Yazd Rugs
Yazd is the heart of desert culture in the heart
of Iranian Plateau. Its very name is ancient;
even more than its far old urban architecture:
the brilliant coolness of the Persian
Windcatchers.
Windcatchers Dowlat Abad Garden pavilion
It is a city of gardens. Well-directed streams
out of Qanats water these extraordinary
paradise who has served as a haven near the
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-temple of Yazd.
Zoroastrian Fire Temple
Despite all these ancient aspects, rug weaving
is rather a new craft in the city, although Yazd
has been a big name in weaving textiles, such
as silk, for centuries.
Rug weaving started here in 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 Yazd rugs.
kerman designs, is still the main characteristic of
Yazd rugs
Yazd rug design and patterns are influenced by
Kerman rug
In recent decades Yazdi weavers have started to use
also Kashan’s loom-drawings. The aim of these
pieces are mostly Iran’s own market
In recent decades Yazdi weavers have started
to use also Kashan’s loom-drawings. The aim
of these pieces are mostly Iran’s own market.
Technical aspects and the structure of Yazd Rugs
Yazd rugs enjoy a sure structure, free from
fakery in knotting. The knot count is around
120 KPSI. Warp and weft are of cotton and
pile is mostly woolen. The Knot type is
asymmetrical (Persian) and looms are mostly
vertical.
Yazds are chiefly coarser in weave than
Kermans but their piles are cut shorter.
Antique Yazds are famous as thin rugs.
Yazds are available in sizes but large ones are
rare.
Dyeing and painting of Yazd rugs
Cochineal obtained deep reds are identifiable in
Yazds as well as Kermans. Other dominant colors are
cream, white, khaki, beige and navy blue
the Yazds are not as multicolored as Kermans,
especially they don’t follow Kermans in using light
shades or too bright ones such as golden tones
Cochineal obtained deep reds are identifiable
in Yazds as well as Kermans. Other dominant
colors are cream, white, khaki, beige and
navy blue.
Using Kerman’s loom-drawings one could
see easily the similarity in painting, but there
is still obvious differences. For example, the
Yazds are not as multicolored as Kermans,
especially they don’t follow Kermans in
using light shades or too bright ones such as
golden tones. In other word Yazd’s palettes
are more simple and humble than its lustrous
neighbor’s.
Designs and patterns of the Yazd rugs
Allover designs in which the grounds are
filled with repeating patterns are the main
Kerman-influenced Yazd pieces. In
comparison to Kermans Yazds are less florid
and leafy.
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.
