History: What Makes Oriental Rugs so Special?

There’s a lot that goes into what makes a genuine Oriental rug so special. As your Albuquerque rug experts, we love not just selling Oriental rugs but also educating our community about these amazing products. Much of what makes them so valuable and unique is their history, as well as how they are made, and with what materials. 

In 1920, a carpet dating back to the Fifth Century B.C., dubbed the ‘Pazyryk carpet,’ was discovered in Siberia amongst other treasures of the Scythians. These were an ethnic Iranic people, like the Persians and Kurds. Archaeologists have surmised that the carpet itself may have found its way to Siberia from Persepolis in Iran, due to it having a striking resemblance to those that can still be seen around the ancient Persian capital. Even in ancient times, the Persians were known for their carpets! It was well preserved in ice, so we could see exactly how gorgeous it was as well as how long these people had been making rugs.

Historians think that Cyrus the Great probably introduced the art of carpet making in Persia after he conquered Babylon in 539 B.C. For more than 2,500 years, these rugs have been the best of the best. Known for their beauty and amazing quality, hand-woven Oriental rugs have long been revered by the rest of the world. Why, though? What makes these rugs so much more valuable than others?

For one, they are expertly-made. Carefully and lovingly woven by hand, Oriental rugs are a testament to the ability and creativity of the artisans who craft them. Because of their painstaking craftsmanship, these rugs are also highly regarded for their quality and durability. Another reason these rugs are so sought-after is because they are truly unique. Each weaver is different and so is each spool of thread, therefore each handmade carpet is special. No two are identical! You won’t get this kind of dedication to craftsmanship and uniqueness for a factory-made rug sold in a store that also sells lawn mowers, cheese, and shoes.

Oriental rugs are not simple floor coverings. These pieces are works of art! The reason they are so renowned is partly for their rich colors and interesting designs. Oriental rugs are made with all-natural wools, silk, and vegetable dyes, rather than synthetic materials. The skills used in weaving these special rugs have been passed down from generation to generation.

They also last a long time. If you give your rug the right attention and care it needs, it will be enjoyed by your family and visitors to your home for generations to come. This is one reason that these pieces are great investments, and often even increase in worth if properly maintained.

Iranian culture is known and celebrated across the globe for their rugs. They are sometimes called Persian rugs or Oriental rugs; these two terms refer to the same thing. These rugs have not only found their way into households and interiors the world over, but also into our hearts. Simply put, we love Oriental rugs and we hope you do too!