An ‘Encyclopedia of Persian Carpets’ will be published in the next Iranian calendar year (starting March 21, 2015), said the head of the Iran Carpet Association.
“The book compilation began five years ago. Several articles were submitted to the association’s secretariat of which 300 have been accepted so far,” Amir-Hossein Chitsazian told IRNA on the sidelines of the opening ceremony of the association’s office in Kashan.
“Lack of sources and experts in the field of Persian carpet knowledge has delayed the book’s publication,” he added.
The encyclopedia is being compiled with the aim of presenting credible scientific reference in the field of carpets. The book will focus on designs, patterns and aesthetics, technical knowledge, dyeing, management, economics and trade, history, geography and the styles of carpets.
Persian carpets often feature geometric patterns which are a reflection of Islamic influences, although many Persian rugs depict natural scenes of animal and plant wildlife.
There are 1.2 million weavers in Iran, producing carpets for domestic markets and international export.
Iran exports carpets to at least 70 countries in the world. Experts attribute the increasingly lucrative market for Persian carpets worldwide to its quality, color and design.
The United Arab Emirates and Germany are the main importers of Persian carpets, followed by Japan, Lebanon, and Qatar.
