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Rug 101

Weaving /Knot Styles

Double Wift

A “Double Weft” rug means that after a row of knots is tied, the weft thread is passed through, the loom reversed, and the weft is passed back through. The wefts are then pounded down to lock the pile. On a double weft rug, one cannot see the warp threads. In older pieces, three wefts between rows of knots was common, and in certain tribal pieces, 5 or 6 weft threads can be seen between the rows of knots. Sometimes, in double weft rugs, the alternating wefts are often made of different thickness, with the heavy weft being drawn tight and the lighter weft inserted with less tension. This has an effect of setting alternating warps in different planes resulting in longitudinal ridges on the back of the carpet. This effect produces a rug that feels much stronger.

The Persian Knot

One end of the pile wool piece comes up between the two warp threads and the other end comes up on one side of the two warp threads. This is also called the”asymmetrical knot.” The asymmetrical knot is used in Iran, India, Turkey, Egypt and China. To form this knot, yarn is wrapped around one warp strand and then passed under the neighboring warp strand and brought back to the surface. With this type of knot a finer weave can be created.

The Turkish knot

Also called the “Ghiordes or symmetrical Knot.” In this knot, the pile thread is looped under both warp threads and come up between the two threads. The Turkish knot viewed from the pile side will appear as a short thread across both pile threads The symmetrical knot is used in Turkey, the Caucasus and Iran by Turkish and Kurdish tribes. It is also used in some European rugs. To form this knot, yarn is passed over two neighboring warp strands. Each end of the yarn is then wrapped behind one warp and brought back to the surface in the middle of the two warps.

Jufti Knot

The jufti knot can be seen in rugs of Khorasan, Iran. This knot can be either symmetrical or asymmetrical. The knot is usually tied over four warps making the weaving process faster.

Tibetan Knot

In Tibet, a distinctive rug-weaving technique is used. A temporary rod which establishes the length of pile is put in front of the warp . A continuous yarn is looped around two warps and then once around the rod. When a row of loops is finished, then the loops are cut to construct the knots.

Single Wift

Single Weft: is called “Sennah Baft” or Hamadan weave. Here the wefts are rigid and the warps are sinuous. As you can see in the sketch the wefts are heavier than the warps. It is woven with symmetrical knots. Since there is only one shot of weft between each row of knots this shows every other warp which makes these rugs easy to spot. A “Single Weft” rug means that after a row of knots is tied; the loom pedal (shed) is operated – separating alternating rows of warp threads. The weft thread is passed from one side to the other. Another row of knots is then tied and the loom shed is reversed and the weft is passed back through. This results in a single weft thread between each row of knots. In these rugs, the warp threads will be visible.

Patterns and Motifs

Herati

A motif consisting of a flower inside a diamond and curving leaves outside the diamond which are parallel to each side. This motif is commonly used in the field of an all-over layout. The leaves sometimes look similar to fish. Many versions of Herati pattern exist from geometric to curvilinear and simple to complex.

Boteh

(Persian for “bush.”) A pear-shaped figure used in the field of an all-over repeat layout. There are many versions of boteh from geometric to curvilinear and simple to complex. Boteh has been thought to symbolize a leaf, a bush, a flame, or a pinecone.

Shah Abbasi

A group of palmettes that can be seen in all-over and medallion layouts as well in borders. This is frequently seen in rugs of Kashan, Esfahan, Mashad, Nain, and rugs of countries which copy Persian styles such as India, Pakistan and China.

Gul, Gol

(Persian for “flower, rose”) A motif in the shape of an octagon used in Turkoman rugs. Usually, one gul is repeated in an all-over layout.

Isilimi

A motif based on arabesque forms (intertwining leaves, stems, vines and blossoms).

Hannai

The henna flower used as a motif mainly in Persian rugs such as Farahan and Joshaghan. This motif could be used in an all-over or medallion layout. Sometimes it is arranged in a diamond format as seen in Joshaghan rugs.

Meanings of Colors in Persian Rugs

Green

The holy colour of the Prophet Mohammed -it’s used sparingly in places least likely to be walked on. Hope, Renewal, Life, Spring.

Red

Beauty, Wealth, Courage, Luck, Joy, Faith

Blue

Power or Force, Solutide-Allusion to the After Life

Orange

Humility and Piety

Yellow

The Sun, Joy of Life

White

Purity,Cleaniness

Black

Usually found in outlines.Mourning, Destruction

Gold

Power,Wealth

Brown

Fertility