Possessing an antique Persian rug is akin to housing a vibrant, picturesque garden indoors. Typically, a vase design rug showcases one or multiple vases brimming with flowers, dispersed across the carpet. These rugs, which can feature a single prominent vase or numerous smaller ones, are among the most visually stunning and exquisite antique Persian rugs globally.

The ancient Persian vase rugs from Kerman, a city in present-day south-central Iran, hold a unique position due to their significant contribution to one of the world’s most influential dynasties. Kerman emerged as a rug weaving hub as early as the 15th century, producing some of the most sought-after and valuable rugs today.

During the 15th and 16th centuries, under the Safavid dynasty’s reign, vase design rugs gained prominence. This era, known for its economic renaissance, saw rug-making become a crucial part of this growth. The Safavid palaces, adorned with rich decorations, were designed to showcase the rulers’ wealth and success. The Persian court sponsored most royal rug designs throughout the Persian Empire, which eventually spread regionally and were adopted by other artisans.

Silk and wool, traded along the renowned Silk Routes, were among the Persians’ most valuable commodities. Persian emperor Shah Abbas (1571-1629) acknowledged the commercial advantages of patronizing the arts, including rug production, which became a vital component of foreign trade and the Safavid dynasty’s economic prowess.

Particularly in the 16th century, rug weaving flourished, yielding some of the world’s most intricate designs. Notably, the ancient Kerman rugs, recognized for their distinctive colors and designs, included award-winning Persian rugs featuring antique vases. Produced during the First Golden Age of Persian Carpets, Kerman vase rugs are increasingly appreciated today.

Interestingly, most artists affiliated with the Persian court shared their designs with other artisans, who replicated these techniques in their workshops using cotton, silk, and wool. Wool dyeing evolved into a highly skilled craft, yielding vibrant and enduring colours. Despite their rarity, the colours of Persian vase rugs from the Safavid era and beyond often retain their original vibrancy.

In addition to the vase design, the “vase technique” involved using three thin weft threads between each row of rug knots. Typically, Kerman rugs feature an asymmetric knot. In the vase technique, the first two rows, which form the carpet structure, were made of wool, while the third row, usually cotton or silk, was left loose. This method endowed ancient Kerman vase rugs with high durability and a unique structure that reflected light differently, creating a distinctive glow and texture.

Kerman vase rugs exhibit rich and harmonious colours, including shades of ivory, blue, red, gold, and saffron. These colours blend to create contrast in the design and accentuate the artist’s chosen elements.

Intricate vine spirals often connect the floral patterns of the vase rug, forming an elegant geometric structure that mirrors the gardens of the Persian courts’ Golden Age. These ancient rugs, whose designs evolved over time, continued production into the 18th century. Some variations omitted the vase entirely, while others featured an exaggerated, oversized vase.

Later variations of vase design rugs introduced a central medallion filled with a floral pattern. At the turn of the 20th century, Kerman experienced a resurgence as a rug weaving centre, blending traditional Persian court designs with contemporary trends. Even then, crafting a handmade Kerman rug could take up to a year.

Owning an antique vase design rug is akin to possessing a treasured piece of the legendary Persian gardens.