The History of Persian Rugs
Persian rugs symbolise ancient craftsmanship dating back thousands of years. Originating in what was once Persia, now Iran, the first rugs were woven by nomadic tribes, who used them primarily as floor coverings and insulation against the cold. These early designs featured medallions, floral patterns, and geometric shapes, reflecting Persian culture, mythology, and natural landscapes.
Over time, Persian rug-making evolved into an art form. During the Safavid Dynasty, Persia entered into a golden age of rug making – during this time, intricate designs and more detailed craftsmanship developed.
Since then, Persian rugs have become the gold standard, and are coveted worldwide for their beauty, longevity and longstanding ties to tradition and history.
About Blue Persian Rugs
Persian rugs often call to mind the colour red. However, when it comes to Persian rugs, blue has been utilised for as long as the tradition has existed. In fact, the Pazyryk carpet, the oldest known knotted carpet, features prominent red and blue colours, along with other shades.
Discovered in the Pazyryk Valley of Siberia and dating back to the 5th century BCE, the carpet's colour palette features a deep red background, with blue featured heavily in the intricate patterns and borders.
How is the Blue in Persian Rugs Made?
When it comes to Persian rugs, blue is a popular colour choice – but how is the colour made?
Persian rugs, both then and today, are dyed exclusively with natural dyes. These dyes originate from organic components, including saffron and turmeric for yellow, madder root for red, walnut hulls for brown, pomegranate rind for yellow, among others.
For the coveted blue colour, Persian rug makers rely on indigo. This dye is derived from the Indigofera plant, historically cultivated in various regions including India, Africa, and parts of Central and South America. Indigo is one of the oldest known dyes used in textile production.
The dye is traditionally made by fermenting the leaves of the plant to release the indigo pigment, which is then used to dye fabrics. The process is complex and involves creating a dye bath where the fabric is dipped repeatedly to achieve the desired shade of blue.
In many cultures, including Egyptian, Greek, and Roman, indigo-dyed textiles were considered especially valuable, and the dye became a symbol of wealth and status. It was widely traded and was even referred to as "blue gold" in some regions due to its value.
This “blue gold” is still used to dye Persian rugs blue today.
What Does Blue Symbolise In Persian Rugs?
The blue featured on Persian rugs can have many interpretations in both spirituality and ideology. Some of these symbolisms include;
The heavenly and divine
Blue is often associated with the sky and heaven, symbolising the divine and the eternal. It represents a connection to the heavens and the cosmos, as well as a sense of spirituality.
Protection and well-being
In Persian culture, blue is thought to have protective qualities, warding off the "evil eye", a negative force that could cause bad luck. This is why blue is frequently used in the borders or central motifs of rugs to offer spiritual protection to the home.
Purity and peace
Blue symbolises peace, calmness, and purity. It is seen as a soothing colour, promoting tranquillity in the home and often used in design to create a sense of serenity.
Wealth
Indigo-based blue dyes were expensive and hard to produce, making blue one of the more prestigious colours in Persian textiles. A rug featuring rich blue hues was a sign of wealth and high social status.
Nature and water
Blue is often linked to water, especially rivers or lakes, which were central to Persian life, both for practical purposes and as symbols of fertility. In some designs, blue reflects the natural beauty and importance of water in sustaining life.
For darker tones see our Navy Blue Persian Rugs.
What Sort of Space Does a Blue Persian Rug Suit?
A blue Persian rug is an excellent choice for light, coastal homes. Large blue Persian rugs are a harmonious way to anchor a living room, and are well complemented by white or tan lounge sets, natural timber and earthy textures.
Due to its association with peace and balance, a blue Persian rug is also ideal for a bedroom. In addition to being an excellent way to ground your space, there’s also no better way to start your morning than with your feet on a silky soft Persian blue rug.
Why Choose a Blue Persian Rug?
Red Persian Rugs and Green Persian rugs are undeniably beautiful, but not every home (or taste) calls for boldness.
Blue represents balance and harmony. It complements and contrasts beautifully with other colours in Persian rugs, such as red, yellow, and green, and is a serene and calming addition to more minimalistic homes.