What are Hand Woven Shiraz Rugs?

Shiraz is a city in central southern Iran. Often known as the City of Gardens or the City of Roses. Although the name is associated with Shiraz wine it is very unlikley that the  two are connected. Shiraz is  the capital city of the Fars region and lies on the ancient caravan route that passed from the Silk Road south and then east into India.  During the 15th century the city florished on this rich trading route. All manner of luxury items were transported and hand woven rugs were a major part of that valuable merchandise.

Today the rug bazaar in Shiraz is still a busy active trading place. A buyer will be able to see at a great varity of rugs brought  in from all over Iran and gathered under one roof.

The Shiraz rug is a distictive style of tribal carpet. Woven in Shiraz and the surrounding village communities they are easily recognised by their form and stucture.  They are woven with a wool foundation (warp and weft). In common with other rugs woven by people with few resorces the colour palette is limited. A few shades of madder red, some very dark brown, cleam and ocasionally some indigo blue. The quality can be very variable