Heris or Heriz carpets

Heriz carpets

Heriz rugs are easily recognized by their vibrant colors and unique design, which consists of a large medallion with oversized corners and double or even triple outlines.

These rugs are also heavier and more durable than most other types of Persian rugs.

Where Heriz rugs are made

Heriz carpets are knotted in several towns and villages in northwestern Iran. All these weaving centers are scattered around Mount Sabalan in Heriz.

One of the reasons these rugs are so durable is because of the origin of the wool. Mount Sabalan sits on a rich deposit of copper, and small amounts of copper end up in the water that the sheep drink.

The traces of copper in the drinking water make the wool much stronger and more resilient than wool from other areas.

This strong, high-quality wool is the secret to the strength and durability that Heriz rugs are famous for. These rugs are heavier to the touch and are some of the strongest and most durable rugs available.

Antique Heriz carpets

Antique Heriz rugs are among the most majestic creations to be found in the world of Persian village rugs. The characteristic pattern of antique Heriz rugs is an oversized medallion with large corners. Angular oak leaves and various foliage in a range of warm colors fill these patterns.

A skilfully designed grinding field forms the background for the large, artistic motifs. The overall effect is bold and eye-catching.

Only natural dyes were used to dye the antique Heriz carpets. These natural dyes tend to soften over the years, which is why these rugs exhibit a subtle patina not found on newer pieces.

Antique Heriz rugs have become rare due to high demand in recent years. This makes them an excellent investment that will surely increase in value over the years.

The difference between Heriz and Serapi carpets

Serapi rugs are a type of Heriz rug woven before 1910. Although both rugs share some similarities, there are some notable differences in the patterns and colors used.

Although both rugs have a strong medallion design, there is an important difference in the type of medallion used in each type of rug.

In Heriz rugs, the medallion has more than eight sides and resembles a star surrounded by floral motifs.

The Serapi medallion is outlined with sharp lines and looks very different.

Heriz rugs come in darker colors and their entire surface is finished with a high level of detail. Serapi rugs, while also highly detailed, have a more open design.

Another difference lies in the colors used in the designs. Heriz carpets have darker and deeper colors than Serapi carpets.

What is a Serapi rug?

The history of the Serapi carpets is interesting. In the 1930s there was a strong demand for a type of Heriz rug that was no longer manufactured. In order to take advantage of this strong demand and not lose sales opportunities, carpet buyers created the pseudonym Serapi to describe this particular type of Heriz carpet.

This name has stuck and is still used today to describe a high quality carpet woven in the village of Serab in the Heriz region of Iran. In short, a Serapi rug is a special type of Heriz rug.

It's not always easy to tell a Heriz from a Serapi just by looking at the top of the rug. An accurate distinction can be made by turning the rug over and visually inspecting the underside by running your hand over the weft.

How much are Serapi rugs worth?

Serapi rugs are generally more expensive than Heriz rugs as they are rarer. Most of them were knotted before 1900 and are considered antique Persian carpets.

Heriz wool carpets

As with most other authentic Persian rugs, the wool of the oldest pieces has always been dyed with pure and natural vegetable dyes.

The wool used for antique Heriz rugs is very different from that made in later years. Despite the change in the type of wool used, weavers did not compromise on the quality of the wool.

natural wool

The lustrous wool obtained from the Shahsavan tribe was primarily used to make ancient Heriz rugs. The Shahsavans were a nomadic tribe that roamed the nearby Elbrus Mountains. The vegetation and climate at these altitudes enabled the extraction of the high quality wool found in the ancient Heriz rugs.