qom handmade carpet review: patterns, weaving technique, material and knot counting

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qom handmade carpet review

The Qom province of Iran, located 100 kilometers south of Tehran, produces the finest Persian carpets available today which are the apple of the eye of tastemakers and design aficionados alike. Although most high-value collectible carpets are over 100 years old, it is not so in case of Persian Qum rugs. Qom is not traditionally a center of rug production but for the past 100 years it has given the world some of the greatest tapestries and textiles which allure with timeless appeal and undisputable elegance. Persian Qum rugs distinguished by the highest quality are very often less than sixty years old. In fact, this type of floor and wall coverings was not manufactured until the early 1900s –most Qum rugs in existence today have a production year prior to 1940. These rugs may not be as old as other types of Persian tapestries, however, the quality of Qum rugs in terms of material choice and construction is absolutely outstanding.

Characteristic of Persian Qum Rugs


Persian Qum rugs have many names – they may be referred to as Qom rugs, Ghom rugs, or Ghum rugs. These carpets are typically smaller in size that most antique and vintage creations. A lot of original Qum rugs is placed on walls because of their small size and absolutely awe-inspiring look. Moreover, hanging is largely beneficial to the preservation of the impeccable shape of these exceptional tapestries. Antique Persian Qum rugs are considered an investment whose value is constantly increasing. Generally, Qum rugs are composed of silk and high quality wool which is thoroughly hand-knotted in accordance with old and refined weaving techniques by skilled artisans. Actually, some of Qum rugs may even boast two layers of luxurious silk which results in even more tender and luminous pile. Although the pile height of genuine Persian Qum rugs is not among the most impressive, the knot count is considerably higher than the one found in other kinds of Persian rugs. The majority of antique Persian Qum rugs has 400-860 knots per square inch which allows craftsmen to create intricate, mesmerizing and totally irresistible designs. The knots per square inch (KPSI) on a Qum rug ranged between 200-500. The higher the number, the higher quality of rug. The Qum’s fine weaving technique cause the designs to look intricate and thoroughly detailed.

Design of Persian Qum Rugs


Persian Qum rugs usually comprise of jewel-toned color palettes which tempt with richness and vibrancy. The prevailing hues are blue, red and ivory – the three most iconic shades of the traditional Persian weaving craft . There exists a wide array of patterns applied to magnificent Qum rugs. Frequent choices are the tree of life – a symbol of eternal life – and various medallion motifs. Other designs may include landscapes or depictions of historic events. The lines composing the patterns are typically curvilinear, meandering and tempting with smoothness, at the same time exhibiting the genius of master weavers of Qum. Sizes, materials, weaving techniques, colors, and designs – all demonstrate indisputable the value of Antique Persian Qum rugs. Splendid Qum rugs, while relatively new to the long history of Persian rugs , are top-notch fabrics considered by many among the best carpets in the whole world.

Available Sizes


 Qum rugs are commonly made in smaller sizes due to the amount of time these rugs require to be made along with the availability of the materials needed. On a rare occasion, Qum rugs can sometimes be found in larger sizes. Small sizes range around 7×10 feet while larger pieces start from 10×15 feet and sometimes more.

Real Silk


Real silk is produced as the cocoon covering of the silkworm. The cocoon is spun by the silk moth caterpillar of a single silk fiber that can be up to several thousand ‘ in length. To harvest the silk, completed cocoons are boiled or heated to kill the silkworms, then laboriously unwound into single fibers which are plied together and spun into thread or silk yarn.

how we can determine that qom carpet is made of natural silk?


  • OK, you’re looking at a nicely woven, nicely patterned, closely clipped “silk” rug with what appears to be real silk fringe. You still might be looking at a artificial silk rug. Here are three field tests that might help you distinguish real from fake.
  • Rub it: It is sometimes claimed that you can tell real silk from artificial silk by vigorously rubbing the pile with your open palm. The real silk rug feels warm, the artificial silk rug stays cool to the touch. We sometimes think we have felt this difference. Of course, it helps to have a real silk rug with you so that you can compare a known quantity!
  • Burn it: This test is at least good theatre, and actually can be helpful. Clip off a small piece of the fringe, or pull a knot out of the rug from the back (why should the owner object?). Burn it. Look at the ash and smell the smoke. If the material was cellulose (rayon), the ash should be soft and chalky, and the smell should be like burning paper (most paper is made of cellulose). If the sample is real silk, the burning sample should ball to a black, crispy ash, and the smell should be of burning hair (you’re burning protein, the same stuff your hair is made of). You’ve got to be a little careful with this test to avoid smelling the smoke from the match (and to avoid igniting yourself or the rug dealer’s shop).

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