Tabriz Runner (Persian Rug)
Classic Tabriz runner and rugs feature a central medallion with all-over designs of floral motifs, leaves, tendrils and vines, echoing the stylistic characteristics of the Ardabil runner and rugs, yet each is a unique work. Herati (mahi) motifs are used as embellishments in medallion runners and rugs, but are also used as a single design in intricately-woven all-over patterns.
Tabriz runner or rug is a type in the general category of Azerbaijan runners or rugs/ Iranian runners or rugs from the city of Tabriz, the capital city of East Azarbaijan Province in north west of Iran totally populated by Azerbaijanis. It is one of the oldest runners and rugs weaving centers and makes a huge diversity of types of Persian runners and rugs. The range starts at Bazaar quality of 24 raj (Number of knots per length of 7 cm of the widths of the runner and rug) and on up to the incredibly fine 110 raj. Raj are the units of knot density (it shows the fitness of the runner and rug which based on the number of strings used for the foundation of the runner and rug. Strings materials are usually made of cotton or silk which is used for very fine runners and rugs).
Several types of design are found on Tabriz runners and rugs: all-over herati motifs, central medallion and also figure runners and rugs that depict forests, animals and people. Geometric designs are also found. The symmetrical, or Turkish, knot is common in Tabriz weavings, although the asymmetrical knot is sometimes used. Colors range from multicolored, bright renderings with blue or red fields to subdued palettes in shades of brown, ivory, saffron, and green. Foundations may be cotton, silk or wool with pile in wool or sometimes silk. Tabriz runners and rugs use fine wool, giving luster to the colors and flexibility in handling.
Tabriz has one of the most diverse displays of designs from medallion, Herati/Mahi, to figural, pictorial, and even 3-d shaped runners and rugs. The major producers in Tabriz today include: Alabaf of Tabriz, Galibafi Nassadji Tabriz, and Miri Brothers. Tabriz has been a large and worldwide famous runners and rugs making center in the Iran and the world. It played a significant role in development the rich traditions of the decorative and applied arts. The art of Tabriz runner and rug was in its zenith in the 12th-16th centuries. About 200 Tabriz school masterpieces of the classical or “golden” period of the 14th century are characterized by a harmonic merge of the arts of miniature paintings and weaving, by a high level of craftsmanship demonstrated by artists and runner and rug weavers. The Tabriz school can be divided into 2 subgroups: Tabriz and Ardabil.
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