SILK RUGS - The epitome of handmade rugs!
In the world of handmade rugs, silk rugs hold a distinct place as the most exclusive hand knotted rugs with the most intricate and artistic pieces crafted by the most skilled artisans in top-tier workshops. They are celebrated for their exquisite patterns, precision knotting, and use of premium silk, earning them their own special classification in the rug world.
Top-tier workshops specializing in silk rugs use only the finest silk, renowned for its luminous sheen, texture, and long-lasting strength. Pure silk is incredibly durable, provided it is not blended with lower-grade materials like mercerized cotton. Prestigious workshops, especially those in Hereke (Turkey) and Qom (Iran), uphold the highest standards and would never compromise the integrity of their work by using inferior materials. The weaving of silk rugs requires artisans with exceptional precision and skill—a rarity today. Creating a large silk rug can take between one and five years, making each rug a timeless masterpiece of craftsmanship and design.
Today, the most elaborate silk rugs are produced in Qom(Ghom), Iran, where weaving began around a century ago by artisans from Kashan. Silk rugs are also produced in Hereke (Turkey). However, due to the limited production they are rare and command high prices, particularly in larger sizes. Hereke is also recognized for producing the largest variety of handmade silk rugs in Turkey with diverse patterns and sizes. In 1843 an imperial handmade workshop was established in Hereke to weave the finest carpets for the Ottoman court. Each renowned workshop has its own distinctive style and color palette. While Iranian silk rugs often feature curvilinear motifs and floral patterns utilize the Persian knot, Hereke rugs are recognized for their use of the double knot technique. The single knot produces a carpet that is more pliable and flexible whereas the double knotted rugs feel a bit more ridged and less flexible. This being said bot are equally durable and resistant to wear. The warp strands on Qom(Ghom) carpets are silk but the weft strands can be either silk or cotton. The finest pieces utilize silk for both warp and weft.
Given the limited supply of high-quality silk rugs in the world, they represent more than just elegant home décor; they embody a dwindling yet enduring tradition of hand-knotting and serve as valuable cultural and artistic investments.
In the video above, a signed Ahmadi silk rug is showcased, boasting around 1.2 million knots per square meter. Ahmadi is a well-established silk rug manufacturer from Qom, Iran, known for its detailed craftsmanship and sharp design elements. The pile is sheared low to emphasize its detailed patterns. Ahmadi rugs use the finest silk available and are regarded as being among the most refined and valuable in the market.
Date: 24th of July 2025