| Evolution
of carpets
The long and fascinating history of the carpet has its roots
in four countries, namely China, Turkey, India and Persia
(now Iran). Many ancient carpets made in these lands and cultural
relic related have been discovered, then collected and preserved
in leading museums throughout the world as well as being treasured
possessions in private hands. Among them the Chinese carpet
of Oriental traditional culture and style is outstanding.
As early as the West Han Dynasty of more than 1800 years,
along with the introduction of Buddha, a pray mat was made
from wool and cows’ hair by Tibetan. Afterwards rugs were
manufactured, becoming the earliest Chinese carpet industry.
At the ages of Tang and Song dynasty the method of carpet
weaving spread to the hinterland gradually, weaving art improved
at the same time. However carpet was only used by the king
and the noblemen and completely made by hand, so the carpet
weaving developed slowly.
Up to the middle of 80's in 21st century, the majority of
the carpets made in China are for the export. Most people
felt far away from the carpet. With the reform and open policy,
the standard of people’s life have been advanced greatly after
the middle of 80's. Carpet, this ancient art object was just
acquainted with gradually. Nowadays many families regard owning
the gorgeous carpet as the symbol of upscale personal status.
Brief Introduction of World
Famous Carpet
Henan Silk Carpet: consummate
hand knitted carpet of China
The silk weaving appeared in China long time ago. More than
2,000 years later, it was introduced to Japan, Persia and
India. Research indicates that the Chinese technique of carpet
making spread from Xinjiang, Qinghai, Gansu, Ningxia, Shanxi
and goes to Inner Mongolia, entering the Beijing, Tianjin
and Shandong successively, mixed with the central China civilization
of long history carpet weaving and took root in Henan, this
remotest place of central China. People of Henan make use
of the high-quality mulberry silk of the local product to
make the pure silk carpet of high art and collection value,
becoming well-known area of handmade silk carpet production.
Currently the Chinese carpet presents up-trend year by year
in the share of the carpet market of the world, and the popular
degree of its market have already constituted challenge to
Iranian carpet. Particularly pure silk carpet of high lines
from Henan has kept ahead of the world carpet industry.
Isfahan: a half world
As an ancient Persian proverb says, Isfahan is a half world.
Few centuries ago, Isfahan produced the best carpet of the
world that was used in palace and court by noblemen, which
in some degree contributed to the great reputation of Persian
carpet at present. As for the typical design of Isfahan carpet,
flower and grass, palm leaf, curled vines and medallion constitute
the main pattern. Using the best wool of KORK wool and pure
silk as the foundation of carpet, Isfahan carpet is regarded
as the best Persian carpet in the world.
Nain: neighbor of Isfahan
Nain lies 85 kilometers to the east of Isfahan. Though it
is not the oldest city of carpet weaving, it produces the
nicest carpet, creating its own characteristic as well as
introducing the technology of Isfahan carpet weaving. Nain
carpet is usually made from wool with silk well proportioned.
Nain carpet is famous among the best carpet in the world.
Tabriz: homeland of Persian
carpet
Tabriz is the second biggest city of Iran and named as the
homeland of Persian carpet because it is the earliest and
oldest place of Persian carpet and its production accounts
for the most of Persia. Mostly, the main pattern of Tabriz
carpet is similar with that of Nain. In addition, Tabriz carpet
has it own such special design as Mixed Fish (Mahi) which
is deemed to the most pretty pattern of Persian carpet by
many connoisseurs.
Kom: homeland if Persian silk
carpet
Kom is famous for making silk carpet of Persia. Most of the
nice pattern of Chinese carpet is from Kom. Besides the pure
silk carpet, woolen carpet of Kom is among the best handwoven
carpet of the world, comparing beauty with Isfahan, Nain and
Tabriz.
Bijar: Persian iron carpet
For not only nice but also tight and durable, Bijar carpet
is named as “iron carpet”. Bijar carpet uses a special weaving
technology which makes the foundation very tight and dense.
Therefore Bijar carpet is fit for hallway and kitchen as well
as sitting room and dinning room.
Indian carpet: art successor
of Mogul Dynasty
Hand woven carpet came into being in 16 th century when Mogul
dynasty of India founded carpet industry. The most outstanding
characteristic of Indian carpet is adoption of the patterns
of Persia, Turkey, Caucasia, Turkmen and China.
Pakistan carpet: originates
from India but has its own style
Having the same origin, Pakistan and Indian carpet share the
history of 400 years together. Whereas, Pakistan carpet has
a style of its own. For example, common use of Turkmenistan
design is seldom involved in Indian carpet.
Afghanistan carpet: lucky survival
of handicraft
The style of Afghanistan carpet is similar to Caucasian carpet,
usually having geometrics and using fine quality wool. The
color is fresh and clear. In past more than 20 years, Afghanistan
politics and economies are in the turbulence, which heavily
stroke the Afghanistan carpet weaving. Today Afghanistan carpet
industry is like an ancient article that is on a fine thread,
just sparing no effort for the opportunity of existence. Some
beautiful tribe carpet made in Afghan is becoming scarce and
precious in the world.
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