Yazd Rug
What is a Yazd Rug?
A Yazd rug is an elegant, hand-knotted Persian carpet originating from the city of Yazd in central Iran, renowned for closely resembling Kashan rugs. Yazd rugs showcase intricate, curvilinear designs featuring prominent central medallions, elaborate floral motifs, and flowing vine patterns. They are crafted from exceptionally fine kork wool, sometimes enhanced with silk highlights, creating a soft texture and subtle sheen. Knot densities in Yazd carpets are notably high, often ranging between 250 and 350 knots per square inch (KPSI), allowing for extraordinary clarity in pattern details. Traditional Yazd colors include rich crimson reds, deep navy blues, ivory, and touches of gold or beige—reflecting the desert palette surrounding Yazd itself. Due to their luxurious materials and refined aesthetics, Yazd rugs hold a prestigious place among collectors seeking authentic Persian artistry.
Yazd Rug History and Origin
Yazd rugs hail from Yazd, an ancient desert city in central Iran with a weaving tradition dating back to the Safavid era (16th–17th centuries). Originally influenced by the celebrated weaving center of Kashan, Yazd’s artisans adopted and refined Kashan’s classical medallion-and-floral designs, achieving comparable excellence in quality. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries (the Qajar period), Yazd became prominent in its own right, known especially for extremely fine wool and sophisticated dyeing techniques. Although sometimes overshadowed by neighboring cities, Yazd’s carpets gained recognition for craftsmanship rivaling even Kashan’s finest pieces. Throughout the 20th century, Yazd workshops continued producing elegant rugs appreciated globally, preserving the region’s reputation for excellence and beauty. Today, Yazd carpets remain admired as prestigious examples of classic Persian design, celebrated both for their historic significance and enduring elegance.
How to Identify Yazd Rug? Yazd Rug Pattern, Colors, Design
Identifying a Yazd rug involves closely examining its characteristic details and subtle color variations. Typically, Yazd rugs feature a large, ornate central medallion, usually oval or round, surrounded by graceful arabesques, palmettes, and floral sprays. The corners often echo medallion motifs, resulting in a harmonious, balanced appearance. Borders are classically Persian, showcasing intricate vine scrolls, palmettes, or floral cartouches within multiple guard bands. Yazd rugs commonly employ softer or more pastel colors—such as muted blues, delicate greens, or subtle gold shades—alongside traditional reds and navy blues, offering a slightly gentler palette compared to Kashan rugs. Structurally, Yazd carpets are densely woven using Persian asymmetrical knots on a cotton foundation, producing a medium-low clipped pile that emphasizes the clarity of intricate patterns. The back side typically reveals neatly arranged knots and occasionally silk highlights, confirming Yazd’s meticulous craftsmanship.
How Much Do Yazd Rugs Cost?
Yazd rug prices vary significantly based on age, size, and knot quality, ranging from moderately affordable to highly collectible. Typical mid-century Yazd carpets measuring around 8'×12' (240×365 cm) usually sell between $3,000 and $8,000 USD, depending on condition and craftsmanship. Smaller vintage rugs (around 4'×6' or 120×180 cm) frequently range between $1,200 and $2,500 USD. At the high end, exceptional antique Yazd rugs—particularly silk-highlighted pieces or very finely knotted examples from the early 20th century—can reach tens of thousands of dollars, with some museum-quality carpets exceeding $100,000 USD at prestigious auctions. Generally, Yazd rugs offer comparable quality to Kashan carpets but often at slightly lower prices, making them an attractive alternative for collectors and interior designers seeking authentic, high-quality Persian rugs without premium pricing.
What Are Common Yazd Rug Sizes?
Yazd rugs come in various standard sizes suited to both residential and formal spaces. Commonly produced dimensions include mid-sized area rugs such as 6'×9' (approximately 180×275 cm), 8'×12' (240×365 cm), and larger room-sized pieces up to about 10'×14' (300×425 cm). Smaller Yazd rugs—such as 3'×5' (90×150 cm)—are less common but still available, typically serving as decorative accents or entryway pieces. Additionally, Yazd weavers produced occasional corridor runners approximately 3' wide and 10' to 15' (90 cm × 300–450 cm) in length. Exceptionally large Yazd carpets exceeding 12'×18' (365×550 cm) were occasionally commissioned for palatial interiors, demonstrating the versatility of Yazd’s weavers. In modern homes, Yazd rugs of standard room dimensions are especially popular, easily anchoring living rooms, dining areas, or master suites with their classical Persian sophistication.
