Location of Manufacture:
Situated between Tehran and Kashan it is about
90 miles (145 km) south of the capital of Persia.
Lying as it does
in the Persian highlands, the town of Qum has an ancient
and colourful history. It is famous for its golden domed
mosque and for the mausoleum of Shah Abbas. The tomb of
Fatima is also situated here and is a major centre of pilgrimage
for Shiite moslems. It occupies a crossroads position with
other important cities.
General Description: Contrary to some theories, rug-making is essentially a recent introduction at Qum. The first looms were established in the 1930’s at the instigation of a group of Kashan merchants. Qum is, in fact, a great success story in modern rug-weaving, for in spite of its late start, which may have been due to the lack of a ready supply of wool, it has gained for itself a reputation for really high quality rugs. Although a late starter, its rugs are not mere copies of those of other centres, for its designers have adapted and created designs and a style which is distinctly their own. Among the Qum adaptions of other Persian designs may be mentioned the Jozandi Qum i.e. a Qum rug with a Jozan inspired design and boteh motif rugs which are more typically associated with Mir. Isfahan has lent its floral influence, Kashan its love of the central medallion and Baktiari has also had its influence too. The zel-i-sultan pattern has also become associated with Qum. In spite of all this, Qum rugs are relatively easy to identify and are not usually confused with the originators of some of these designs. Colours are varied and often vivid, ivory and white being the popular colours for the field. The border is normally composed of three bands: while border herati are found, the central band often takes its motif from the ground design. The border is normally small in relation to the total area of the rug.
The rugs are produced on vertical looms and made as an urban ‘cottage’ industry, with an average of two looms to each home. The warp is generally of cotton, though occasionally silk is used. Knots which are dense, about 250-300 to the square inch are trimmed closely and evenly. The weft is wool, sometimes with the addition of silk.
Specification: Loom - vertical. Warp - cotton, occasionally silk. Weft - wool, sometimes with the addition of silk. Knot - Persian, 250-300 knots to the square inch, tight and even. Motifs - various - including zel-i-sultan: central medallions; floral; boteh etc.
