Antique Kerman rugs and carpets

Kerman and Ravar Kerman rugs and carpets are from Kerman, which is both a city and a province located in south central Iran where the arts flourished due to lack of invasion. Kerman was a major center for the production of high quality carpets with dyers that were renowned for their ability to craft light color into these antique rugs. The dye process for Kerman carpets occurred while the wool was still in flock and before spinning, allowing for uniform color. The palatte for Kerman carpets is as brilliant as it is varied. Tones can range from ivory, blue and magenta to a more golden and saffron cast.
The design pattern of Kerman carpets are also a distinct feature. Vase carpets, a type of Kerman rug distinctive of the 16th and 17th centuries, are characterized by an allover pattern of stylized flowers and oversized palmettes with vases placed throughout the field. Similarly, the term ‘Vase’ carpets can also refer to the technique of carpets in a wide range of designs.
Another rare and distinct variation of Kerman carpets is the Lavar or Ravar Kerman. Although Lavar is the improper name, some are still labeled as such. These carpets were produced in Ravar village next to Kerman city in the northern region, and are known particularly for their fine weave and elegant, classically derived design of allover and central medallion formats.
Whether Ravar Kerman or Kerman, these antique rugs can boast fine woven reproductions of European paintings, as well as curvlinear, dense allover floral patterns. Floral patterns woven into Kerman carpets are derivitive of shawls for which Kerman was also the center of producing in the early to mid- 19th century. Most Ravar or Lavar Kerman carpets include a signature, either that of the weaver or to whom the carpet was woven for.
Kerman rugs and carpets were woven in all sizes, some extending out to 10 feet. Typical manufacturing used an asymmetrical knot on cotton foundation, but rare examples include silk or part silk piles, or silk foundations with wool pile.
( The pictures abouve are courtesy of the Nazmiyal Antique Carpets )

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