Origin of Semnan Rugs

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.

History of Semnan Rugs

Although Semnan can now boast over 50,000 inhabitants, production of area rugs is rather limited, creating a very high demand, particularly among collectors.

Characteristics of Semnan Rugs

• Material and Knots

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.

All Semnan rugs are very finely and densely woven with thick wool strands by extremely skilled artisans using the Persian asymmetrical knot.

• Color

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.

• Design and Pattern

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.