Yazd is the true oasis in the heart of the central Iran desert. The streams of Qanats water have served Yazd as vital blood vessels in that hot desert for thousands of years. It has also been a sanctuary for the ancient faith of Iran, Zoroastrianism. The most celebrated sacred fire burns today in the fire temples of Yazd. The ancient culture of this city has also enriched its art and culture. In this article, we are going to discuss one of its most charming embodiments of the Yazd rug.
Despite all the ancient aspects, rug weaving is rather a new craft in Yazd. However, the city has a world-renown reputation for textiles and silk.
Rug weaving started here in the first decades of the 20th century, most probably by Kermani merchants and designers. In fact, being influenced by its neighboring city, Kerman, is still the main characteristic of these rugs.
Technical Aspects and the Structure of Yazd Rug
Yazd rugs enjoys a sure structure, free from fakery in knotting. The knot count is around 120 KPSI. Warps and wefts consist of cotton, and the pile is mostly woolen. The Knot type is asymmetrical (Persian), and looms are primarily vertical.
Yazd rug is chiefly coarser in weave than Kermans. But their piles are cut shorter and available in sizes, but large ones are rare. Antique Yazd rug is famous for being thin.
Dyeing and Painting of Yazd Rugs
Cochineal obtained deep reds are identifiable in Yazd rug as well as Kermans. Other dominant colors are cream, white, khaki, beige, and navy blue. Using Kerman’s loom-drawings, one could easily see the similarity in painting, but there are still obvious differences.
The Yazd rug is not as multicolored as their Kerman peers. For example, they don’t follow Kermans using light shades or too bright ones such as golden tones. In other words, the Yazd rug’s palettes are more humble than its lustrous neighbor’s. Other dominant colors are cream, white, khaki, beige, and navy blue. The Yazd rug is not as multicolored as Kermans.
The patterns include vase and floral motives as well as small repeating medallions. Large central medallions also could be found, but not easily. Centered designs are not typical in Kerman and Yazd.
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