Senneh Rug
What is a Senneh Rug?
A Senneh rug is a distinctive type of Persian carpet handwoven by Kurdish artisans in Sanandaj (historically known as Senneh), located in western Iran. Celebrated for their exceptional fineness and precision, these rugs typically feature a sleek, densely knotted wool pile on a sturdy cotton foundation. The Senneh weave boasts approximately 100–160 knots per square inch, highlighting detailed patterns and designs. Common motifs include the intricate Herati (mahi) pattern of diamond shapes intertwined with delicate floral rosettes, or elegant boteh (paisley) designs repeated rhythmically across the field. Senneh rugs are also renowned for their sophisticated color palettes, utilizing deep indigo blues, rich crimson reds, and soft ivory accents—all derived from natural dyes. This combination of refined artistic style, cultural heritage, and intricate craftsmanship makes Senneh rugs highly sought-after among collectors and decorators alike.
Senneh Rug History and Origin
Senneh rugs originate from Sanandaj, the capital city of Iran’s Kurdistan province, historically referred to as Senneh. This region boasts centuries of textile artistry, deeply rooted in Kurdish weaving traditions. By the mid-19th century, Senneh carpets gained international acclaim due to their meticulous craftsmanship and sophisticated designs, increasingly exported to Europe and America. Interestingly, although the "Senneh knot" generally refers to the Persian asymmetrical knot, weavers in Senneh traditionally employed the symmetrical (Turkish) knot, underscoring the area's unique weaving identity. Besides pile rugs, Senneh artisans are celebrated for their finely woven kilims (flat-weave rugs) and saddle blankets, indicative of their versatile weaving skills and diverse textile heritage. Today, Senneh rugs continue to symbolize a vibrant blend of Kurdish cultural motifs and outstanding craftsmanship, maintaining a prestigious position in the global rug market.
How to Identify Senneh Rug? Senneh Rug Pattern, Colors, Design
Senneh rugs are identifiable by their exceptionally detailed designs and precise knotting techniques. A signature pattern is the Herati motif—diamond-shaped lattices intertwined with delicate leaves and flower heads—that often elegantly fills the entire field. Another hallmark design includes a central hexagonal or elongated diamond-shaped medallion, flanked by intricate corner spandrels containing complementary Herati or boteh (paisley) motifs. The borders of Senneh rugs typically feature narrow yet densely patterned stripes, frequently adorned with the “turtle” arabesque—a series of paired, curved leaf patterns creating rhythmic, scrolling borders. The pile of these rugs is characteristically thin and closely clipped, woven from high-quality wool, offering clarity and definition to their complex designs. Color-wise, Senneh rugs predominantly feature deep blues, rich reds, and complementary shades of ivory, cream, or gold, harmoniously combined to highlight their refined Kurdish craftsmanship.
How Much Do Senneh Rugs Cost?
The cost of Senneh rugs varies considerably based on their size, age, design complexity, and knot density. Smaller Senneh rugs or mats, particularly mid-20th-century examples measuring around 3 by 5 feet (approximately 90 by 150 centimeters), typically range from about $700 to $2,000 USD in good condition. Medium-sized Senneh rugs, approximately 5 by 7 feet (150 by 210 centimeters) or larger, often fall within $2,500 to $5,000 USD, depending on their age and intricacy. Antique Senneh carpets dating from the late 19th to early 20th century, particularly those of exceptional weave and vibrant natural dyes, command significantly higher prices, often ranging from $5,000 to over $15,000 USD. Rare, museum-quality Senneh pieces with exquisite patterns and pristine condition have been known to reach prices above $20,000 USD, reflecting their desirability among collectors and investors.
What Are Common Senneh Rug Sizes?
Senneh rugs typically come in small to medium formats, showcasing the weaver’s precise handiwork and detailed motifs. Common sizes include smaller area rugs measuring around 3 by 5 feet (approximately 90 by 150 centimeters) or 4 by 6 feet (about 120 by 180 centimeters). These dimensions perfectly highlight the intricate patterns characteristic of Senneh rugs. Long, narrow gallery runners measuring about 3 to 4 feet wide (90–120 cm) and 8 to 14 feet long (approximately 240–425 cm) are also popular, ideal for hallways and staircases. Medium-sized Senneh carpets in the range of 6 by 9 feet (180 by 270 cm) to roughly 8 by 12 feet (240 by 365 cm) exist but are less common. Large, palace-size Senneh rugs are rare. Historically, Senneh weavers also created miniature pieces such as decorative saddle covers and bag faces, demonstrating their weaving finesse on a smaller scale.
