Heriz Rug
What is a Heriz Rug?
A Heriz rug is a type of Persian rug known for its bold geometric design, durable construction, and vivid color palette. Originating from the Heriz region in northwestern Iran, these hand-knotted Persian carpets feature a striking central medallion with sharp, angular outlines and large corner motifs. Unlike the curvilinear patterns seen in city rugs, Heriz carpets emphasize strong, rectilinear shapes, reflecting their village roots. The wool used is exceptionally strong, believed to gain extra durability from copper-rich local water. Colors include deep reds, navy blues, ivory, and touches of green or gold, creating a powerful aesthetic. Heriz rugs are a favorite among decorators for their ability to blend rustic charm with timeless elegance. Collectors value them for their longevity and cultural heritage. As a Persian carpet, the Heriz rug stands out for its ability to balance artistic design with everyday durability, making it a staple in both traditional and modern interiors.
Heriz Rug History and Origin
Heriz rugs are woven in the town of Heriz and its surrounding villages in Iran’s East Azerbaijan province, near Tabriz. This region is known for producing some of the most durable Persian carpets in the world. Heriz rug weaving dates back to the 19th century, when local artisans developed a bold, geometric style to meet increasing Western demand. The tradition is rooted in the craftsmanship of Azerbaijani Turk weavers, blending Persian and Turkic influences. A unique feature of Heriz rugs is the use of wool from local sheep, which is strengthened by the region’s copper-rich water. This results in a thick, heavy rug known for its exceptional wear resistance. By the early 20th century, Heriz carpets had gained international recognition, often used in stately homes in Europe and North America. Each nearby village—like Karaja or Goravan—offers slight variations, but all maintain the iconic central medallion and bold layout that define a Heriz Persian rug.
How to Identify Heriz Rug? Heriz Rug Pattern, Colors, Design
A Heriz rug is easy to identify by its massive, jagged medallion, geometric shapes, and vivid colors. Unlike the fine, curving floral designs in other Persian rugs, Heriz carpets embrace bold, rectilinear motifs. The medallion often appears as a large diamond or star, outlined by stepped or serrated edges, with angular corner spandrels filling the field. These Persian carpets typically showcase rich reds, deep blues, ivory, and sometimes gold, green, or light blue. The design includes stylized florals, like palmettes or leaves, arranged in geometric patterns. The weave is relatively coarse, with knot densities around 30 to 100 knots per square inch—less than city rugs, but intentionally so for durability. Heriz rugs are made with high-quality wool and usually have a cotton foundation. Wide borders with rosettes or the Herati pattern are common. These features make the Heriz rug distinct, blending artistic flair with practical structure, ideal for both collectors and interior designers.
How Much Do Heriz Rugs Cost?
Heriz rug prices vary widely based on size, age, and overall quality, with most ranging from $1,500 to $8,000 USD. A newly made medium-sized Heriz rug (e.g., 6’ x 9’ or 8’ x 10’) typically sells for $1,500 to $4,000 USD. Larger rugs (such as 9’ x 12’ and up) usually cost $3,000 to $8,000 USD, especially if woven with vibrant natural dyes and durable wool. Antique Heriz rugs—including 19th-century Serapi types—are highly collectible and can command prices exceeding $10,000 to $20,000 USD, depending on condition and design balance. While their knot density is coarser than finer city rugs, this does not diminish their value. Instead, collectors and designers prioritize visual impact, medallion strength, and wool quality. A Heriz rug represents not just decor, but a durable investment in the rich tradition of Iranian rug weaving.
What Are Common Heriz Rug Sizes?
Heriz rugs are most commonly found in medium to large room sizes. Standard dimensions include 8 feet x 10 feet (240 x 300 cm), 9 feet x 12 feet (270 x 360 cm), and 10 feet x 14 feet (300 x 425 cm)—ideal for living rooms and dining areas. Antique Heriz rugs, especially the coveted Serapi variety, were often woven in oversized formats for export in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Smaller Heriz rugs, like 4 feet x 6 feet (120 x 180 cm) or 5 feet x 7 feet (150 x 210 cm), work well as statement pieces in studies or entryways. While Heriz-style runners are less common, nearby villages such as Karaja produce similar geometric rugs in runner formats, such as 3 feet x 10 feet (90 x 300 cm). Built with rugged wool and strong weaving, Heriz rugs hold up well in high-traffic areas and add timeless character to any room.
