Semnan
rugs originate from Semnan, located on a large plain along the southern
edge of the Alborz Mountains between Tehran and Mashad. Known for its
superbly crafted area rugs, Semnan is also a thriving marketplace for
local grains, cotton, and tobacco. Although Semnan can now boast over
50,000 inhabitants, production of area rugs is rather limited, creating
a very high demand, particularly among collectors. All Semnan rugs are
very finely and densely woven with thick wool strands by extremely
skilled artisans using the Persian asymmetrical knot.
The distinguishing characteristics of Semnan rugs are large geometric
shapes that run in a linear pattern down the center of the rug. It is
also common to see small and finely articulated designs, often in
endless repeats on Semnan rugs. The Shah Abbas design is popular in
borders as well as in the field, and as a corner resolution. This
design is based on a floral pattern and has been popular since time of
the Safavid dynasty. Its abstract floral designs combined with
Arabesque designs are frequently seen on Semnan rugs. Antique Semnan
rugs typically feature main designs that have softer, rounder, floral
patterns. There are almost two distinctive color palettes on Semnan
rugs. Those woven with Isfahan influence predominantly feature reds.
Semnan rugs influenced by Mashad have a more subtle palette of reds,
blues, yellows, greens, and ivory. All of the colors are created from
the local vegetation.
The
foundations of Semnan rugs are cotton while the pile is soft, glossy
wool. They are available in a full range of sizes. The antique pieces
are quite rare and very valuable. Most are hung as treasured works of
art on the wall rather than used on the floor. Semnan rugs that you buy
today are very durable and able to withstand even the heaviest traffic
while maintaining their beauty and luster.