Rarely occurring Persian rugs

Fewer and fewer knotters

Fewer and fewer Iranians are choosing a job in one of the oldest crafts in the country. Carpet weaving requires a high level of patience and a lot of experience. Additionally, the delicate work at the looms often comes with its own stresses. An Iranian proverb says, "May your hands never hurt." The decreasing number of newcomers in the field of weaving also means rising wages in this craft, as the lower the supply, the higher the price. This is evident in the historically significant market for Persian carpets. Prices have doubled in the last decade. A square meter of the highest quality can cost up to €4,000. While this may represent an extreme, the price indicates that Persian carpets are not cheap mass-produced items, but always a piece of handwoven art. This centuries-old craft can only be found in a few countries around the world. In Iran, it is one of the most important industries. However, skilled artisans in Nepal, India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan also weave high-quality carpets, often over the course of several months.

Former decorative status symbol

In past times, Oriental carpets adorned the palaces and homes of wealthy citizens. They simply served as a status symbol. Everyone wanted to have a genuine Persian in their living room. Only authentic ones came with a certificate and had a high knot density. It was not until 1873 that Sheikh Naser ad-Din brought the Persian carpet to fame. His opulent lifestyle, along with the carpets, left a lasting impression on his contemporaries. One could say he was an influencer of the 19th century. However, after about 100 years of success, demand collapsed, accompanied by a slightly outdated image. The younger generation wanted to move away from their parents' decor and try something entirely new.