Tafresh Rug

Tafresh Rug
Design of Tafresh Rug (Rugman)
General information
Name	Tafresh Rug
Original name	قالی تفرش
Alternative name(s)	Tafresh Carpet
Origin	Iran: Markazi
Category	Village
Technical information
Common designs	Medallon, Afshan, Tribal
Common colors	Crimson, Beige, Red, Blue, Cream, Green, Orange
Dyeing method	Natural, Synthetic
Pile material	Wool
Foundation material	Cotton
Knot type	Asyemmetrical (Persian)

Tafresh is a small town, 260 km south west of the capital city of Tehran, in central Iran. It produces gorgeous handmade rugs that are known to bring a warm feeling to a floor. Although better in quality, the rugs of Tafresh closely resemble those of Hamadan. This is because Tafresh is located between Qum and Hamadan. Tafresh rugs usually have a dense thick pile, made with fine wool. Smaller pieces are much more common than larger ones. Another characteristic that these rugs have, is their unusual softness. This can probably be associated with the high quality wool used in the making. The patterns are usually floral with some animal elements, but sometimes geometric styles can be seen. The tribal rugs of Tafresh are an intelligent way to enhance the decor of a room and make the floors pleasant to walk on.

History

Tafresh is a town located in central Iran. In the past, it was a village known for weaving rugs beginning in the 1900s. Old Tafresh rugs are categorized as Hamadan MOSUL RUGS.

Materials

Foundation and Pile

The rugs have a cotton foundation and a wool pile.

Techniques and structures

Color and dyeing

Most Tafresh rug backgrounds are woven in reds or ivory. Along with these colors, different shades of blue, beige, green, brown, gray, and gold appear in the borders, medallion, design elements, and outines.

Motifs and patterns

Tafresh rugs are semigeometric and have their own design characteristics, with a large medallion in an Open Field and medallion quadrants in the corners. The medallion appears in three styles: with 3 large circular palmette woven in the middle; with flower heads, leaves, and vines woven throughout; and with sixteen extended pendants with leaves and Hower heads around the edges. At times, small tribal, primitive design elements are woven in the field. The main border has large palmettes surrounded by flower heads, leaves, and vines.

Weaving techniques

The Turkish (symmetric) knot is utilized. Formats range from small mats to rugs approximately seven feet by four feet six inches. The grade qualities are generally good to very good. Early Tafresh rugs measuring approximately four feet by seven feet can have a market value up to $6,000. By the last quarter of the twentieth century, some Tafresh weavers switched from their traditional designs to make styles similar to those of neighboring areas to meet the demand of domestic and foreign consumers.

References

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