Shiraz

Shiraz has been known as the city of roses for centuries, and this is reflected in the motifs of many of the carpets. The most common motif, by which the carpets may be identified, is the diamond-shaped lozenge once in the centre of the carpet or repeated along the length twice or three times according to the size. The diamond motif of the Shiraz carpets is usually in dark or light blue while the background is normally red with decorations of plants and flowers. The border consists of a number of narrow bands framing a wider band, which is often decorated with motifs resembling pine, or palm leaves. The Shiraz carpets are very soft and it is advisable that only the best are used on the floor, to protect them against wear and tear. Among the better-known individual tribal carpets are those made by the Qashqai, living in the uplands of the Fars area. In contrast to other Shiraz carpets these are harder wearing, and have a compact pile. Their colours are more varied. The warp and weft threads of the Shiraz carpets are either wool or goat's hair, and they come in all sizes; 120x 60 cm to 300 x 400 cm. Square Shiraz carpets can also be found.