Since the seventeenth century, Kerman has been a major center for the production of high-quality carpets. The so-called Vase Carpets of the Safavid period are among the greatest masterpieces of Persian weaving. When Persian rug production moved into high gear in the later nineteenth century, Kerman once again emerged as a producer of the finest carpets in the best Persian tradition. Kerman carpets of this period, particularly the Lavar type, are known for the fineness of their weave and for their elegantly drawn designs of classical derivation, both in allover and central medallion formats. The palettes of Kerman rugs are extremely varied and it ranges from examples which emphasize ivory, blue, and magenta tones to those with a more golden, saffron cast.
Kerman is a city and as well as a province in south central Iran. With its 60,000 inhabitants and surrounding villages, it is one of the major rug producing areas of Iran. Unlike other parts of Persia, Kerman existed with relatively no interference from invasions, mostly due to its provincial isolation. As a result the arts in Kerman flourished. Antique Kerman rugs are easily recognizable with curvilinear graceful floral designs in a brilliant assortment of colors. The dyes of Kerman are the most varied and imaginative. The dying process is done while the wool is still in the flock, before spinning, allowing for more uniformity of color. The dyers of Kerman are renowned for their skill in producing light shades of color. Kerman is also noted for its distinctive late 16th century to mid-17th century carpets called ‘vase carpets’. This term refers to a design of all-over stylized flowers and oversized palmettes with vases placed at intervals throughout the field. Kerman rugs are woven in all sizes and the foundation is often cotton. To the north of Kerman is the village of Ravar where Laver Kerman rugs are made. These rugs are rarer than Kermans and the name is used as a distinction of quality.
Read more about Kerman rugs and carpets:
Featured Kerman Rugs:
Antique Kerman, Persia, circa 1900. A complex lace-like medallion spreads across the field of this elegant antique Kerman.
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Sale: - $16,500.00
- £10,363.65
- €12,957.45
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Lace-like medallions in staggered array unfold with elegant precision across the field of this sumptuous antique Lavar Kerman.
Palmettes and a linking vine trellis spread elegantly across the rich field of this incomparably lovely antique Oriental Kerman from Persia.
An allover repeat pattern of palmettes and fine wispy vines unfolds across the pale gold field of this sweetly elegant antique Kerman.
A stately but exuberant design of flowering vines spreads elegantly across the field of this sumptuous antique Kerman.
A delicate mesh of scalloped lines defines a diamond lattice with rosettes and flower heads on this marvelously subtle antique Oriental Kerman carpet from Central Persia.
This stylishly opulent antique Kerman has classical Persian design.
Star-forms filled with plants fruit trees, willows, and cypress repeat rhythmically across the field of this stately a antique Ravar Kerman from Persia.
