Learn More About Antique Persian Mashad Rugs and Meshad Carpets
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Learn More About Persian Rugs and Carpets – The Complete History
Step into a world of timeless elegance and exquisite craftsmanship with antique Persian Mashad rugs. Originating from the historic city of Mashhad in Iran, these captivating masterpieces of textile art carry within them centuries of tradition and cultural heritage. In this post, we embark on a journey to unravel the enchanting story behind antique Persian Mashad rugs, exploring their intricate designs, vibrant colors, and enduring allure. Join us as we delve into the rich history and unparalleled beauty of these cherished treasures that continue to captivate hearts and minds around the globe.
What are Persian Mashad Rugs?
Persian Mashad rugs are handwoven carpets originating from the city of Mashhad, located in northeastern Iran. These rugs are renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship, intricate designs, and high-quality materials. Typically made from wool or silk, Mashad rugs feature elaborate floral motifs, medallions, and intricate borders, often rendered in rich, vibrant colors.
One distinguishing feature of Persian Mashad rugs is their large size, making them ideal for covering expansive areas in homes or public spaces. They are known for their durability and luxurious feel underfoot, making them prized possessions for collectors and enthusiasts of Persian rugs.
Mashad rugs are cherished for their ability to add warmth, elegance, and a touch of cultural heritage to any interior space. Their timeless beauty and exquisite craftsmanship make them sought-after pieces that can elevate the aesthetic appeal of any room.
Persian Amogli Mashad Rug
The Persian city of Mashad, which is situated next to Isfahan, boasts some of the many Persian classic architecture. Antique rugs and carpets produced in Mashad in the traditional style are notable for several reasons, and are relatively easily identified based on several different characteristics. First, Mashad rugs tend to be larger pieces. They also tend to feature a large, elaborate central medallion – a characteristic that is not unique to Mashad rugs, but that is nevertheless important.
Further, Mashad rugs tend to possess a certain softness, especially compared to other Khorassan rugs – the quality of the wool used by the rug-makers of Mashad is second to none. Known for their beauty and their quality, which is assuredly second to none, Mashad rugs remain very desirable in the rug world of today, centuries after they were first woven.
Antique Persian area rugs range tremendously in style and design, a result of the long and important rug-making tradition that has been part of Persian society for centuries.
Almost every region of Persia (which is coterminous with modern day Iran) has its own particular type of area rugs and method for weaving fine quality rugs and carpets, and it can be amazing to behold this tremendous range. Among the traditional styles of Persian rugs, one of the most interesting is the Meshad rugs (or Meshad) style, which is itself a Khorassan style. The city of Mashad is a holy city in the Iranian province of Khorassan (from which the Khorassan style derives its name), which is situated in eastern Iran. Mashad is particularly important to practicing Muslims, as it was home the eighth Imam, who died and was buried there. Millions make the pilgrimage to Mashad every year.
History and Culture of Meshad Rugs
Khorassan and Mashad are used interchange when talking about area rugs and carpets. The term “Khorassan” which means the land of the rising sun in Farsi, is the largest of Iran’s provinces. The names Khorassan or Mashad are used interchangeable with the latter meaning a finer woven, shorter clipped Khorassan.
Second to Isfahan, Mashad is often described as the most beautiful city in Persia and as a religious shrine; it is also considered the most important. The town is rich in agriculture and one of the best wool producing regions in the Persian rug world.
Antique Persian Mashad Rugs
The weave of Khorassan / Mashad rugs is completely different from others and combined with the use of blue weft, makes it an easy antique rug to identify. The breadth of the design is varied ranging from allover to medallion patterns. Larger oversized rugs with floral motifs and finely drawn Herati designs were also common.
The dyes in the Mashad rugs have typically been cochineal and sometimes this can look like a deep magenta. In some instances when the cochineal dye has been used liberally a purplish cast appears over the entire rug. These rugs are supremely decorative and highly desirable, and represent a unique and exciting development in Persian rug weaving.