Everything you need to know about the dimensions and sizes of Iranian carpets
With the expansion of urban life during the past centuries and as a result of creating new patterns in urban life, changes were gradually made in the traditional dimensions of handwoven carpets. Because carpets with small and portable dimensions, which were the necessity of rural and nomadic lifestyles, no longer met the needs of urban life. Therefore, the dimensions of handwoven carpets also increased gradually over time. In this article, we are going to examine and evaluate the types of handwoven carpets in terms of dimensions and sizes.
Changing the dimensions of the carpet over time
In the past and in the course of rural and nomadic life, weavers were not required to observe specific dimensions for carpet weaving; Because living in small tents was a requirement of the nomadic culture and even after many nomads settled down, the dimensions of their rooms were so small that the weavers only weaved carpets in small dimensions, such as a one-and-a-half-inch carpet. , two cubits and a maximum of 6 meters. In addition, the portability of the carpet and also the carpet loom was of special importance in the nomadic life; Therefore, until the spread of urban culture, there was no need for carpet weaving in large dimensions. But after the expansion of communication and mass communication tools with the cities and the acquaintance of carpet producers with urban culture and new patterns of urbanization, and also since the weavers saw their art as a profession and a way to earn economic income, they started to increase the dimensions of the carpet and They created variety in the texture according to the needs of the city dwellers. As a result, today we see the texture of various sizes of hand-woven carpets, from all kinds of small rugs of one and a half and two cubits to large 12-meter carpets, and even occasionally artistic and special carpets in larger dimensions. In the following, we will examine each of the common dimensions of handwoven carpets in Iran.
Common dimensions in handwoven carpets
As mentioned, Iranian hand-woven carpets have many variations in terms of dimensions and sizes, and this is because they have the ability to furnish different spaces with different sizes. Iranian handwoven carpets are woven in very small sizes such as padri and pashti to very large sizes such as exquisite carpets of 1000 square meters and sometimes more. Therefore, it is important to have basic information about the dimensions of the handmade carpet and its specific names in order to choose the correct size of the carpet when buying. The different and conventional dimensions of the handmade carpet are characterized by their own names; Such as: padri, back, zare and half, two zare, kalgi, side, carpet and carpet in different dimensions.
As mentioned, handwoven carpets are woven in different sizes according to needs and applications, such as back, foot, side, one and a half, two and a half, and types of rugs in different dimensions. In the following, the common dimensions of handwoven Iranian carpets have been examined:
Large hand-woven carpets (carpets)
When deciding to buy a handmade carpet, there are two basic but essential factors that should always be considered in order to get a suitable carpet. The first factor is choosing a carpet that matches the decoration of the place we intend to use it in terms of design, pattern and color. Iranian hand-woven carpets have different categories and types in terms of designs and patterns: including carpets with geometric or rotating motifs, slimi or Khatai carpets, floral carpets, carpets with hunting motifs, etc. Also, different areas of carpet weaving in Iran also weave their own designs and patterns. So, when choosing a hand-woven carpet, it is very important to consider the appropriateness of its pattern and the harmony of its color with the used space. But the second factor in choosing a carpet is to consider its dimensions according to the used space. Unlike machine-made carpets, which have standard dimensions of 9 meters, 12 meters, etc., hand-woven carpets have a wide variety of sizes. Therefore, knowing the usual and conventional sizes of handwoven carpets and paying attention to the dimensions and size of the carpet when buying it is of particular importance.
Common dimensions of handwoven carpets
Carpets are those types of hand-woven carpets that have the largest size among carpets. In terms of size and dimensions, hand-woven carpets are similar to machine-made carpets and can be used to furnish large spaces. In general, handwoven carpets larger than 6 square meters are called carpets; And on the other hand, carpets smaller than 4 square meters are known as carpets. Carpets also have differences in terms of size and include small carpets, medium carpets, large and very large carpets, which we will explain each one below.
- Small carpets are usually woven in dimensions of 2x3 or 2.5x3.5 square meters.
Medium-sized rugs generally measure 3 x 4 or 3.8 x 2.8 meters. Small hand-woven carpets with dimensions of 2x3 and medium carpets with dimensions of 3x4 are the most common and widely used dimensions among hand-woven carpets, because they are very compatible with the architectural form and interior spaces of Iranian homes.
- Large carpets are usually carpets with dimensions of 3.5 x 4.5 or 4.8 x 3.8.
- Handwoven rugs larger than the listed sizes are usually in the "extra large" category and are in most cases custom woven for specific locations. In the past, very large carpets were woven for use in the palaces and courts of kings or for spreading in religious places. Currently, these carpets are produced to order, and as an example, we can mention the exquisite carpet that was woven by 1200 skilled Iranian weavers to decorate the Sheikh Zahid Mosque in the United Arab Emirates, with dimensions of 5627 square meters, and is known as the largest carpet in Iran. The world is handmade. Or in another example, we can refer to the historical reports of the famous carpet of the Sassanid period, namely the exquisite and jeweled "Baharistan" carpet, whose dimensions are about 1000 square meters. Citing historical sources, this precious carpet was woven to decorate the palace of Yazdgerd III, the last Sassanid king, which was finally captured and torn to pieces by the Arab troops.
It should be noted that the dimensions of a handwoven carpet are usually specified in such a way that there is a difference of one meter between its length and width, and the length of the carpet is one meter more than its width.
The dimensions of the handmade rug
Based on the measuring criteria of handwoven carpets, carpets smaller than 6 square meters are called carpets. Carpets are also different in terms of dimensions and are woven for different purposes. In this article, we are going to discuss the dimensions and common sizes for the weaving of hand-woven carpets in Iran and we will have a brief reference to the use of this type of hand-woven carpets.
Types of handwoven rugs according to size
In terms of dimensions, carpets are smaller than the smallest type of carpet, and as mentioned, carpets smaller than four square meters are called carpets. Handwoven carpets also have different types in terms of size and they can be divided into two categories: curtain carpets and double-sided carpets. We will explain each one below.
curtain carpet
If the dimensions of the handwoven carpet are around 1.5x2.5 or 2.8x1.7 square meters, it is called a large carpet or so-called "curtain". The application of this type of carpets, which are usually woven using very high-quality wool and silk fibers and in the high index, as its name suggests, is as a curtain and is used as a pendant. Therefore, it is important that the curtain carpet is woven in such a way that it has a standard weight and can be used as a hanging. Regarding curtain carpets, it is necessary to point out the interesting point that the use of carpets as curtains has never been a part of Iranian culture and traditions, and the reason for using carpets as curtains should be sought elsewhere. According to Parviz Tanavoli, a prominent Iranian artist, after the introduction of the printing industry to Iran and the publication of the pictures of Iranian kalamkar curtains in these books, subsequently the pictures of these kalamkar curtains, which were similar in size to carpets, were inspired and imitated by Iranian weavers. The term "curtain" and the texture of carpets with the function of a curtain became popular in Iran after that.
The use of hand-woven curtain carpets
As its name suggests, curtain carpet is used as a curtain to be hung in the desired space. In fact, this curtain is used as an excellent protection against the passage of hot and cold air into the house, as well as a barrier protection between the private parts of the house and the separation of women's spaces. Some curtain carpets have a gap in the middle, and the surface of the curtain is divided into two equal parts from the transverse section to make entering and leaving it easier. The use of curtain carpets is also common among nomads and tent dwellers. Also, sometimes very exquisite curtain carpets are also woven on two sides, that is, the pattern of the carpet can be seen from both sides. Sometimes even these two-sided carpets are woven in such a way that each side of the carpet has a different role, and such carpets are very unique and precious, and examples of these two-sided curtain carpets can be seen in the Imam's shrine, which are usually hung in Nativity scenes are said to be used. In some examples, both curtains have the same design, but different colors.
Sajjad or two-arm carpets
Another type of hand-woven rugs are known as two-armed rugs. In fact, medium-sized rugs are known as sajjadah or two-armed rugs, and their approximate dimensions are about 210 x 150 cm. Sajjad rugs are generally woven with an altar design and are also used as a mat during worship. Many types of two-armed or mihrabi carpets are woven for use in religious places such as mosques and hosseiniyehs. Also, many carpets known as one-pitch carpets of Kerman province, which are placed in the category of relief carpets, are woven in the dimensions of two cubits. The use of medium-sized carpets, such as two-inch carpets, is for when we have a space in which a six-meter carpet does not fit, so you can use a two-inch carpet to fill this space. Also, sometimes we decide to use a carpet for the space that is large enough so that the surface of the carpet is not covered by the furniture and all its design and pattern can be seen. In such cases, it is very appropriate to use double-sided carpets.
Handwoven small size rugs (Zar and Nim, Kalgi, Side)
In the measurement system of Iranian handwoven carpet, there are smaller sizes than two-armed rugs and rugs, which are named with different names and have different uses. These handlooms, each of which has its own unique dimensions and sizes, are known as Zare and Nim, Charak, Darnama, Kalgi, Pashti, Padri and Kanara. In the following, we will introduce each of these types of Iranian handwovens.
Zar and half and Zar and Charak carpets
"Zar" was actually a common unit of measurement in the past. Each degree is equivalent to approximately 104 to 112 cm. In the field of hand-woven carpets, the unit of zara is used to measure the density of the carpet, the number of knots and rows of textures in a carpet. Now, in the field, we will define the half-inch carpet. A cubit and a half are small carpets that are smaller than a two cubit carpet in terms of dimensions. Zare and half carpets are usually woven with dimensions of 100 x 150 cm and similar dimensions. Also, in the handwoven carpet market, rugs smaller than half and half are known as half and quarter. Common dimensions of Zare and Charak rugs are about 130 x 80 cm. The shape of Zar and half and Zar and Charak carpets is often close to a square shape. Because there is little difference between the length and width of these rugs and they are small in terms of dimensions. Also, there is another type of hand-woven carpet in Iran, which is known as "Mosul" and is woven with a size of about 130 x 200 cm. Mosul carpets are often woven in Kurdistan and Hamedan provinces, and the cities of Malair, Tuysarkan, Hamedan, Khoi, Kabudar Ange and Sanghar are among the most important weaving centers of this category of carpets. In terms of price, Mosul carpets are considered cheap carpets, and this is because they are not of high quality. These rugs were sold in the Iraqi city of Mosul in the past. They have named Mosul carpet.
How to use the zar of measure
The amount of zar is different in different cities of Iran. For example, the Isfahan square is equal to 104, and the Tabriz square is equal to 112 cm. In Isfahan, a carpet with a index of 70 means that there are 70 knots in every 6.5 cm of the carpet. The same carpet has 70 knots in every 7 cm in Tabriz measurement system. This indicates that the density of Isfahan carpets is higher than that of Tabriz carpets. In other words, the greater the number of knots per unit of 6.5 or 7 cm, the greater the density of the carpet, and the finer the texture of the carpet. The term Rajshmar actually refers to the number of knots in a carpet per unit of 6.5 or 7 cm.
The price of an inch and a half carpet
The price of Zare and half carpets is different depending on the various things we refer to. For example, the two cities of Tabriz and Isfahan are among the most important weaving centers of Zare and Nim carpets, but the price of this carpet in the market of each of these cities is different from the other. Determining the price for an inch and a half carpet depends on the following:
- The dimensions of the carpet are a cubit and a half
- Carpet production place
- The role and design of the Zare and half carpet
- The type of fibers used in Zare and half carpet
- A cubit and a half carpet weaver
- Economic conditions of the carpet market when buying Zare and Nim carpets
- Exchange rate
- Etc
Designs and motifs in the half-inch carpet
Zare and Nim carpets are woven with different designs and motifs, just like other sizes of handwoven carpets. The most famous patterns for the weaving of Zare and Nim carpets include traditional designs such as Bete Jakeh, Lakh and Taranj, Zare and Nim Salari, Zare and Nim Khatibi, etc. In the following, we will explain some common designs and motifs of Zare and Nim carpets.
Zare and half Khatibi design carpet
Zare and a half Khatibi design is one of the types of Zare and a half carpet, which is woven by Iranian artists and master weavers. Despite its small size, the weaving of a Zare and Semi-Khatib carpet takes about 2 years or sometimes even more. Zare and Nim Khatibi carpets are woven with fibers such as silk, wool and cotton in dimensions of 1.5 square meters.
Zare and half carpet with Salari design
Zare and half-salari are among the popular designs for Iranian hand-woven and even machine-woven carpets, which are generally prepared for use in small spaces at home. This carpet is also woven with dimensions of 1.5 meters, and although it has a traditional role, it matches well with the modern decoration space.
Zare and half carpet with Bijar design
Zare and Neem design Bijar carpet is one of the most authentic types of hand-woven carpets, whose history goes back to the Safavid era. Zare and semi-bijar carpets have a strong structure, and this increases the life and durability of this carpet. The dimensions of this carpet are 1.5 meters like the previous two.
What is "Kalgi"?
"Kelgi" or "Sarzand" or "Miyan Qali" is a type of hand-woven carpet that is woven with dimensions of 2x4 or 3x6 and sometimes even larger than this size, and its dimensions are usually such that its length One and a half to two times its width. Therefore, the main form of the carpet in Kalgi dimensions is an elongated rectangle with less width and more length. The use of Kalgi carpet is often to furnish a large room such as a meeting hall or public bar by putting two or three of them together. The use of Kalgi carpets and curtains has been mostly for use in palaces and palaces of kings. They also use kelgi to carpet the staircase and wide corridors. In addition, sometimes they use a carpet to spread in the parts of the space that are not covered with the original carpet. In the past, the use of these sizes of hand-woven carpets has been very common among nomads and tent dwellers; Because it is easily portable in terms of dimensions and size, and in addition, by placing a number of these carpets together, you can furnish a large space.
Handwoven "side" and its dimensions and application
"Kanare" refers to narrow hand-woven carpets, which are used for furnishing stairs and narrow corridors with a small width and a very long length. Carpets known as kanare are often woven with a width of 60 cm and a variable length of 4, 8, 10 meters or even more. In fact, any carpet that is woven with a small width and a large length is placed in the side handle. Compared to the dimensions of Kalgi rugs, the sides are less wide and longer. In addition, sometimes weavers, according to necessity and need, weave sides called "khark" whose length is less than the side carpet. The approximate dimensions of the vault are about 80 to 90 cm wide and 230 to 180 cm long. Side and vault carpets are usually used to cover empty spaces without carpets in the room. Also, as mentioned, the sides and vaults are used for widening in narrow and long spaces such as stairs and corridors.
Padri and hand-woven back
Iranian hand-woven carpets have a high variety and different types in terms of dimensions and sizes. This is because the tasteful Iranian weavers have tried to design and produce a suitable carpet to decorate any space and for any function. Among the beautiful hand-woven Iranian carpets, you can see carpets with large dimensions such as 12 meters and even more than very small dimensions such as rugs known as padri and pashti. In fact, very small handwoven rugs are often known as padri, peshti, and patakhti. These carpets are woven with approximate dimensions of 50x60 and 60x90 cm or smaller. The use of these small rugs, as the name suggests, is as a back cover, padri, or spreading on the side of the bed. The common size for padri production is usually 30 x 40 cm, and the cities of Kerman and Sarab are among the areas where padri weaving is popular. Padri is used in spaces such as in front of the entrance door, the entrance to the toilet and bathroom, the entrance and inside the bedroom and other small and similar spaces that we intend to cover with carpet.
Handwoven back
The texture of the back top is also used for the production of common seats and supports used in traditional Iranian homes. Hand-woven backs are produced in each of Iran's carpet-weaving regions with their own designs and colors. Since the backs are purchased and used in pairs, it is usually woven on the carpet loom in such a way that after one is finished, the other can be woven on the same piles. In recent years, very small rugs (smaller than the back) and with square dimensions have been produced, which are used as cushions in furniture.
Carpet known as "perspective"
In addition, in some areas such as Tabriz, Kashan and Kerman, it is customary to weave a type of carpet called "Doranma", which is larger than padri, but smaller than one square meter. The perspective carpet is usually decorated with motifs of nature, flowers and plants, and it is installed on the wall in a decorative way in the form of a panel. Therefore, according to what has been said, the Iranian weaver has designed and woven a suitable carpet for each application. From the flooring of the room to curtains, corridors, wall hangings, etc., all parts can be decorated with this original and beautiful Iranian art and enjoy seeing all these designs, colors and beauty.
Choosing a carpet that fits the space
As mentioned, there are various criteria that should be considered when choosing the right hand-woven carpet. Considering the dimensions and size of the carpet and its fit with the space it is going to be furnished with, is one of the most important criteria for choosing the right carpet. If the dimensions of the carpet are not selected according to the space used, either it does not cover the desired place well and it is small for that space both visually and technically, or it is so large that a large part of it is influenced by other Decoration components such as sofas, chairs, tables, etc. are placed and covered. In addition to the fact that the pattern and beauty of the handwoven carpet is not seen well and is not visually beautiful, it will also cause damage to the carpet. So matching the carpet with the used space is something that should be considered first when buying a suitable carpet. After determining the right size, it is time to choose the handwoven carpet in terms of design, pattern and color. It is important to pay attention to the form, color and style of other decoration components such as furniture, curtains, floor and wall color, the amount and color of the light and other decorations used in the space when choosing a carpet for the desired space. Since the carpet is one of the most important and effective components in determining the style of decoration, so when choosing it, it should be considered to be in harmony with other components of the desired space in terms of color harmony. Using a hand-woven and very beautiful carpet that does not have the necessary coordination and concordance in terms of color and design with the surrounding space, in addition to causing an adverse effect on the mind visually, affects the beauty of the carpet and hides it. he does. For example, choosing a carpet with a rich and floral pattern and the dominant lacquer color is not suitable for use in a minimal style decoration. In the same way, many examples of this type can be expressed as to how choosing the right color and design for each specific space can be. So the dimensions and size, as well as the design and color of the hand-woven carpet, are two basic and decisive criteria in choosing a hand-woven carpet for decoration, which every buyer should consider along with other criteria such as the amount of budget, the quality of the materials used in the texture, and the authenticity of the selected carpet. to consider
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