Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a Heriz Rug?
Heriz carpets are Persian rugs produced in the Heris region of East Azerbaijan, northwest Iran, northeast of Tabriz. These rugs are made in the same-named settlement on the slopes of Mount Sabalan. The combination of tribal and decorative art styles used when hand knotting this carpet is a standard feature of Persian Heriz rugs.
The Turkish double knot is used by most weavers, and the KPSI (knots per square inch) varies depending on the carpet's fineness. Persian Heriz carpets produced at the town's workshops are superior to those made in remote mountain villages. Silk Persian carpets are extremely delicately knotted and quite rare, as well as wonderfully beautiful. There are very few antique Persian Heriz rugs made of silk in existence and large carpets such as these are almost priceless!
Heris's weavers are regarded as the first in Persia to manufacture room-size and enormous carpets with nomadic, rustic themes and with a large medallion dominating the design. Persian Heriz carpets are well-known on the international market and go nicely with the decor of many European and American homes. These beautiful new and antique oriental rugs are also in high demand in the domestic market, particularly in the province of Azerbaijan.
- Origin: Iran, East Azerbaijan
Heriz rugs are woven in the Heris district located 40 miles west of Tabriz in the northwest of Iran. They are some of the most beautiful rugs woven to this day.
- Heriz Rug Characteristics
Heriz rugs are long-lasting and resilient, use natural dyes, and they can be passed down through generations. Mount Sabalan rests atop a large copper deposit, which contributes to the durability of Heriz rugs. Copper traces in sheep's drinking water results in high-quality wool that is significantly more durable than wool from other regions.
Poetry inscriptions were woven into the guard borders of some nineteenth-century Antique Heriz rugs. Although weaving poems into carpets was famous, the Heriz inscriptions were sometimes challenging to read because rural weavers could not correctly transfer the text.
- Common Designs: Medallion, Geometric
It's common to see a substantial central stepped medallion with corners or an all over design with highly stylised floral motifs. Patterns that repeat themselves are less prevalent. Older Heriz rugs featured madder grounds and predominantly indigo medallions. The technique of "double outlining," in which the rug's design is divided from the field by two lines of different colours, is used on more delicate rugs. This design element is the benchmark for all Heriz creations.
Some of the designs can be traced back to Anatolian (Turkish) village rug motifs of the seventeenth century.
- Common colours: Red, Brown, Green, Navy Blue, Pink, Blue, Ivory
The pile is thick and hefty, with a rich and varied colour palette.
The background of the rugs is usually brick-red or deep crimson. The medallion and border were generally both done in dark blue, ivory, camel, and tones of red, blue, green, rust and brown were used for the design elements. For design outlines, dark brown or black was used.
- Material: Wool, Cotton
The rugs and carpets have a cotton or wool foundation and a wool pile. Wool is the most common material used when weaving the pile of these rugs but there are a few silk Antique Heriz rugs still in existence.
- The History Of Antique Persian Heriz Rugs
Persian rug weaving has been practised for over 1,000 years. According to historical documents, in the 6th century, the King of Persia ordered an unparalleled carpet adorned with crystals, diamonds, and valuable metals.
Heriz, on the other hand, is a relatively new tradition. Historically, it was famous for antique rug dealers to promote carpets made in surrounding villages such as Herizes, responsible for Bakshaish rugs. During the nineteenth century, Heriz rugs were created mainly for export to Europe and the United Kingdom.
However, not all communities could equal the quality of the native Heriz weavers, resulting in various antique rug types. Although Heriz and Sarab are both in the Iranian province of East Azerbaijan, Tabriz, Heriz, Heriz Serapi and Serapi carpets are quite different.
- Why Choose London House Rugs
At London House Rugs, we are passionate about rugs. For over 40 years, we have honed and refined our knowledge and built long & ethical relationships with weavers throughout the East. This ensures that a London House Rug has undergone an exhaustive process in its sourcing, making, and finishing that guarantees quality and beauty.
We’ve travelled extensively throughout the East to source the most delicate rugs and establish long and ethical relationships with weaving cooperatives. We stock an extensive collection of new and antique rugs in all sizes, from traditional to contemporary pieces.
We work closely with individuals and corporate clients to supply, make or source rugs for every space and setting. From a hearth rug in your own home to a hundred bespoke rugs for a hotel roll-out, have a look through some of our recent projects to see the range of what we offer.
With over 40 years of experience, we can find the perfect rug to complement your room.