Mehraban

Origin

Mehraban rugs come from the eponymous town of Mehraban in the Iranian province of Hamadan. This region lies in western Iran and has been known for its rug production for centuries. The town of Mehraban lies about 50 kilometres south of the provincial capital Hamadan and shares many stylistic features in rug-making with it.

Rug weaving in Mehraban has a long tradition that can be traced back to the 19th century. The local weaving operations originally produced mainly for the regional market before the rugs also gained international attention.

Characteristics

Mehraban rugs are distinguished by robust construction and traditional Persian patterns. Typical are geometric designs with floral elements, often kept in earthy tones. Red, blue, and beige dominate the palette, complemented by warm browns and ochres.

The characteristic feature of Mehraban rugs is the often-used HeratiHeratiKlassisches Muster aus einem Rautenrahmen mit zentraler Rosette und vier gebogenen Blättern (Fisch-Motiv). Sehr verbreitet in persischen Dorfteppichen.Read in glossary → pattern, made up of stylised fish and palmettes. Medallion designs are also frequent, with the central medallion often surrounded by floral ornaments. The border typically shows several narrow bands with geometric or floral motifs.

Material and technique

Mehraban rugs are traditionally knotted from sheep's wool, with both warp and weft usually cotton. This lends the rugs a stable structure and good durability. Knot density is in the medium range between 80,000 and 150,000 knots per square metre.

The knotting technique follows the Persian tradition with the Senneh knot (asymmetrical). The pile is mostly sheared medium-long, lending the rugs a pleasant feel. The colours used come from both natural and synthetic dyes; modern productions are often chrome-treated to improve colourfastness.

Worth knowing

Mehraban rugs are often confused with other rugs from the Hamadan region, since they share similar characteristics. They belong to the larger family of Hamadan rugs and share with them the robust construction and preferred patterns.

Production takes place both in small family operations and in larger workshops. Many of the weavers are descendants of families active in rug-making for generations, so traditional techniques and patterns are preserved.

In international marketing, Mehraban rugs are often sold under the more general label "Hamadan", since the name of the provincial capital is better known.