sULTANABAD

Origins: Sultanabad Persian rugs originate from the city of Sultanabad (modern-day Arak) in northwestern Iran. Established in the 19th century as a major center of rug production, Sultanabad quickly became known for its large-scale, high-quality carpets. The area’s weavers blended traditional Persian motifs with more rustic, village-based designs, resulting in rugs that are both elegant and durable.

Design: Sultanabad rugs are distinguished by their large-scale floral motifs, palmettes, and medallions, often arranged in all-over patterns rather than the more rigid central medallion seen in other Persian rugs. These designs tend to be bold yet spacious, giving the rugs a more relaxed and decorative feel. Sultanabad rugs frequently incorporate rich, earthy tones such as rusty reds, soft golds, indigos, and ivory, creating a sophisticated yet approachable aesthetic. Some feature the Herati or vase designs, with intricate curving leaves and floral elements, lending a balance of structure and fluidity.

Construction: Sultanabad rugs are handcrafted using high-quality wool and typically woven with a cotton foundation. These rugs are hand-knotted, often using the Turkish (Ghiordes) knot, known for its durability. The pile of Sultanabad rugs is medium in height, allowing for both softness and durability. The construction methods make these rugs ideal for both decorative and functional purposes, as they can withstand high-traffic areas while retaining their artistic quality.

Size and Shape: Sultanabad rugs are predominantly produced as large room-sized carpets, reflecting their initial purpose of furnishing large homes in Europe and the West. They are most commonly rectangular, but some examples in other shapes, such as runners, can also be found. The larger format allows for the full expression of the spacious, all-over designs that define the Sultanabad style.

Quality and Collectability: Sultanabad rugs are highly valued for their bold designs, durability, and historical significance. They are especially prized by collectors and interior designers for their large sizes and versatile color palettes, which allow them to work in a wide range of interior settings, from traditional to contemporary. Rugs from the late 19th and early 20th centuries are particularly sought after and are considered excellent investments due to their rarity and craftsmanship.

Cultural Significance: Sultanabad rugs represent a fusion of Persian urban and village weaving traditions, making them a symbol of the adaptability and innovation of Persian rug makers. These rugs were primarily created for export to Western markets, and their success abroad played a significant role in elevating the global appreciation of Persian carpets. The designs of Sultanabad rugs, though based on classical Persian motifs, were simplified and enlarged to suit Western tastes, making them an important chapter in the history of Persian rug production.

Evolution: Over time, Sultanabad rugs have maintained their popularity due to their timeless designs and ability to suit a variety of interiors. Modern Sultanabad rugs continue to incorporate the classic floral and geometric motifs that have made them famous, but often with updated color palettes to appeal to contemporary tastes. The rugs’ balance of traditional Persian artistry and modern practicality ensures that they remain a staple in both historic and modern homes.

Antique ziegler sultanabad carpet that is best of type

History

The history of Sultanabad rugs is an intriguing blend of traditional Persian craftsmanship and the influence of Western market demands, particularly in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Sultanabad (now called Arak) is located in northwestern Iran, and the region's rug production became famous for its large-scale carpets with bold, decorative patterns that catered to both local needs and the growing export market, especially to Europe and North America.

The rug-weaving tradition in the Sultanabad region dates back centuries, but it was not until the mid-19th century that Sultanabad became a major hub for Persian carpet production. The region was established by the Qajar dynasty in the early 1800s as an administrative center, but it soon became known for its vibrant rug industry. The weavers of Sultanabad were particularly skilled at creating large-scale, decorative carpets that blended both village and urban weaving traditions.

The key moment in the history of Sultanabad rug production occurred in the late 19th century, when Western markets, particularly in Europe and the United States, began to develop a significant demand for Persian rugs. Sultanabad was ideally positioned to meet this demand due to its proximity to other important weaving centers and the adaptability of its weavers.

Mostofi design sultanabad with a rare green that is very well executed

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw a surge in demand for Persian carpets in the West, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. To meet the growing demand, Western companies began to establish direct relationships with rug producers in Iran. One of the most influential companies in this development was the Ziegler & Co., a Swiss company with a branch in Manchester, England. In the 1870s, Ziegler set up operations in Sultanabad to produce rugs specifically tailored to Western tastes.

Under the direction of Western companies, the weavers in Sultanabad began to adapt their designs, colors, and sizes to suit the preferences of European and American consumers. The result was a style of rug that maintained traditional Persian motifs and craftsmanship but with modifications that made them more appealing for Western interiors. For instance:

  • Patterns became more spacious, with larger motifs and a focus on floral and geometric designs.

  • The color palette shifted toward softer tones like light blues, ivories, salmon pinks, and rusts, in contrast to the richer, darker tones typically seen in other Persian rugs.

  • Rug sizes became larger to fit the more expansive rooms in Western homes, particularly in the estates and mansions of Europe and America.

These carpets were sold as luxury items and became highly fashionable in Victorian England and Gilded Age America. Sultanabad carpets were particularly sought after for their large, room-sized dimensions and bold, decorative appeal.

An 1860 ziegler sultanbad with a stunning all over pattern

While the designs of Sultanabad rugs were influenced by Western tastes, the craftsmanship remained rooted in Persian weaving traditions. Weavers in the Sultanabad region employed both Turkish (Ghiordes) knots and Persian (Senneh) knots, depending on the village or workshop. The foundation was typically made from cotton, while the pile was woven from high-quality wool, known for its softness and durability.

The designs of Sultanabad rugs feature large-scale floral and geometric motifs, often arranged in all-over patterns rather than the more rigid central medallion designs typical of other Persian rugs like those from Isfahan or Tabriz. Herati patterns (diamond shapes with curling leaves or fish motifs) and palmette motifs were also common. These simplified yet bold designs gave Sultanabad rugs their distinct character and made them suitable for both formal and informal settings in Western homes.

By the early 20th century, Sultanabad rugs had become well-established in international markets, particularly in the United States, where wealthy collectors and homeowners prized them for their aesthetic appeal and craftsmanship. The combination of traditional Persian motifs with more spacious designs and soft color schemes made them versatile for Western interiors, which often required carpets that could complement a variety of design styles.

Sultanabad rugs from this period became highly collectible due to their uniqueness and the quality of their materials and craftsmanship. Rugs from the late 19th and early 20th centuries are considered particularly valuable, especially those that exhibit the hallmark soft color palettes and open floral or geometric designs that were specifically produced for the Western market.

A Gorgeous tile design palace size sultanabad

Sultanabad rugs are significant not only for their craftsmanship but also for their role in bridging Persian and Western aesthetics. The adaptability of the weavers and their ability to respond to the tastes of a global market reflect the dynamic nature of Persian rug-making traditions. Sultanabad rugs symbolize a period in history when Persian artistry found a place in the homes and hearts of Western consumers, helping to elevate Persian rugs to the status of fine art in global markets.

The history of Sultanabad rugs is a story of adaptability, artistry, and international appeal. Rooted in the rich weaving traditions of Persia, these rugs were transformed by the demands of Western markets in the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, Sultanabad rugs are prized for their bold designs, high-quality construction, and cultural significance. Whether as antiques or modern adaptations, they continue to represent a fascinating blend of Persian and Western influences, making them timeless pieces of art and history.

A beautiful all over pattern neutral base sultanabad

Haj agha reza seirafian with his 7 sons

The production of Sultanabad rugs saw a decline in the mid-20th century, partly due to the modernization of Iran and changes in global rug production. However, the reputation of Sultanabad rugs as high-quality, collectible items never faded. In fact, they have continued to hold a strong place in the antique rug market, where rugs from the late 19th and early 20th centuries remain highly sought after by collectors, designers, and enthusiasts.

In recent decades, there has been a revival of interest in Sultanabad-style rugs, with modern weavers creating new versions that capture the essence of the traditional designs while incorporating contemporary color schemes and construction techniques. These modern adaptations continue to be popular for both traditional and contemporary interiors, blending the timeless appeal of Persian artistry with modern design sensibilities.

A Palace size sultanabad with neutral colours