Origin of Shahreza Rugs ¹

Shahreza is a city located on the road between Isfahan and Shiraz in the Isfahan Province of central Iran.

History of Shahreza Rugs

Shahreza rugs are known in the rug trade from as early as the first quarter of the twentieth century. The rugs were made for domestic use and are generally woven in identical pairs in design and color. After being used in the household domestically for approximately ten to twenty-five years, Shahreza rugs are then resold in the bazaars for foreign export.

Most Shahrezas are approximately seven feet by four feet six inches in size, but a few can be found measuring closer to five feet by three feet. Some examples of small room sizes can also be found in the old carpet market.

Characteristics of Shahreza Rugs

• Material and Knots

The weavings have a cotton foundation and a wool pile tied with Persian (asymmetric) knots. They range from medium to good in grade quality.

• Color

The colors have a vivid appearance, with reddish-brown, beige, or dark blue for the field, borders, and medallion. Shades of brown, green, blue, gold, gray, and cinnamon accentuate the flowers and other design elements.

• Design and Pattern

Shahreza weavings are floral and have designs that reflect the traditional Isfahan Shah Abbas style. The rugs are in allover or medallion designs.

By the late twentieth century, many Shahreza weavers switched from local traditional designs to make rugs similar to those of other Iranian weaving regions in accordance with domestic and foreign consumer demand.