At Knot n' Co, we believe all rugs are works of art, but pictorial rugs take this artistry to another level.

While most Persian and Afghan rugs tell a story to those who know how to interpret the guls and patterns woven into the wool, pictorial rugs make a clear statement—to both their owners, and to visitors passing through.

The story told by pictorial rugs begins hundreds of years ago, in the peaks and valleys of what was once the Persian empire.

There, nomadic tribes wove hand-dyed wool into representations of their surroundings.

Using their own hands, and a loom, they depicted the flora and fauna around them, the troubles and triumphs of their communities, and the beliefs they upheld within their tribes.

Today, you can bring a piece of this story into your home, with our curated range of luxury pictorial rugs.

What are pictorial rugs?

 

Authentic Hand Knotted Fine Pictorial Afghan Super Kazak Wool Rug 292cm x 178cm woven by the tribal Kazak artisans of Northern Afghanistan Super Kazak rug with all over medallions enclosing images of animals and birds. All colours made from local vegetable and plant dyes Truly a one of a kind rug unmatched in design and colour Woven Using Premium Quality Wool which gives an nrivallled sheen to the pile

A pictorial rug features detailed images or scenes woven into the design.

Unlike traditional geometric or abstract patterns that might be found on other Persian and Afghan rugs, pictorial rugs are crafted to depict specific recognisable images, including landscapes, animals, historical events, or cultural symbols, that are clearly identifiable to the layperson.

The patterns are designed to be as realistic or symbolic as possible.

History and origins of decorative pictorial rugs

Authentic Handknotted Emerald Green Pictorial Afghan Chobi Wool Rug 296cm x 206cm woven in Shebarghan, Afghanistan A unique, one-of-a-kind botanical Pictorial design bringing a touch of both traditional and modern contemporary Rare green field background colour combined with hints of peach& blues all over

Historically, handwoven pictorial rugs were created by skilled artisans using a combination of vibrant colours and detailed designs to narrate stories or capture significant events.

This was executed through the use of specific designs and patterns on high-quality wool and silk.

Designs and their meanings in handmade pictorial carpets

Then and now, many rugs feature animals like lions, birds, and horses, which can represent strength and freedom.

Religious symbols, like the Tree of Life or motifs representing deities, are also common, reflecting the spiritual beliefs of the time.

Additionally, floral motifs often carry symbolic meaning, with certain flowers representing life, fertility, or divine protection.

Significantly, Persian pictorial rugs are known for their narrative content, with the scenes they depict carrying significant symbolic meanings. The themes can range from historical and mythological stories to religious or nature-related depictions. 

Scenes from daily life or historic events have always been common—these can be some of the most striking images, with passing moments from history immortalised in weaving.

You might see battle scenes or depictions of courtly life, reflecting the goings-on of the Ottoman Empire. Familiar figures including lone warriors, kings, or famous military figures appear, often in a stylised, almost allegorical form.

Additionally, pictorial rugs incorporate scenes from Persian mythology, including the epic tales from the Shahnameh (the Persian Book of Kings). Characters like Rostam, Sohrab, and King Khosrow often appear in these designs.

Rugs made for religious purposes might include representations of Islamic architecture or symbols of faith. Sacred sites like Mecca or the Kaaba appear time and time again.

That being said, not all pictorial rugs are rooted in realism. Some pictorial rugs blend geometric patterns with figurative imagery, resulting in highly intricate and balanced compositions that are more open to interpretation.

Materials and techniques

Pictorial rugs are created using both materials and techniques that have been passed down through generations.

The most common material is wool, though some high-end examples also incorporate silk for added richness and shine.

Silk, in particular, is often used in the central designs to create intricate patterns with a more glossy finish.

Persian pictorial rugs are typically made using the Persian knot, which is a symmetrical knot that creates a dense, durable weave.

The warp (vertical threads) and weft (horizontal threads) are typically made of cotton or silk, while the pile (the soft, raised surface of the rug) is commonly woven from wool or silk.

Each knot is individually tied, and the tighter the knots, the more intricate the design can be. This technique is labour-intensive, but results in a rug that can last for generations.

These rugs are then coloured with natural dyes, derived from organic components like pomegranate, madder root, indigo, and walnut husks.

Where are pictorial rugs from?

Authentic Handknotted Beige Pictorial Afghan Kundus Wool Runner 210cm x 82cm woven in Kundus, Northern Afghanistan Unique Bashiri or Beshiri design all over with Boteh and other cultural pictorial symbols celebrates the fine artistry of the Kundus region.  Having a light and darker aspect is a trademark of Handmade Rugs

Several Persian cities are known for producing highly regarded pictorial rugs, both historically and today.

Here are some of the big names to look out for :

  • Isfahan : Known for its fine, detailed pictorial rugs depicting court scenes, gardens, and religious symbols.
  • Tabriz : Famous for its high-quality craftsmanship and detailed pictorial designs showcasing historical figures and animals.
  • Kashan : Known for luxurious silk carpets, often featuring floral motifs.
  • Shiraz : Rugs from Shiraz often depict more abstract, tribal motifs, but some also feature pictorial elements such as animals or people.
  • Qom : Renowned for high-quality silk rugs, Qom pictorial designs can be highly detailed and often have spiritual or religious themes.

Why collect pictorial rugs?

 

Authentic Handknotted Fawn Pictorial Afghan Chobi Wool Rug 197cm x 150cm woven in Shebarghan, Northern Afghanistan A unique, one-of-a-kind Open Field design bringing a touch of both traditional and modern contemporary to your home, with the added benefit of healthy wool and cotton coloured with non toxic dyes. Background colour of this rugs is a natural brown sheep colour. Herds are multicoloured to provide many different shades An array of beautiful flora and fauna reflective of the Central Asian region

These rugs are often used as statement pieces in homes and galleries due to their artistic value.

As much art as it is décor, oriental pictorial rugs tend to hold their value well and, in some cases, appreciate over time.

For example, antique Persian pictorial rugs have been known to fetch impressive prices at auctions.

Rare and well-preserved examples can sell for anywhere between $5,000 to $50,000 or more depending on their age, condition, and historical significance.

Some factors that influence the value of a collectible pictorial rugs include :

  • Age and condition : Older rugs, especially those over 100 years old, tend to be more valuable. Well-preserved rugs with minimal wear and tear are more desirable.
  • Origin : Rugs from Iran, Türkiye, and the Caucasus are highly sought after due to their rich history and craftsmanship.
  • Material and craftsmanship : Rugs made from high-quality materials like silk or fine wool, and those with intricate hand-knotting techniques, are more valuable.
  • Design and rarity : Unique and detailed designs, especially those depicting historical or mythical scenes, often add to a rug's appeal and value.

If you’re interested in starting a collection of pictorial rugs, or investing in a statement piece for your home, Knot n'Co can help.

Starting from humble beginnings, our family business has been importing and selling the quality handmade rugs in Australia for over 30 years.

Today, our passion for bringing handcrafted rugs from Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, India, and Türkiye continues.

Contact us today to learn more.