Rug Cleaning Clarendon Park

Antique Persian Kirman rugs have a fascinating history rooted in the city of Kerman (also spelled Kirman) in southeastern Iran, which has been a centre of carpet weaving for centuries.

The city’s weaving tradition dates back to at least the Safavid period (1501-1736), though Kerman truly flourished as a major carpet-producing centre during the 19th and early 20th centuries. This golden age coincided with increased Western demand for Oriental carpets, and Kerman weavers became renowned for producing some of the finest and most sophisticated Persian rugs available.

What distinguished Kerman rugs was their exceptional quality and refinement. Weavers used very fine wool, often with a high knot count, allowing for intricate, detailed designs. The rugs frequently featured elaborate floral motifs, medallion patterns, and pictorial scenes including gardens, hunting scenes, and even portraits. The colour palette was particularly distinctive, often incorporating soft pastels, delicate pinks, ivory, and muted blues – quite different from the bolder colours of other Persian weaving centres.

Kerman also became known for its adaptability to Western tastes. As European and American markets grew, Kerman workshops were quick to adjust their designs and colour schemes to suit international preferences, which helped secure their commercial success but also made their rugs somewhat more eclectic in style compared to other traditional Persian carpets.

The quality of antique Kirmans varies considerably. The finest pieces, particularly those from the late 19th century, are highly prized by collectors today for their extraordinary craftsmanship, artistic merit, and the luminous quality of their wool and dyes.