Viss Rug

Wiss rugs originate from Wiss, also referred to as Viss, a small town located near Hamadan. However, for a small town, Wiss has an eclectic mix of population. Kurds, Turks, and the nomadic people of Bakhtiari all call Wiss home, and it is the influence from these diverse groups that is an integral part of the weaving of wool rugs here. Due to its largely nomadic population, the majority of Wiss rugs feature geometric designs, which is an indication of a tribal rug. Its location so close to Hamadan has influenced the local weavers to create their wool rugs using the Hamadan weave, also referred to as the Sennah Baft. These wool rugs are woven with a Turkish symmetrical knot and a single shot of weft between the rows of knots

Viss Rug
Design of Viss Rug (Rugman)
General information
Name	Viss Rug
Original name	قالي ویست
Alternative name(s)	Viss Carpet
Origin	Iran: Markazi
Category	Village
Technical information
Common designs	Geometric, Herati (Fish)
Common colors	Red, Beige, Blue, Navy Blue
Dyeing method	Natural, Synthetic
Pile material	Wool
Foundation material	Cotton
Knot type	Symmetrical (Turkish)

History

Viss is a village located in the Markazi Province of central Iran. Viss carpets are known in the market from the second quarter of the twentieth century. They were popular in Europe as one of the few geometric room-size types with tribal design elements. These carpets were an alternative choice to the HERIZ weavings of northwestern Iran, which were in demand by the world floor covering markets.
By the last quarter of the twentieth century, some Viss weavers switched from traditional designs and made carpets and rugs similar to other neighboring areas according to the demand of domestic and foreign consumers.

Materials

Foundation and Pile

The carpets have a cotton foundation and a wool pile.

Techniques and structures

Color and dyeing

Viss field and border colors are mostly reds, dark blue, and ivory. Additionally, different shades of blue, green, brown, coral, gray, and gold appear in the medallions, design elements, and outlines.

Bibliography

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