Tabriz is the capital of the Iranian province of Azerbaijan. The city is snugged up against the Quru River Valley in between the rising cones of the Sahand and Eynali mountains. With a population nearing two million people, Tabriz is the largest economic hub in Northwestern Iran. Due primarily to the reputation and popularity of the Tabriz rug, the city was named the World Carpet Weaving City by the World Crafts Council in October of 2015.
Before we introduce you to the exquisite craftsmanship of Tabriz rugs procured by Doris Leslie Blau, let’s take a step back.
The origins of Tabriz are shrouded in mystery. Since its earliest documented history, Tabriz has been chosen as the capital for several ruling dynasties from the time of Atropates around 370 BC. In the volatile periods that followed, Tabriz was destroyed multiple times by invading armies or natural disasters. It wasn’t until the Safavid period in the 15th Century that the city established itself as a center of art, architecture, poetry and philosophy.
Tabriz artists and artisans flourished under the patronage of Shah Abbas the Great (1587-1629) and designed illuminated manuscripts, hand-woven jewelry and embroidered silk. This fertile, creative atmosphere also influenced the weavers — inspired and encouraged by their ruler — to reach new artistic heights. The Safavid period is widely considered the beginning of modern Iranian history — and in the process transformed Tabriz into a world-class center of distinctive carpet production.
The intrinsic value of antique textiles.
Doris Leslie Blau features one of the most extensive collections of Tabriz rugs and carpets in New York City, if not the entire USA. Our gallery showcases among the rarest large and oversized antique Tabriz rugs.
Similar to a rare piece of art, a Tabriz rug is is an heirloom generations will treasure for decades to come.
Because the quality and appearance of a Tabriz rug is very diverse, its value lies primarily in the historical significance, artistic craftsmanship and cultural context it represents. Designs of these Persian Tabriz rugs can vary greatly. Their unique weaving techniques and intricate designs make it nearly impossible to describe a singular style reserved to Tabriz — other than each one is an exemplary example.
The vast majority of these rugs are identified by the Senneh knot, also known as the Persian knot or asymmetric knot.
Although also used in India, Turkey, Egypt and China, Senneh is native to the former Persian Region of Iran. Using primarily fine wool, cotton and silk — although plant derivations and metal threads also appear — the skilled weavers in Tabriz created densely knotted carpets with elaborate floral patterns and complex geometric motifs, often incorporating a wide variety of colors and palettes. This made a Tabriz rug highly coveted by collectors and a pinnacle of Persian carpet weaving.
A rich diversity of color, composition and creativity.
Tabriz rugs may feature several kinds of techniques and weaves. You may discover a flat weave or pile version, with a simple or complex composition, and a range from 24 raj (Bazaar quality) to 110 raj (incredibly fine and often rare). Raj is a unit expressing the number of knots per cm of the width of the rug.
Plus, there is such a diverse display of designs and colors. You may find a Tabriz with an intricate floral pattern with or without a medallion, executed in red, blue and white. You may find its design to be medallion, Herati/Mahi, figural, pictorial and even three dimensional. And you may encounter virtually any color of the spectrum, with its palette reliant on tones of copper, terracotta and ivory, with shades of blue and subtle touches of gold, green and salmon. Amazing!
In exceptional carpets such as these, dyes are vivid and solely natural, never artificial, and allow for nuances in color change over time. It is this character within the design that makes a Tabriz carpet absolutely unique.
Choose wisely. It matters.
A layman may have difficulties in distinguishing between an authentic Tabriz rug and its poorly-executed counterpart. It is often not easy to recognize a counterfeit or an inept copy of great Tabriz workmanship.
That’s why it is so important you trust in a reliable dealer. Since 1965, Doris Leslie Blau has specialized in the carpet industry, both as intermediaries and producers. Our collection of Tabriz rugs and antique and vintage rugs and carpets will pass the test and please the eyes of even the most demanding, critical and detailed evaluation.
We especially like to point to this quote taken from the blog of CJ Dellatore, known worldwide as an author, editor, content strategist and expert in the communities of refined interiors and garden design.
“Searching for an antique rug is where the design process begins for most,” Dellatore writes. “It is the soul of a room, with all the other elements of a well-appointed space there to celebrate it. I’ve learned over the years that provenance is far less important than aesthetics.”
An Exceptional Collection of Tabriz Carpets for Sale
Please visit our gallery in New York at 306 East 61st Street, 7th Floor to see Tabriz rugs prices and our offer of best collection of Tabriz carpets in New York City
