Meymeh
Meymeh rugs come from a small village in Isfahan Province and are appreciated for their detailed floral medallions in small to medium sizes.
- Region
- Persia / Iran
- Category
- Persian rugs
- Manufacturing
- Hand-knotted
- Knot density
- 150,000 – 300,000 knots/m²
Profile
- Manufacturing
- Hand-knotted
- Origin
- Iran — Meymeh, Isfahan Province
- Pile material
- Wool on cotton
- Knot density
- 150,000 – 300,000 knots/m²
- Features
- Floral medallions, small-to-medium sizes, fine knotting
Photo: Morgenland Rugs
Origin
Meymeh rugs come from the eponymous town of Meymeh in Isfahan Province in central Iran. The town lies about 60 kilometres north-west of the historic city of Isfahan and has been known for its rug weaving for centuries. The region of Persia shaped the development of this rug style decisively through its location on important trade routes and proximity to Isfahan, one of the most important centres of Persian rug art.
Characteristics
Meymeh rugs are distinguished by their characteristic geometric patterns and the use of medallion designs. Typical is the central medallion, often surrounded by smaller geometric elements. The palette is mostly restrained and consists predominantly of blues, reds, and beiges. The borders are multi-tiered and frequently show floral or geometric ornaments.
The rugs have a medium-to-fine knot density and are known for their symmetrical, balanced compositions. Stylised palmettes, rosettes, and other traditional Persian ornaments often appear, rendered in a more geometric interpretation.
Material and technique
Meymeh rugs are traditionally knotted from sheep's wool, with both warp and weft usually cotton. The use of the Turkish (Ghiordes) knot is characteristic of these rugs. Knot density typically lies between 120,000 and 250,000 knots per square metre.
The pile is medium-long and of good quality. Natural colours are traditionally obtained from plant and mineral dyes, although modern productions also use chrome-dyed yarns. The rugs are available in various sizes, with medium formats particularly common.
Worth knowing
Rug production in Meymeh has its roots in the Safavid period (16th–18th centuries), when the region stood under the influence of nearby Isfahan. Today both traditional and modern interpretations of the classical patterns are made in Meymeh.
A particular feature of Meymeh rugs is their longevity and durability, making them valued everyday rugs. The weaving tradition is often passed down from generation to generation, with each weaving family developing its own variations of the traditional patterns.
Frequently asked questions
How do Meymeh rugs differ from Isfahan rugs?
Meymeh rugs are generally more geometrically designed and have a coarser knot density than the fine Isfahan rugs. While Isfahan rugs often show very richly detailed floral patterns, Meymeh rugs prefer more stylised and geometric interpretations of traditional motifs.
Are Meymeh rugs suitable for daily use?
Yes — thanks to their robust construction and the use of high-quality sheep's wool, Meymeh rugs are very well suited to daily use. They are hard-wearing and retain their shape and colour even with regular use.
What sizes are Meymeh rugs made in?
Meymeh rugs are produced in various sizes, from smaller formats (around 100 × 150 cm) to larger rugs (300 × 400 cm). Particularly common are medium sizes between 200 × 300 cm and 250 × 350 cm.
How do I recognise an authentic Meymeh rug?
Authentic Meymeh rugs are recognisable by their characteristic knotting technique, material composition (wool on cotton), and typical geometric patterns. The back shows a clear, symmetrical pattern, and the fringes are usually cotton.
Impressions of the origin
Places, landscapes and landmarks around the home of Meymeh rugs. Click any image for a larger view.
