MondArt - Persian & Oriental Rug Warehouse

A recent exhibition held in the rug weaving centre of Isfahan showcased traditional Persian gardens across Iran, including those located at Chahar Bagh, Farahabad, Yazd, and Tabriz. The history of Persian gardens is believed to date back well before common era. Evidence of this appears at Chahar Bagh, where one may still see the remains of the illustrious garden of Cyrus the Great (circa 500BCE), the founder of the Achaemenid (Persian) Empire.

Gardens across Persian were (and still are) a place of solace, and featured a multitude of plants that were not only aesthetically pleasing, but more importantly, provided sustenance and were beneficial for health. They flourished in a society that appreciated nature and the gifts it provided.

Garden Carpet
Rugweavers drew upon these flourishing gardens for inspiration. The “Garden Carpet” is a specific type of traditional Persian floorcovering. Its design is the image of a Persian garden, usually gloriously in full bloom. Trees, flowers, streams and other features of a garden can be seen, sections created by vertical paths on which figures may be traversing. In the centre of the design may be a structure, perhaps a water body visited by animals.

Today, Garden Carpets may be categorized as “Pictorial Carpets” since their design captures an image.

Appreciation for nature has also been expressed in traditional Persian rugs and carpets that may not be considered as Garden Carpets. In fact, almost all designs, regardless of origin, feature some form of flower or plant, whether it be the complete form or just a portion of it. Designs may feature a single tree of life, clusters of flowerheads, or a border composed of vines – whatever it may be, the usage of flowers and plants express a profound affinity with nature.

When we decorate our home, we tend to choose colours that we like. However, this statement is far too simplistic. What makes us “like” a colour? In most cases, what we prefer depends on several factors, including the overall impression we hope to achieve when using colours to decorate a room – an impression that we would like to surround ourselves with.

There are two classifications of colour: warm and cool. Choosing the right Persian Area Rug colour to compliment the overall mood and feel of a room depends on a set of general rules that all interior decorators follow:

Warm

If you want your room to be warm and inviting, you’ve probably chosen orange, red, purple, yellow and/or soft brown to decorate. These colours, located on one half of the colour wheel, are great for places in your home like the living room or bedroom, where you tend to relax and escape. Fortunately, with the exception of purple and more vibrant shades of yellow, there are a plethora of Persian Rug designs that feature these colours, so it’ll be easy to find something that’s suitable for such a room.

Although some shades of blue may seem a bit austere, complimented by white the colours convey serenity (ideal for a bedroom).

Cool

The cool colours are blues and greens. These cool colours are commonly used to expand a space, best for spaces that are small, but you wish to make bigger. They may also be suitable for the laundry room or bathroom. Your Toronto Persian Area Rug Gallery, Mondart, offers plenty of rugs that feature cool colours. With intricate detailing in blue and/or green, these rugs are suitable to create the overall impression of spaciousness and serenity.

One of the most beautiful aspects of handmade traditional Persian rugs and carpets is the design. Whether intricate and elaborate or simple and subtle, Persian rug designs are highly admired by buyers and rug weavers alike for their beauty and important symbolic meaning.

Each pattern on a Persian rug is not just an image that “looks nice” – it is far more than that.  The elements of a design also hold important cultural and/or religious meaning. For example, let’s discuss the tree of life.

The Tree of Life, or Derakhti
The tree of life, also referred to as derakhti, is a prevalent symbol that appears on Persian rugs. As a tree that boasts many branches (although those that appear on nomadic rugs may only have one with leaves), it is one of the oldest patterns used and can be found on rugs of antiquity.

For Persians, the tree of life represents immortality and the link between earth and heaven. Other traits that this may symbolize also include health, wealth, longevity and humanity. It is a symbol that is profoundly spiritual and dates back to Ancient Egyptian times.

Persian rugs may feature a single tree of life with branches stretching across the entire rug, or many trees in a repeated pattern. Weaving centres in Iran that commonly produce rugs featuring this symbol include Tabriz and Isfahan, although these towns are far from being the only ones. The kilims of nomadic groups also use derakhti, creating more abstract versions.

The rug pictured is a traditional Persian rug from the Qum region (Rug Code: 352n1195). It is 6.8′ x 4.3′, handwoven with a soft Kurk Wool pile and cotton base. For more information, please visit our Persian handmade rug gallery.

Modern rugs are fairly easy to distinguish, since their designs are significantly different from traditional and transitional rugs. Also known as contemporary rugs, modern rugs follow weaving techniques of the old way, but feature designs that are vastly different.

How To Spot A Modern Rug

1. Designs that are comprised of simple geometric or abstract patterns that tend to be asymmetric. They may have no form. Sometimes, there may be no pattern at all – just one solid colour (with some variation in tone depending on the dyeing process. This variation in colour is known as abrash).

2. While borders remain a prominent feature of traditional and transitional rugs, none exist in contemporary designs.

3. When it comes to colours, modern rugs are often in one colour in varying shades or a number of colours that contrast strikingly.

4. Modern Persian Rugs tend to match a broader variety of furnishings and interiors, particularly with styles that are currently in fashion.

At Mondart, a large portion of our Modern Rugs are woven in the region of Tibet and Nepal. Other areas from which contemporary designs hail include China and cities in Iran, such as  Tabriz, Hamadan and Ghabe (also spelled Gabbeh).

The Modern Rug pictured is handmade in Tibet. It is part of our luxurious Modern Silk Carpet Collection and comes in a variety of sizes: 6′ x9′, 8′ x 10′ and 9′ x 12′. (Rug Code: AD 106A/Ar263 (#50)).

Typical of Modern Rug designs, this beautiful rug features asymmetrical splashes of colour in bold and dramatic shades, with a subtle shimmer that only a pile crafted with silk can achieve. Although many colours appear, each is harmoniously balanced, broadening its compatibility with surrounding walls, furnishings and fabrics.

To view the other pieces in our Modern Silk Carpet Collection, please visit our fully stocked gallery of Persian and Oriental Rugs from around the world, or browse our Modern Rug catalog online.

And on that note, we’d like to wish everyone a Happy New Year! Best wishes from everyone at Mondart.

Mondart has a special selection of handmade Persian Rugs that have been signed by the masterweaver who created it. These rugs, all produced in different regions in Iran, are beautiful pieces that have been woven in the traditional style. Bearing a signature may sometimes not increase its value, but it certainly adds personality and individualism. The weaver isn’t a faceless person living in a far away place – it brings the user closer to the craftsman.

Here are two of our signed Persian Rugs. To see more, simply drop by our gallery at 60 Doncaster Ave Suite 6 in Thornhill, ON.

Signed Persian Isfahan Rug

The signed Persian Rug seen here is from Isfahan, once the capital of the country. Today, it is a popular tourist destination and thriving industrial city located in the centre of Iran.

Isfahan has long been reputed for producing some of the highest quality rugs in the world that boast such traits as high KPSI (Knots Per Square Inch) counts, elaborately ornate designs that commonly feature a central medallion, and the finest natural materials available in the region, such as silk and kurk wool (a downy wool taken from the shoulder and neck area of mountain lambs).

This rug, in shades of gentle brown, beige and pink, is made with a pile that is kurk wool and silk, with a silk base. As such, it is quite fine. It measures approximately 6.3′ x 4.3′ and is new.

The signature appears on the edge of the carpet, between the fringe and the coloured border. On either side of the signature is the Iranian flag, a common feature of rugs woven in Isfahan.

(For more information about this rug, please contact us regarding Rug Code: 20-10.)

Signed Persian Khashan Rug

This stunning red and brown Persian Rug is from the city of Khashan (also spelled Kashan), another place with a distinguished history in rug weaving located in the centre of the country. Kashan Rugs tend to have designs that are highly ornate and intricate, with plenty of floral motifs. Colours tend to be vibrate, in reds, ivories and greens, although other colours such as blue may also appear. They are finer with knots in high density, being made of wool, cotton and sometimes silk.

The signature on this handwoven piece appears in two places – along the edge of the rug at the centre. It may be difficult to see since it is designed, in the true spirit of Kashan Rugs, rather intricately in a way that it almost disappears into the complexity of the design. The size of this rug is approximately 4.8′ x 7.5′. The pile is made of fine wool and the base is cotton. It is new.

(For more information about this rug, please contact us regarding Rug Code: 352N1292.)

The handmade Persian Rugs we have at Mondart come in a beautiful array of colours acquired from natural dyes. A single rug may have up to 15 different colours. Common colours, such as browns, blues and reds, may vary from light and subtle (which create an airy space) to rich and dark (which create the illusion of a smaller, more intimate space). A single rug may boast a number of colours, but there is always one that dominates – and it is this shade that should be considered when finding a rug suitable for your home.

And don’t forget to look at the rug from different angles! One of the most beautiful features of a well made Persian Rug is that from different angles, its colours can change depending on the direction in which the pile is facing. It can appear vibrant in one direction, and more subdued in another.

Brown
If your room has plenty of blue, you might want to consider choosing a rug that is predominately brown. Brown, a  warm colour that can be comforting, has always been traditionally paired with blue. The two colours work harmoniously, which is probably why they are also commonly seen together on rugs. Creamy white also makes a good match for any shade of brown, as well as blue.

Red
Red, particularly the deeper shades frequently seen on traditional Persian Rugs, can be a striking colour that catches the eye and doesn’t let go. It may demand attention, but when paired with rich mahogany furniture as well as fabrics in gray, army green and white, it compliments rather than overwhelms. It can create quite a posh atmosphere.

Blue
Traditional rugs often have deeper blues that can hold up to the even deeper reds. These deep blues match well with browns, greys, yellows, reds and even oranges. A rug that is predominately blue can create a room that is posh or relaxed – it all depends on what types of furniture and fabrics you include.

Lighter shades of blue, much like all the colours that are more common in Transitional Rugs, are better paired with lighter shades of yellow, red and orange.

This Pictorial Rug is a handwoven replica of a stone wall relief that appears in the ruins of Persepolis, the ancient ceremonial city in Iran.  Known as Takht-i-Jamshid, translated as the Throne of Jamshid, Persepolis was the capital of the Achaemenid Empire, which lasted from approximately 550BC to 330BC. Persepolis, a World Heritage Site, is actually a Greek word that means Persian City.

Persepolis took over a century to complete, comprising a number of lavish palaces, grand halls, and the Tombs of Kings Ardeshir II and III. It was destroyed in 330BC after forces led by Alexander the Great set it a lit. What stands today just northeast of the city of Shiraz can barely compare to the magnificence of what it once was.

Because it was a ceremonial city, no expense was spared in the construction of every structure in Persepolis.  Soldiers, as well as other human and animal figures, adorn the walls of many buildings as stone carved reliefs. The soldier in this Pictorial Rug appears along the supporting walls of a stairway of Apadana Palace or Audience Hall. It is a depiction of a soldier that existed during that time, complete with the common dress, armour and weaponry. It symbolizes strength, power and undying patriotism to a dynasty that survives as one of the world’s most exalted civilizations.

To view this beautiful Pictorial Rug in person, please visit Mondart. Our representatives will be pleased to provide you with more information about the Ancient Persian Soldier Rug Painting.

A number of beautiful pictorial rugs, straight from the master weavers who specialize in making them, are now available at our rug gallery in Thornhill.

The Persian Pictorial Rugs we offer at Mondart have all been handwoven from wool, cotton and/or silk, coloured using naturally sourced dyes from vegetables or minerals. Every rug was created in Tabriz, a major rug weaving centre in Iran. Known for an illustrious history in the art that extends back several centuries, the city of Tabriz creates a limited number of beautiful handwoven rugs annually that duplicate the images of well known paintings and carvings. You may consider Pictorial Rugs, also known as Rug Paintings, as basically woven manifestations of artwork that exists in other forms. They are different from the typical designs of traditional Persian Rugs, where there may be a central medallion, borders and motifs that repeat themselves to produce a pattern.

Needless to say, this type of rug requires the precision and accuracy that only a highly experienced weaver possesses. Each accurately coloured yarn knotted onto the foundation of the rug must be precisely placed to replicate its model, as realistically as possible. They are truly works of art that have the potential of becoming precious heirlooms within your family.

Popular Pictorial Rugs include replicates of paintings that capture a scene in nature, portraits of famous figures, and abstract or surreal images. Historic statues and carvings are also popular.  These are all available at Mondart.

Pictorial Rugs may serve beautifully as floor coverings, however they tend to be on the smaller side. They are pre-framed for your convenience, in the same way a painting would be – ready to be hung on the wall for your enjoyment. From afar, you may not even be able to tell that it is in fact a woven art piece, which tells you how fine the quality of craftsmanship is. But don’t take our word for it; you be the judge.

To view our collection of Persian Pictorial Rugs from Tabriz and to find out more information,  simply drop by our gallery at 60 Doncaster Ave Suite 6, just north of Steeles off Yonge. You may also call us at 905-482-0888.

Chinese rug weaving may not have a reputation that extends as far back as the craft in Iran and the surrounding geographical areas. However, techniques and design are just as rich and intricate.

The designs of fine Chinese rugs boast a number of motifs. Most motifs have religious and/or mythological importance. Here are 3 of the most common motifs that appear in Chinese rug designs:

Dragons

Dragons may not be unique to Chinese culture, but they certainly are close to ubiquitous when it comes to Chinese art, and in particular, rugs. They are  mythical creatures that may vary slightly in appearance according to the artist, but essentially all have a camel-like face, a long snake-like body covered in 117 scales, and a large tail. Male dragons have horns on their heads while females have none. Some dragons may have wings. They are noble creatures that are admired for their strength, dominance, and longevity.

Dragons are associated with the imperial court, and particularly, the emperor. During the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), the number of claws dragons had on a rug determined who the rug was made for. 5 claws were reserved for rugs made for the emperor, 4 for second-rank princes and dragons that more closely resembled scale-less serpents were reserved for any princes and officials lower in the hierarchy. Nowadays, this system is somewhat dated and no longer exists.

Phoenix

The phoenix motif in Chinese rug design is closely associated with the empress.  Another mythological creature, it is often considered to be a dragon in feminine form,  representing the qualities of beauty, refinement and elegance.  It may also represent rebirth, peace and good fortune.

A phoenix is characterized by a crane-like forehead, a swallow-like throat, and a snake-like neck, with the fish tail and scales on its body. It is often designed in the colours black, red, violet, blue and yellow.

Lions

Lions are often seen at the entrance of buildings to serve their role as guardians and protectors. Male and female lions are used, with the former sitting on the east side and latter on the west. There may be no difference in appearance that distinguishes their gender, except for placement and what they may be holding in their paws. One may have its mouth open while the other closed. One may also be holding a ball while the other (the female), a cub.

Used in Chinese rug design, their roots are entirely Buddhist. However, much like many religious symbols around the world, lions have become part of popular Chinese culture and are used in secular society for decorative purposes. They are a positive symbol that is used to denote happiness – which is why they can regularly appear on rugs made for weddings.