Antique Heriz & Serapi Rugs Gallery
One of the most readily recognizable Persian rugs is the Heriz. Heriz rugs, boldly colored in rust reds and blues, have rectilinear design elements rather than curvy ones found on formal Persian rugs. Most often the design focuses around a large center medallion. However, Heriz rugs without medallions may also be found. The best of the Heriz rugs have a particularly crisp look because the design elements are outlined by two lines of contrasting colors. Heriz rugs traditionally have a thick pile and heavy foundation.
These rugs are woven in about thirty towns and villages near the city of Tabiz, in Northwest Iran, Heriz being the largest. The best grade of Heriz rugs is known as Serapi. These are Heriz rugs with a finer a weave and curvier design elements. The coarser grades of Heriz rugs are known as Gorevans. The terms Heriz, Serapi, and Gorevan are named after towns. However, these terms now refer to quality rather than the actual town of origin.
Heriz rugs have been popular throughout the last century and continue to be so. Turkey and Afghanistan are source of the best rugs in the Heriz design being produced today. See the Geometric & Tribal Rugs gallery for examples of new rugs in these designs.
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