. With a backdrop of extensive mosques, shrines, and ancient gardens, the ambiance in Shiraz is palpable.
At the foot of the Zagros Mountains, the climate in and around the city is mild. It’s sheep produce exceptionally soft and beautiful wool that takes incredibly deep colors when dyed, making it ideal for rug weaving.
Shiraz rugs are usually geometric, featuring nomadic designs and bright colors. Designs inspired by the nearby ruins of Persepolis are also commonly seen. Shiraz is a major trading center for rugs woven by surrounding nomadic tribes, most notably the Qashqai. The tribes and villages around Shiraz are famous for weaving not only their traditional carpets, but also kilims and jajims, which are great for use as rugs, bed coverings, table coverings, wall hangings, and more.

Covering the tomb of Hafez, this magnificent dome is a great example of the tiled ceilings in mosques and monuments all over Iran that serve as inspiration in the designs of many rugs.

 A selection of Bijars featuring the sophisticated color palette and range of design found in rugs from this region.

  A masterpiece wool and silk Tabriz

An ancient city in central Iran, Esfahan is famously known as “Half the World”- and for good reason. Rich in culture, beauty, and history, it is a cosmopolitan city with enough museums, art, and architecture to rival the jewels of Renaissance Europe.
Esfahan rugs are known worldwide for their extremely fine quality. Often silk or wool and silk, the intricate curvilinear designs in these carpets are inspired by the mosaic dome ceilings of the major mosques of 16th and 17th century Esfahan. A central medallion design is seen most commonly, but all-over and pictorial designs are not uncommon.
Esfahan is easily one of the most sophisticated, prosperous, beautiful cities in Iran, and this elegance is mirrored in its fine carpets. 

 Two beautiful examples of the level of workmanship and intricacy found in Esfahan carpets.