Wool, silk and cotton in Persian rugs

The short answer

Most Persian rugs have a wool pile tied onto a cotton foundation. Tribal and nomadic rugs often use wool for the foundation too. Fine city rugs may use silk for the foundation, the pile, or for highlights. Dyes may be natural (plants, insects) or synthetic.

Wool

Wool is the main pile fibre. Its quality depends on the sheep breed, climate and whether it is hand-spun. Kork is soft, fine wool from the neck and shoulders, used in fine rugs.

Cotton

Cotton is strong and does not stretch, so it keeps a rug flat and square. It is the usual foundation in city rugs.

Silk

Silk allows very fine knots and has a strong sheen. It is used in Qom, Isfahan, Tabriz and Kashan rugs. Much 'silk' in the market is artificial silk (viscose).

Dyes

• Madder: reds
• Indigo: blues
• Weld and other plants: yellows
• Walnut husk and pomegranate: browns
• Synthetic dyes: common since the late 19th century; good ones are stable

Checking materials

Look at the fringe and back to see the foundation. Ask the seller in writing what the pile, foundation and dyes are.