c1950s Antique Medallion Persian Farahan Rug 2.4x3.0
The FARAHAN district is located in a central province of Iran known as Markazi. It is nearly 580 km south of Tehran and is amongst the cities of Arak, Qom, and Kashan. This district has a long history in the Persian Rug industry. In the 19th century, many British Companies opened factories to produce fine rugs for export to Europe. In western countries today, Farahan rugs and carpets are known as Mahal, which received its name from Mahallat (a city in the Farahan district, south of Arak). Farahan rugs and carpets have been prized for their sturdy construction and their subtle, all-over patterning. Sarouks are the most renowned product of the region.The traditional rugs from this region are of the highest quality and in great demand the world over. When it comes to classifying a Farahan, there are two basic patterns. The first pattern would include an all-over and almost-always endless, repeated design including the famous Herati, Gul Hannai, Boteh, or even the Mina-Khani layout. The second pattern would include a medallion portrayal consisting of hexagons, diamonds, or the 'Sunburst' medallion. Pertaining to some physical characteristics and to the design, the most customary border is known as the "turtle" (a pair of split arabesques) on a ground of corrosive green that is produced by the use of a copper salt which causes the wool dyed with it to wear more rapidly than the portions dyed with other colors, resulting in a sculptured surface effect. Green also outlines the exterior border and is used in the decorative elements. The predominant colors in these rugs are blues, greens, yellows, oranges, and reds. Blacks and dark blues are used as outlining colors for the decorative elemetns. Most have a dark-blue ground with an endless repeat of the Herati design in which a diamond lattice peeps through a tangle of rose blossoms and leaves. The coloring may be continuously varied within such a repeat, producing attractive changes in effect. Farahan rugs come in different sizes, but the majority of them are mid-sized (4x6 to 8x10 feet). Farahan's are comprised of soft, wool with a thin, tight pile. The foundation is mostly made of goat hair and the weft is made of local sheep wool all in which are woven with asymmetrical Persian knots. In conclusion, these rugs are amongst the finest quality carpets provided that they are durable and well made from experienced craftsmen. Their colors add vibrancy and inspiration to any home. They are a wonderful investments in that they are guaranteed to last for centuries.
