Both „Heriz” and „Serapi” terms derive from the names of villages, located in northwestern Iran. Heriz is an actual village name and “Serapi” comes from Serab village.
As other Persian carpets, Heriz rugs are known to be very durable and lasting for decades. They are very decorative and widely used in home design. They come in traditional patterns that usually are geometric and daring, with a large medallion in the middle that is the most dominating motif. Such medallion motif may resemble Caucasian rugs, and no wonder as Heriz village is located quite near Caucasus.
Heriz rugs are quite coarse as they are woven from 30 to 100 knots per square centimeter. Such knotting makes a Heriz “a village rug” as they are often referred to, and they best match informal interiors and more country oriented designs.
The colors vary, they come from brownish red to ivory, through yellows, greens, blues and pink shades.
“Serapi” is also a Heriz rug, it is a trade name given to a better quality Heriz rug, especially antique one and woven before the 20th century. A Serapi rug is considered to be made of better wool and with more elementary design and toned color palette. To distinguish a Serapi rug from a Heriz rug demands true knowledge and skill and not many rug dealers or interior designers can do that. There is even a common joke inside the rug business “If I’m selling it – it’s a Serapi, if I’m buying it – it’s a Heriz”. However, all you need to do is to turn a carpet and touch the back. The Heriz and the Serapi carpets have different weaves. If you touch it and feel some unevenness like bumps – it is a Heriz rug. But if you feel a smooth surface – you are touching an antique and valuable Serapi rug.
For more information, visit Antique Rugs
