Yazd Rug

Yazd Rug
Design of Yazd Rug (Rugman)
General information
Name	Yazd Rug
Original name	قالی یزد
Alternative name(s)	Yazd Carpet
Origin	Iran: Yazd
Category	City
Technical information
Common designs	Medallion, Herati, Shah Abbasi
Common colors	Crimson, Navy Blue, White, Cream, Blue, Beige
Dyeing method	Natural, Synthetic
Pile material	Wool
Foundation material	Cotton
Knot type	Asymmetrical (Persian)

Yazd city rugs are among the most gorgeous of the Persian rug family. Their stunning colors and intricate patterns remind us of the ancient beautiful rugs which were woven in Central Iran many centuries ago. The number of colors used in Yazd rugs is endless. However, a rich burgundy is usually the predominant one and some other common colors are different shades of blue, green and ivory. Yazds have traditional floral patterns and they bear a striking resemblance to the legandary rugs of the city of Kashan. The city of Yazd is located in the province of Yazd, which is in central Iran which is not too far from Kashan, Kerman, Qum, Nain, or Isfahan. A truly magnificent work of art, no words can describe the utmost beauty of the famous rugs of Yazd.

History

Yazd is the capital city of the Yazd Province in central Iran. It is an ancient city that dates back to 1000 BCE. Yazd was once the center of Zoroastrian culture, and a small population practicing that faith continues to live there today. In the Western markets, especially America, Yazd carpets were categorized and sold as Kerman carpets. This was because the city's weaving technique, design, and coloration were similar to those of the neighboring Kerman Province. Yazd carpet colors were often stronger than Kerman tonalities, which only experienced carpet dealers are able to notice. The purpose of using the Kerman name over Yazd was to benefit from the rich weaving history of Kerman and its popularity in the West.
Yazd carpets are known in the trade dating to the late nineteenth century. The designs are floral, with medallion, allover, or Lattice styles. The weavings are inspired by Kerman classical designs with palmettes, leaves, flower sprays, and vines throughout the field, medallion, and borders. The designs also include Boteh (paisley), Herati (fish), Minakhani (rosette-linked trellis), Shrub, Tree Of Life, and medallion with an Open Field.
The carpets have pomegranatered (from cochineal), dark blue, or ivory grounds. These colors are interchangeable for the border. In addition, different shades of red, blue, green, gold, brown, gray, and cinnamon appear in the inner borders, design elements, and outlines.
The rugs and carpets have a cotton foundation, a short wool pile, and the Persian (asymmetric) knot. Yazd formats range from small mats to oversize carpets. The weavings are produced from good to fine in grade quality.
After World War II, some Yazd weavers began to use Kashan designs and coloration. These particular carpets were marketed as Kashans, which were fashionable in the world market.

See also

Search for Yazd Rug on Wikipedia.

Bibliography

1. Abraham Levi Moheban. 2015. The Encyclopedia of Antique Carpets: Twenty-Five Centuries of Weaving. NewYork: Princeton Architectural Press.