Introduction to Antique Persian Kirman Rugs
Since the 13th century, when Marco Polo was astonished at their skills while traveling through Southeast Persia, the Persian rug weavers of Kirman have been highly regarded. During the 16th century, Shah Abbas I reportedly gave antique Kirman rugs embroidered with gold and silver thread as tribute to the Ottoman Court. The reknown of these oriental weavings rapidly spread across Western Europe.
From the mid 16th century through the 18th century, the city of Kirman was celebrated for 'vase' carpets, a term deriving from the rendering of vase motifs in many examples woven there. By the 19th century, Kirman was recognized for outstanding oriental carpets in the best Persian tradition. Antique Persian Kirman rugs of this era, especially the Lavar group woven in the town of Lavar, are known for fineness, delicate drawing, an incomparable range of varied colors, and are still hugely popular today.