kERMAN
1. Origins: Kerman Persian rugs originate from the city of Kerman, located in southeastern Iran. Kerman has a long and storied history of rug weaving, dating back several centuries. The city is renowned for producing a diverse range of carpets, including some of the most exquisite and luxurious Persian rugs.
2. Design: Kerman Persian rugs are known for their intricate floral motifs, arabesques, medallions, and curvilinear patterns. These designs are meticulously executed with fine detail and precision, often incorporating a wide range of colors such as deep blues, reds, ivory, gold, and soft pastels.
3. Construction: Kerman rugs are handcrafted using high-quality materials such as fine wool, silk, and cotton. Silk highlights may be used to accentuate intricate details, adding a subtle sheen to the rug's surface. The rugs are hand-knotted using the Persian knot technique, resulting in a dense and durable pile.
4. Size and Shape: Kerman Persian rugs come in various sizes, ranging from small accent rugs to large room-sized carpets. They are available in rectangular, square, and oval shapes, catering to different design preferences and spatial requirements.
5. Quality and Collectibility: Kerman Persian rugs are highly esteemed for their exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and artistic merit. They are considered among the finest Persian rugs and are prized by collectors and connoisseurs worldwide. Authentic Kerman rugs are valuable investments due to their craftsmanship and historical significance.
6. Cultural Significance: Kerman Persian rugs are an integral part of Iran's cultural heritage, reflecting the region's history, traditions, and aesthetics. They are treasured as symbols of Persian artistry and craftsmanship, representing centuries of weaving tradition passed down through generations.
7. Evolution: Over time, Kerman Persian rugs have evolved to incorporate a blend of traditional designs and modern influences. While classic motifs remain popular, contemporary Kerman rugs may feature innovative color palettes, abstract designs, or reinterpretations of traditional patterns to appeal to modern tastes.
Antique Ravar Kerman that is best of type
History
Kirman, nestled in the heart of Persia, has long been revered as a premier carpet-weaving locale, crafting designs of royal allure since the Safavid dynasty's endorsement over four centuries ago, matching the prestige of Tabriz and Kashan. Remarkably, in 2013, a 17th-century Safavid Kirman carpet fetched $33 million at auction, setting a new record by doubling the previous highest price for an Oriental rug.
Situated in Southern Persia's vast desert, Kirman's legacy as a hub for trade and weaving predates Marco Polo. Its carpets, among the earliest Persian rugs introduced to the Western world, were highly coveted in Europe and by late 19th-century American industrialists. Influenced by European art from the 16th century, Kirman's weavers melded traditional Persian motifs with the hues and patterns of French textiles, creating a distinctive, elegant style.
The early 19th century's turmoil saw Kirman suffer devastation. However, its most adept weavers found refuge in Laver, a village to the north, where they continued their craft. There, they produced exquisitely fine, delicate rugs using a blend of silky wool atop a cotton base, giving rise to the esteemed 'Laver Kirmans'. Lavar is a corruption of the word “ravar”
Clark Sickle-Leaf Carpet, 17th Century Antique kerman carpet world record holder
17th-century Kirman Vase carpet set the record at $9.59 million
The region of Kirman in Central Persia was renowned for its exceptional carpet production. To expand their exquisite craftsmanship, subsidiary workshops were established in Kermanshah, Western Persia, leveraging the traditional skills of Kurdish and Armenian weavers. Rugs from Kermanshah are noted for their more intricate designs and a rich palette of deep ruby and burgundy hues, distinguished by their exceptionally fine weave and the notable firmness of their foundation.
The phrase "Laver Kirman" or “Ravar Kirman” refers to a specific area but is predominantly used within the antique rug community to signify the highest grade of Kirman rugs. Laver Kirman rugs from both the 19th century and the dawn of the 20th century are rare gems in the current market, eagerly pursued by aficionados and collectors in both Europe and America for their breathtaking visual appeal and artistic merit.
Second revival
Throughout its history, Kerman has been a major center of Persian carpet production, with each historical era contributing to its legacy.
During the Safavid Era (16th and 17th centuries), Kerman became renowned for producing some of the finest Persian carpets, known for their elaborate designs and exceptional craftsmanship. The carpets woven in this period are still considered masterpieces, exemplifying the elegance and artistic detail characteristic of Safavid art.
In the Qajar Era (1789–1925), Kerman carpets reached new heights of popularity, particularly due to the growing demand from both domestic markets and international buyers in Europe and the United States. This period marked a golden age for Kerman's carpet industry, with Kerman Laver carpets becoming especially sought after for their intricate designs and superior quality.
The tradition continued into the Pahlavi Period (1925–1979), where carpet weaving in Kerman maintained its prominence. A mix of traditional designs and modern influences characterized this period, with notable figures such as Mohammad Arjmand Kermani and Hasan Khan Shahrokhi producing highly valued works that remain prized by collectors today. This period further solidified Kerman’s reputation as a global leader in luxury Persian carpet production.
An execution like no other of the millifluer design, by arjmand can you count the 1001 flowers ?
Mohammad Arjmand Kermani, famously known as "Sultan Ghali" (the Carpet King), was a key figure in the Kerman carpet industry from the late Qajar to the Pahlavi era. Born in 1893, he began learning carpet design as a young child, forgoing formal education at seven years old to train with masters like Hassan Khan Shahrokhi and Zaman Khan Mir Hosseini. This early start gave him an in-depth understanding of carpet weaving, including the processes of design and dyeing, which laid the foundation for his later success.
Arjmand’s business grew as he converted his father-in-law’s shawl workshop into a productive carpet-making hub, a move that allowed him to expand his influence. At the age of 30, he adopted the name Arjmand, changing the signature on his carpets from "Ibn Ja'afar" to "Arjmand Kermani", symbolizing his growing reputation. His exceptional carpets, known for their detailed patterns and distinctive color combinations, gained global recognition, with pieces commissioned by Buckingham Palace and the White House.
His innovation and business acumen were key to his success, as was his dedication to hard work, creativity, and integrity. Beyond his contributions to the carpet industry, Mohammad Arjmand also left a lasting impact as a philanthropist, establishing a hospital in Kerman that still bears his name. His passing in 1968 was widely mourned, with Radio Berlin recognizing him as "the world’s carpet king," and his legacy remains prominent both in his community and in the art of carpet weaving.
Mohammad Ibn Jafar
A beautiful live scenaray of life in iran, that shines vividly with natural dyes
Ali Kermani, also known as Ali Honari, was a renowned master weaver born in Kerman in 1877. His father, Ali Akbar Jarrah, played an important role in his upbringing, and Ali Kermani learned the art of Persian carpet weaving under the guidance of Abolokazem Kermani. Ali Kermani rose to prominence during the late 19th century and early 20th century, a period of great prosperity for the carpet industry in Kerman, particularly during the Qajar period.
Collaborating frequently with the famous carpet designer Hasanhan Shahrokhi, Ali Kermani produced a number of masterpieces. His works are celebrated for their intricate designs, high knot density—often featuring around 400 knots per square inch—and their portrayal of pictorial and hunting scenes, which depicted Persian life, mythology, and nature in rich detail. Some of his carpets, including Kerman Laver carpets, are highly prized for their craftsmanship and artistic beauty.
Remarkably, there are carpets dating back to when Ali Kermani was just six years old that bear his signature, offering clues to identify other unsigned works from his career. He continued to create exquisite carpets until his death in 1939 at the age of 62, and he was buried in the Sahib al-Zaman Mosque in Kerman. His legacy lives on as one of Kerman’s greatest contributors to the Persian carpet industry.
ALI Kermani
A beautiful carpet designed by Hassan sharokhi and executed by Ali Kermani exhibiting a masterful Millefleur design
The Sharokhi Family
The Shahrokhi family is a well-known artistic dynasty in Kerman, Iran, particularly celebrated for their contributions to Kerman carpet weaving. Among the prominent members of the family, Ahmad Khan Shahrokhi stands out as one of the most renowned master designers, along with Mohsen Khan and Hassan Khan. Ahmad Khan, born in 1882, was instrumental in shaping the development of Kerman carpets during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He worked with prominent companies such as the OCM Company and Kerman Carpet Joint Stock Company, where he served as a lead designer and supervisor for many years.
Ahmad Khan's designs are noted for their intricate patterns and innovation. He played a pivotal role in bridging traditional Persian motifs with new design trends, incorporating dense, complex motifs and natural elements like flowers and plants from the local Kerman environment. His work often reflected a modernist approach while still respecting the traditional forms of Persian carpet art, making him a pioneer in his time. His designs, especially Afshan (sprayed) patterns, were widely admired for their balance of color and form, combining vibrant colors like deep blues and reds with harmonious motifs.
The Shahrokhi family's legacy, especially through Ahmad Khan's work, left a lasting impact on the Kerman carpet industry, helping to shape its identity during a crucial period of cultural and commercial expansion. Their contribution to Kerman carpet design has ensured that their artistic achievements remain influential and are recognized as a cornerstone of Persian carpet weaving history
A stunning uni-directional hunting carpet by the grand master ali kermani