Heriz Rugs

History of Heriz Rugs

• Azerbaijan region in northwestern Iran is a pivotal hub for Persian carpet production, with renowned centers like:

• Tabriz

• Marand

• Khoy

• Maragheh

• Heriz

• Ahar

• Sarab

• Zanjan

• Meshkinshahr

• Ardebil

• Safavid period: Azerbaijan emerged as a major carpet-weaving center, influenced by Persian and Ottoman Turkish designs.

• Tabriz and Heriz are frequently highlighted among Persian carpets from Azerbaijan, known for their geometric patterns and medallion designs.

• Durability: Heriz carpets are also known for their durability, gaining popularity in Europe and the United States.

An All-over Design that is Spontaneous and Symmetrical

• The "diamond on a square" medallion design of Heriz carpets likely originated in the third quarter of the 19th century.

• Origin: Merchants from Tabriz requested larger carpets to export, leading Heriz weavers to adapt city-style designs into their more spontaneous and angular tribal weaving.

• Pre-1930s: The finest Heriz carpets were crafted with pure vegetable dyes, developing a beautiful patina over time. The technique of abrash (color variations) added depth and complexity.

• Double or triple outlines were added to enhance the color strength and overall design.

Beautiful Spontaneous Heriz with Amazing Level of Detail

• The charm of antique Heriz carpets lies in their distinctive geometric patterns and bold color schemes, making them stand out among Persian rugs.

• Old vs. New:

• Older Heriz rugs (like antique Serapi carpets) often feature more spacious designs.

• Modern Heriz rugs tend to display denser patterns with more intricate details.

• Some rare Heriz rugs feature all-over floral patterns or the "Tree of Life" motifs, adding a symbolic layer to their already captivating design.

• These carpets are highly durable, woven with thick wool on a sturdy cotton foundation. The use of natural dyes results in vibrant, long-lasting colors.

• High-quality Heriz rugs with saturated colors and well-balanced designs are excellent investment pieces, offering both aesthetic beauty and timeless appeal.

High-Quality Materials and Longevity

• Finest Materials: Historically, Heriz carpets were woven with the best wool, notably from the Shahsavan tribe, known for their exceptional wool with high lanolin content.

• This wool gave the carpets their durability and sheen. Later, wool from Tabriz was used, maintaining the same quality and richness.

• Lanolin content continues to be a defining feature of Heriz carpets, contributing to their longevity and softness.

Interior Design and Versatility

• Heriz carpets are celebrated for their versatility. Their bold geometric patterns make them an ideal complement to modern furnishings, while their warm color palette and craftsmanship also suit traditional or antique settings.

• Corporate Spaces: The combination of rich colors and strong design elements also makes them popular in corporate spaces, where they add both sophistication and a sense of warmth.

Silk Heriz Rugs and Vaq-Vaq Designs

• One of the most important subsets of Heriz carpets are the silk Heriz rugs, believed to have been commissioned for royalty and high-ranking dignitaries.

• These silk carpets are rare and highly valued for their intricate detailing and luxurious materials. Vaq-Vaq or Magical Tree designs, which depict mythical creatures emerging from a tree, were woven by artisans who improvised based on their imagination, adding a unique, artistic layer to the rich history of Heriz rugs.

Heriz carpets continue to be some of the most cherished and versatile rugs in the world. Their timeless appeal, high-quality materials, and intricate designs ensure that they remain popular in both contemporary and traditional spaces