Khorassan Rugs

Learn More About Persian Antique Khorassan Rugs

Antique Khorassan Rugs – The region of Khorassan in northeastern Persia has been famed for fine antique rugs going back to Timurid times in the late middle ages. In the later nineteenth and twentieth centuries Khorassan became a center for the production of high quality room-sized carpets, although many of these are sometimes known by more specific designations such as Mashad or Doroksh. The range of designs is extensive, from allover to medallion formats in the classical tradition. The palette is varied as well, sometimes using deep, rich tones. But many antique Persian rugs from Khorassan have a softer, more decorative coloration. Whatever the design or color, however, these rugs maintain a high standard of drawing and weaving technique, making them durable despite their soft lustrous wool.

One can source these rugs in wide range of area rug sizes and styles. The exquisite antique Persian rugs from Khorassan are the product of a cultural and artistic assimilation between Arabian residents, Kurdish weavers, Turkomans and Persians. Their richly detailed carpets traditionally feature animals, birds, people and Tree of Life motifs that are drawn in an opulent manner. Regional designs include chic rugs with stark, monochromatic fields, exuberant curvilinear arabesques and angular tribal-influenced patterns. Many verdant hunting rugs that depict animated animals and huntsmen frozen in time are also produced in the region.

The antique Khorassans represent the lush, fluid style associated with the eastern region of Persia. They incorporate vivid jewel tones, chic neutrals and luxurious monochromatic backgrounds. In some cases, these chic backdrops are covered with lavish Chintz-style florals that depict verdant forest scenes. These treasured carpets are built on the ideal combination of elegance and perfection. The opulent style of the city rugs woven in Khorassan is all-encompassing yet original and delightfully distinctive.

Similar to antique Serapi and Heriz rugs (which were made in the same place) Mashad and Khorassan’s are at times interchangeable. Mashad is the city and Khorassan is the entire district. So while all Mashad’s are Khorassan’s – not all Khorassans are Mashads. The trade as a whole tends to prefer referencing the older and more “classy” Mashads as Khorassan and while structurally they vary a bit the end user should not care about the name but rather the overall look and price. If you are looking for a Mashad or Khorassan you are in essence looking for the same overall type of rug.

Decorating A Room with Antique Khorassan Rugs

If you are setting out to decorate an interior space with an antique Khorassan rug, you’ve already made one great decision. These magnificent antique Persian area rugs have been a widely admired and collected antique rug style since as early as the Late Middle Ages.

Between the fifteenth and nineteenth centuries, rugs made in Khorassan were considered to be among the most beautiful rugs ever woven. By the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Khorassan grew into a major modern center for the manufacture of high quality, room size rugs.

Rugs made in the Khorassan style may feature ranges of allover patterns, classic central medallions, or any other number of different classic design elements. Khorassans do have a tendency to feature softer, earthier palettes than other Persian rugs, but this also not an across-the-board sort of rule.

Antique Khorassan Rug Interior Design

The beautiful antique Khorassan rug featured in the picture above, impeccably placed in a wonderful room designed by Lisa Bartolomei, is a wonderfully representative piece that effectively showcases the powerful presence of fine Khorassans.

A pale border flanks a blue field in a lovely contrast that the designer here has used to a tremendously positive effect, using light, monotone furniture to further bring out the lovely blue, highlighting its beauty and ting the entire room together.

Decorating with these types of areas rugs presents a multitude of opportunities similar to this, as these timelessly beautiful rug are sure to bring unparalleled elegance and sophistication to any space.