The major wool used in Tabriz carpets is primarily sourced from Maku, known for its high-quality and durable wool. In the past and up until now, it was also supplied from regions such as Mahabad, Moghan Plain, Khoy, and Salmas.

Approximately 40 years ago and to this day, a combination of “kork,” which refers to the soft wool on the sheep’s body, known for its delicacy, has been used. Additionally, a blend of kork and natural silk, as well as the use of warp and weft made of either cotton or natural silk, has been employed.

Of course, by “antique Tabriz carpets,” we refer to carpets that are between 30 to 50 years old, and it mostly depends on several factors:

1.  Manufacturing process:
   • Initially, the wool and raw materials for Tabriz carpets were sourced from the finest regions, predominantly from Maku, and the hand-knotting process was performed manually, known as “handspun yarn,” which lacks the necessary transparency and luster that industrial machines provide today.
   • In the past, high-quality and natural dyes were predominantly used, but nowadays, they have been replaced by synthetic and chemical dyes. The durability, stability, and longevity of colors are clearly evident in antique Tabriz carpets.
2. Design masters such as Ahmad Emad, Arjangi, Mirza Taghi Khiabani, Rasoul Gholi Namai, Shaneh-zan, and several other master carpet designers have contributed to the preservation of standards, authenticity, and value of Tabriz carpets through their artistic creations, innovation, making Tabriz carpets a recognized brand worldwide.
3. Weaving: The creation of carpet patterns by skillful weavers who meticulously tie each knot in its designated place and with the correct colors, following the carpet design without any flaws or imperfections until its completion.

1. Tabriz is recognized as one of the oldest and most famous handwoven carpet production centers in the world. Today, this city accounts for more than 30% of Iran’s handwoven carpet industry. In 2015, it was recognized by the World Crafts Council and registered as a national heritage.
2. Taking into account the preferences of buyers in production.
3. The use of high-quality fibers that possess exceptional quality.
4. Creativity in patterns and special coordination of colors by experienced masters, while adhering to all standards.
5. Development of decorative and practical arts at both national and international levels.
6. Utilizing the Turkish knot and creating exquisite weaving techniques to produce unique artworks that have no precedent.

1. Due to creativity accompanied by a variety of patterns.
2. Creating diversity and special coordination in colors.
3. Particularly, the unique weaving style and the use of Turkish knot that showcases Tabriz carpets in an exquisite manner, often executed by experienced and skilled artists while adhering to all necessary standards.
4. Variety in size.

The predominant sizes for Tabriz carpets are typically produced and available in dimensions of:

• 150 cm x 100 cm (4 ft 92 in x 3 ft 28 in)
• 200 cm x 150 cm (6 ft 56 in x 4 ft 92 in)
• 100 cm x 100 cm (3 ft 28 in x 3 ft 28 in)
• 200 cm x 200 cm (6 ft 56 in x 6 ft 56 in)
• 300 cm x 200 cm (9 ft 84 in x 6 ft 56 in)
• 350 cm x 250 cm (11 ft 48 in x 8 ft 2 in)
• 400 cm x 300 cm (13 ft 12 in x 9 ft 84 in)
• 500 cm x 350 cm (16 ft 4 in x 11 ft 48 in)
• 600 cm x 400 cm (19 ft 69 in x 13 ft 12 in)

with larger sizes being relatively limited in availability.

The knot count in Tabriz carpets is calculated based on the number of knots per 7 centimeters width. Typically, Tabriz carpets have approximately 25, 40, 50, or 60 knots per 7 centimeters. There are also rare and limited cases where carpets with approximately 70 or 80 knots can be found. As the knot count increases, the carpet becomes finer, and typically, silk is used in carpets with a knot count of 50 or higher. The amount of silk used is proportionate to the higher knot count. For example, usually a carpet with a knot count of 60 will have more silk used compared to a carpet with a knot count of 50.

The master designers in Tabriz carpets each have their own unique style and brand, creating their own distinctive artistic creations through their creativity, without copying from elsewhere. Tabriz carpets are predominantly produced and designed by experienced master designers who consider factors such as the best quality of fibers and dyeing while maintaining the necessary standards to achieve high color stability. The carpets are meticulously crafted by skilled artisans who execute the Turkish knot in a proper manner, ensuring that the knots are uniform and regular when placed side by side. This results in Tabriz carpets having a special radiance and transparency, without being dull or matte. The execution of color harmony is also achieved with a wide variety.

Due to variations in the speed and skill of weavers and the complexity of the design and knotting techniques used, the production process can differ. For example, Tabriz rugs are woven using the Turkish knot with a hook. A Tabriz rug measuring 300*200 centimeters with a knot count of 40 Raj (meaning 40 knots per 7 centimeters) takes approximately 392 days to complete, considering that a skilled weaver can tie around 5,000 knots per day. It is evident that more intricate rugs, especially those made with natural silk or a combination of wool and silk, require more time to weave.

The initial step involves the talented designer creating the rug’s pattern. The raw materials used include wool or cotton, and if necessary, a quantity of silk depending on the intricacy of the rug. The colors depicted in the pattern are derived from the following components:

1. Warp threads: These are stretched along the length of the rug and form the foundation.
2. Weft threads: These are woven across the width of the rug.
3. Rug edges: The edges are strengthened by twisting several threads together using a fringe-tying technique.
4. Knots: Knots are tied on the warp threads to create the surface texture of the rug.

Each of these elements contributes to the creation of a finely crafted Tabriz rug with a unique artistic allure.

In fact, from the second half of the 15th century and the beginning of the 16th century AD, Tabriz rugs predominantly featured Islamic, animal, and occasionally human motifs. Starting from the 17th century, Tabriz artists began producing carpets with a wide variety of designs, influenced by the tastes of European and American consumers. They were successful in exporting Tabriz rugs through Tabriz merchants, primarily via Istanbul, which served as their base in the past.

Not only Tabriz rugs, but any handmade woolen rug is best placed in an area with limited air circulation to prevent moth damage. It is advisable to expose the rug to fresh air for 3 to 4 hours once a year. If the rug is not being used for a period of time, it should be stored with naphthalene or tobacco to repel pests.
Care should be taken to prevent excessive wear of the rug during prolonged use. If the pile of the rug becomes significantly worn, it can be used in less trafficked areas.
In case of spills such as soft drinks, tea, or coffee, it is important to immediately remove the liquid from the rug and prevent it from seeping in. Delaying the cleaning process can make it more difficult to remove the stain completely.

Typically, Tabriz rugs are designed in a quarter medallion format and feature intricate floral and arabesque patterns. One notable aspect is the uniformity and harmony of the spaces within the overall rug design, with the artistic value primarily attributed to the pattern and color.
In fact, they have combined elements of geometric and tree-of-life designs from Kerman, Isfahan, and Kashan with Tabriz patterns, which are still widely used in this style today.