Qum (Qom) Rug
What is a Qum (Qom) Rug?
A Qum rug—also spelled Qom or Ghom—is a luxurious Persian carpet known for its fine weave, intricate designs, and use of premium materials. Woven in the city of Qum in central Iran, Qum rugs are a relatively modern addition to Persian carpet history, with production beginning in the early 20th century. Unlike tribal rugs, Qum rugs are usually workshop-made, allowing for exceptional precision and consistency. Many are crafted entirely from pure silk, including both the pile and foundation, while others use high-quality cork wool with silk highlights. Knot densities range from 200 to over 500 knots per square inch, enabling highly detailed curvilinear patterns. Common designs include floral medallions, garden motifs, hunting scenes, and elaborate pictorial themes. The color palette is rich and jewel-like, featuring sapphire blue, emerald green, ruby red, and gold set against ivory or black backgrounds. Qum rugs are prized for their elegance, refinement, and unmatched artistic detail.
Qum (Qom) Rug History and Origin
Qum (Qom), a religious city located about 100 km south of Tehran, began its carpet-weaving tradition in the early 1900s. Unlike older rug centers with tribal or village roots, Qum rug production was a deliberate and market-oriented endeavor. Influenced by nearby cities like Kashan and Isfahan, Qum’s workshops adopted advanced techniques to produce rugs with superior fineness and clarity. The city quickly gained acclaim during the mid-20th century for its silk rugs, which became popular in global markets, especially in Europe and North America. While early Qum rugs sometimes featured religious or calligraphic motifs, most modern pieces focus on floral or scenic designs. Qum carpets are often signed by master weavers and may include dates or inscriptions woven into the borders. Today, Qum is celebrated for producing some of Iran’s most exquisite rugs, and mid-century silk Qum pieces are highly collectible for their artistic and historical value.
How to Identify Qum (Qom) Rug? Qum (Qom) Rug Pattern, Colors, Design
Qum rugs are identifiable by their extreme fineness, glossy texture, and intricately detailed patterns. Many are made entirely of silk, both in the pile and the warp/weft foundation, giving the rug a luminous sheen and delicate hand feel. Even Qum wool rugs use top-grade materials. Designs are curvilinear and elaborate, often including ornate floral sprays, arabesques, palmettes, scrolling vines, or medallions. Pictorial rugs may depict gardens, animals, historical scenes, or pastoral landscapes. Qum rugs often feature a central medallion with four matching corner spandrels, a layout similar to Isfahan or Kashan rugs. Knot counts are extremely high—typically 200 to 500+ KPSI—allowing fine rendering of even the smallest elements. Color schemes include vibrant ruby reds, emerald greens, sapphire blues, and golds, with pastel and ivory accents for contrast. Qum rugs are symmetrical, balanced, and usually small to medium in size. A rug with brilliant silk, perfect symmetry, and detailed elegance is very likely a Qum.
How Much Do Qum (Qom) Rugs Cost?
Qum rugs are among the most expensive Persian carpets per square foot, especially those made of pure silk. Prices vary based on size, material, knot count, condition, and whether the rug is signed. Small silk Qum rugs (e.g., 3×5 ft or 91×152 cm) typically range from $3,000 to $7,000, while larger silk examples (like 4.5×7 ft or 137×213 cm) can command $8,000 to $15,000 or more. Signed, dated, or antique Qum silk rugs are highly collectible and may exceed $20,000. New workshop Qum rugs generally cost between $100 and $300 per square foot, depending on material and fineness. Wool-based or silk-wool blend Qum rugs are more affordable, often ranging from $1,500 to $4,000 for mid-size pieces. Because of their artistry, materials, and meticulous production, Qum rugs are considered investment pieces. Their value tends to remain strong, especially for well-preserved vintage examples from the mid-20th century.
What Are Common Qum (Qom) Rug Sizes?
Due to the high knot density and long weaving time required, Qum rugs are most commonly found in small to medium sizes. Popular formats include 2×3 ft (61×91 cm), 3×5 ft (91×152 cm), and 4×6 ft (122×183 cm), especially for pure silk rugs. Larger rugs like 5×7 ft (152×213 cm) and 6×9 ft (183×274 cm) exist, usually with wool or silk-wool blends. Oversized pieces such as 8×10 ft (244×305 cm) or larger are rare and typically made on commission. Many Qum rugs are used as decorative accent pieces or wall hangings rather than floor coverings. Prayer rugs with arched mihrab motifs are common and often measure around 4×6 ft. Their manageable sizes make them suitable for entryways, reading nooks, or display settings. Because Qum rugs focus on detail and luxury rather than scale, they remain best known for compact dimensions that showcase their refined craftsmanship and complex design work.
