KIRMAN (Kerman)

The city of Kirman stands on a plateau 1800 meters above sea level at the edge of the Dasht-e-Lut desert in south-eastern Persia. It is a very old city with a rich history, in fact Marco Polo mentioned it in Milione and described the skills of its craftsmen, especially in making textiles and shawls. The oldest known Kirman rug is a fragment dated 1476 that is conserved in the museum of the mosque dedicated to Imam Reza in the city of Mashad, so this is definitely a city with a long tradition in rug-making. The patterns on 19th century Kirman rugs are complex floral motifs, sometimes arranged in medallions, or "prayer patterns" embellished with vases, trees, shrubs and animals which are all depicted with great naturalism. There are also traditional, continuous patterns with bunches of flowers or boteh. In the 1920s-1930s French-style designs were developed: medallions with roses on a solid field, according to the gab khorani model. Many rugs were made for export during that period, especially for the United States. Even today Kirmans are among the Persian rugs in greatest demand and they sell very well even if the quality of contemporary production cannot be compared, although there are some exceptions, with that of previous centuries. Given their enormous popularity, there are many imitations made in other countries such as China or Pakistan. We must also mention the town of Ravar, located north of Kirman, that is often associated with the finest rugs made in the region - in relation to their real provenance, and often to distinguish the higher quality items.