Carpet Basics
Structure and Essential Materials
©2025 Shahmansouri, All rights reserved
Guide to Handmade Carpets – Shahmansouri Persian Carpets Verona
Handmade carpets represent one of the most fascinating forms of oriental craftsmanship, combining natural materials, traditional techniques, and ancient symbolism. In this guide you will find essential information to better understand and appreciate these masterpieces.
Natural Materials in Persian Carpets
Wool
Wool is the most common base in Persian carpets. Sourced from sheep raised in the highlands of Iran or Turkestan, it can be shiny, soft, and incredibly durable. In some areas, lamb’s wool or camel’s wool is also used to achieve a softer or rougher texture, depending on the desired style.
Silk
Silk is the most precious material. Used for luxury carpets intended for Persian courts, it allows for extremely fine knots and complex designs. Some silk-blend carpets use silk warp and weft with a wool surface, for a refined aesthetic effect.
Cotton
Cotton is a plant-based material widely used for the structure of the carpet, particularly for the warp and weft. It is strong and non-deformable, ideal for ensuring the solidity of the carpet’s base.
The Loom – The Basis of Weaving
There are two types of looms:
Horizontal loom: used by nomads, easily transportable, placed on the ground.
Vertical loom: used by settled populations, offers greater stability for more complex carpets.
Knotting Techniques in Carpets
In handmade Persian carpets, three main types of knots are used:
Symmetrical knot (Ghiordes or Torkibaft): common in Turkish and Caucasian carpets.
Asymmetrical knot (Senneh or Farsibaft): typical of the finest Persian carpets.
Jofti knot: a simplified knot on four warp threads, used for faster (but less valuable) work.
Manual knotting is what distinguishes every handmade carpet: each knot is the visible sign of time, care, and tradition.
The Designs in Oriental Carpets
The designs can be:
Spontaneous (typical of nomadic peoples, such as Qashqai, Lori, Gabbeh)
From pattern: designed on graph paper for more complex and symmetrical carpets
Frequent motifs:
Floral
Geometric
Tree of life
Open field
Prayer
Central rosette
Hunting
Botteh
Herati
Figurative
Each motif has a symbolic meaning, linked to spirituality, fertility, strength, or protection.
Persian Terminology of Formats
Here are some traditional formats with their Persian names:
Poshti/Padari ≈ 0.90 x 0.60 m
Zarocharak ≈ 1.20 x 0.80 m
Zaronim ≈ 1.50 x 1.00 m
Kharak ≈ 2.00 x 0.80 m
Ghalliceh/Sajadeh ≈ 2.00 x 1.40 m
Pardeh ≈ 2.70 x 1.70 m
Chahargush = Square format
Kenareh = Runner rug (long and narrow)
Handmade Rugs in Verona – Authenticity and Quality
At Shahmansouri Persian Carpets, in Verona, we select authentic rugs handmade with techniques passed down through generations. Each rug is a unique piece, made with natural materials, vegetable dyes, and a passion for Persian art.
We are also specialists in rug washing and restoration in Verona, to help you preserve the beauty of your piece over time.
Stradone Arcidiacono Pacifico 14, Verona
info@artigianatopersiano.it
+39 045 8013280
Each carpet is a unique and unrepeatable handcrafted artifact whose characteristics
differ according to cultural patterns and available natural resources.
Hand weaving is an ancient art that combines skill and creativity.
Through skillful gestures, weavers create works of rare beauty, weaving threads with precision and passion.
Each creation becomes a tale of tradition and dedication, enchanting with its finesse and the art passed down from generation to generation.
Handmade carpets are a sublime expression of textile art, woven with mastery and passion.
Each thread, woven with care, creates a unique masterpiece, rich in history and timeless beauty.
©2025 Shahmansouri, All rights reserved