Persian Carpet: Reflection Of The Ancient Persian Culture As Well As Artistic FlavorOne of the essential features of the great culture and art nurtured and grown in the present day Iran, or Persia of yesteryears, is the persian carpet. The persian carpet manufactured by the people in Iran stands out superior in quality in comparison to other types of carpets of same name available in other regions across the world. History dating back to as old as 5th century BC reveals the use of Persian carpet, which goes to highlight the greatness and importance of this crafty art, which has been in vogue for more than 3,500 years. Until the end of 16th century, it was revealed that these carpets were used primarily to protect oneself as well as provide the other person with adequate cover for protection against extreme cold conditions in the winters. After having made its modest entry into the erstwhile Persian empire as the strong cloth to protect oneself from the vagaries of weather and climatic conditions, the persian carpet had gained fame and recognition for its artistic works, primarily due to patronage from the kingdoms that were ruling the land at that moment, and is presently perceived as the status symbol for every Persian. There goes a saying or following in the present day Iran, the representative symbol for Persia, that a house without a persian carpet is equivalent to being without soul and being without heart. To most of the people in the erstwhile Persian region or Iran in the present circumstances, owning a persian carpet is equivalent to wealth. The most sought after investment in the country of Iran is the persian carpet and majority of the investors in Iran prefer investing in persian carpets. There are three major groups among the types of such carpets. One such group is called as Farsh, which comes in standard sizes of 6 feet length and 4 feet breadth or greater than that length. The second group called as Qalicheh, which comes in standard size of 6 feet length and 4 feet breadth or smaller lengths than this length, and the third group of Kilim, which is a rough type of carpet. Persian carpets were used not just as floor covering but also for carpeting and other means. Till the end of the 17th century, these carpets were being used as roof tiles with attractive designs, which reveal the greatness or richness of the owner of the carpets. The art of creating Persian rugs has been maintained as a closely guarded secret since its inception in the old age, and the various styles and patterns are passed on to the younger generations from the older generations. The hallmark of persian carpet, of course, is the intricate designs and patterns followed by the artists. The major difference between the persian carpet and the oriental carpet lies in the type of knot applied in persian garments |