Persian carpets are exhibited at "Iranian Art Heritage, the cradle of civilisation" exhibition in Hanoi in July 2022. (Photo: baoquocte.vn)

Ambassador: Thank you so much for having me here today.

Bao Tram: Would you briefly describe for us the history of Persian carpets?

Ambassador: The art of carpet weaving existed in Iran in ancient times, according to historical evidence. An example of such evidence is the 2,500-year-old Pazyryk carpet dating back to 500 B.C. in the Achaemenid period.

The first written evidence of the existence of Persian carpets came from Chinese texts dating back to the Sassanid period (224 - 641 CE).

This art underwent many changes in various eras of Iranian history before the Islamic era until the Mongols’ invasion of Iran. After the invasion, the art began to grow again during the reign of the Mongol dynasties of Timurid and Ilkhanid.

Bao Tram: Could you elaborate more about Persian carpets? What materials do you use to make a Persian carpet? How many types of Persian rugs are there?

Ambassador: Wool is the most common material for Persian carpets but cotton is frequently used for the foundation of city and workshop carpets. There are wide variations in the type of wool used for weaving. Those include Kork wool, Manchester wool, and in some cases even camel hair wool. Silk carpets date back to at least the sixteenth century in Sabzavar and the seventeenth century in Kashan and Yazd. Silk carpets are less common than wool carpets since silk is more expensive and less affordable. They tend to increase in value with age. Due to their rarity and value, silk carpets are often displayed on the wall like tapestries rather than being used as floor coverings.

Ambassador Ali Akbar Nazari (Photo credit: Embassy to Iran)

Bao Tram: It’s no exaggeration to say that carpet weaving is an art form. What do you think makes Persian rugs quite popular all over the world?

Ambassador: Humans have always loved beauty. A hand-woven carpet is a masterpiece and a very beautiful human creation. Its quality, its beauty, becomes more valuable day by day, and, of course, it’s suitable for human use due to its non-toxic natural materials, unlike machine-made carpets. That’s one of the reasons for its acceptance and one of the keys to its durability and fame.

Bao Tram: Many people are impressed by the colors and patterns of Persian rugs. Is there any religious implication in the color, patterns, or motifs on Persian carpets?

Ambassador: When we speak of carpets, Iran always comes to mind. The great art experts of the world agree. The words carpet and Iran are nearly synonymous in any language, carpets being such an obvious symbol of Iranian talent in art.

We can affirm that the finest, most sumptuous carpets in the world are woven in Iran. The art of carpet weaving in Iran is deeply connected with the culture and the customs of the people of that land and originates in their instinctive feelings.

Iranian carpet weavers mix wonderful patterns with admirable colors. It’s a talent usually expected only from outstanding painters.

Persian carpets attract the attention of many visitors to the exhibition. (Photo: Hai An)

Bao Tram: That sounds very interesting. I like Persian carpets very much but for many people, they’re unaffordable. Why are Persian rugs so expensive?

Ambassador: "All around the world Iranian carpets are the symbol of poetical luxury.” -- Alexander Pope

To look at a Persian carpet is to gaze into a world of artistic magnificence nurtured for more than 2,500 years. The Iranians were among the first carpet weavers of the ancient civilizations and, through centuries of creativity and ingenuity building upon the talents of the past, achieved a unique degree of excellence.

There are many reasons for the expensiveness of Iranian hand-woven carpets. Or I should say, their valuableness. Among the reasons are the high cost of raw materials, and the great amount of time and labor needed to weave each one.

Bao Tram: When you have to pay a small fortune to buy a Persian carpet, naturally you want an authentic product. How can you spot an authentic Persian rug?

Ambassador: In general, the softness and fine texture of handwoven carpets is one of the best ways to recognize a good carpet. But an accurate professional authentication of a carpet, especially an expensive carpet, requires expertise. The name of the master weaver, who would be famous among experts, is usually woven into an exquisite carpet. Buying from a reputable store and requesting a carpet certificate and warranty are two other ways to be sure of authenticity.

Bao Tram: Thank you so much, Mr. Ambassador, for joining VOV24/7’s Cultural Rendezvous today and sharing with us some interesting facts about Persian carpets.

Ambassador: Thank you so much for inviting us to the interview. It was my pleasure.