Borchalou
Borchalou rugs come from the Hamadan region and show finely worked floral medallions on an ivory ground.
- Region
- Persia / Iran
- Category
- Persian rugs
- Manufacturing
- Hand-knotted
- Knot density
- 80,000 – 160,000 knots/m²
Profile
- Manufacturing
- Hand-knotted
- Origin
- Iran — Hamadan Province, Borchalou village
- Pile material
- Wool on cotton
- Knot density
- 80,000 – 160,000 knots/m²
- Features
- Floral medallions, ivory ground, single-weft
Photo: Morgenland Rugs
Origin
Borchalou rugs come from the eponymous region in the Iranian province of Hamadan in north-western Persia. The area lies between the towns of Hamadan and Malayer and is part of the traditional Persian rug belt. The weaving of Borchalou rugs goes back several centuries and was developed by the local village communities, who passed their techniques and patterns down across generations. The region benefited from the trade routes through the Zagros mountains, which contributed to the spread of the characteristic Borchalou designs.
Characteristics
Borchalou rugs are distinguished by their geometric patterns and bold colours. The central design element is often a large medallion in the centre of the rug, surrounded by smaller geometric motifs. Floral elements rendered in stylised form are also typical. The traditional palette covers deep reds, blue, beige, and ivory, with natural plant dyes used. Borders are mostly multi-tiered and show geometric or stylised floral patterns. The patterning is built symmetrically and follows the classical principles of Persian rug art.
Material and technique
Borchalou rugs are knotted on cotton warps, with the pile in sheep's wool. The wool mostly comes from local sheep in the Zagros mountains and is known for its robustness. The knotting technique is the Turkish (Ghiordes) knot, characteristic of the Hamadan region. Knot density usually lies between 80,000 and 150,000 knots per square metre. The rugs are knotted on horizontal looms, with shearing after the knotting process. Dyeing is traditionally done with natural dyes such as madder for red, indigoIndigoPflanzlicher Farbstoff aus der Indigopflanze, der tiefe Blautöne erzeugt. Einer der wichtigsten Naturfarbstoffe orientalischer Teppiche.Read in glossary → for blue, and various plant extracts for other tones.
Worth knowing
Production of Borchalou rugs reached its peak in the early 20th century, when demand for Persian rugs in Europe and America rose sharply. Many examples from this period are considered particularly valuable today. The rugs are made both in villages and in small manufactories, with village production often producing more individual designs. Borchalou rugs are known for their longevity and are often passed down through generations. The region also produces related styles such as Hamadan and Malayer, which share similar characteristics.
Frequently asked questions
How does Borchalou differ from other Hamadan rugs?
Borchalou rugs have a more specific design language with characteristic medallions and geometric elements that set them apart from other Hamadan variants. The colour scheme is often higher in contrast and the patterns more finely worked than in other regional styles.
Are Borchalou rugs suitable for daily use?
Yes — thanks to robust sheep's wool and dense knotting, Borchalou rugs are very hard-wearing and well suited to areas with normal to high use. Traditional dyeing with natural colours also makes them lightfast.
How do I recognise an authentic Borchalou rug?
Authentic Borchalou rugs show the characteristic geometric medallions, use the Turkish knot, and have a typical palette dominated by reds. The back should reveal a clear pattern, and the fringes are mostly cotton.
What is the typical size of Borchalou rugs?
Borchalou rugs are made in various sizes, from small formats around 120 × 80 cm up to large room rugs of 300 × 200 cm. Runner formats are also common and often used for hallways and corridors.
Impressions of the origin
Places, landscapes and landmarks around the home of Borchalou rugs. Click any image for a larger view.
