Carpets from Pakistan
Pakistan has a long history of rug making, with generations of rug artisans honing their skills which translates into well-made rugs with intricate designs and attention to detail.
Pakistani rugs are often crafted from excellent wool, which is known for its softness, durability and natural beauty. Cotton and silk are also sometimes used, depending on the rug’s style.
Quality however can vary depending on the specific region of production. Lahore is known for a high concentration of skilled artisans, while Peshawar rugs are known for their use of vegetable dyes.
A hand-knotted rug indicates a higher level of craftsmanship and durability, and the knot density can also influence quality, as a higher density rug generally indicates a more intricate and valuable rug.
Mori rugs are known for their geometric patterns and bold use of colour. They draw inspiration from a wide range of sources, including: Bokhara designs which replicate the earthy tones of Turkmen rugs; Jaldar designs which hail from Afghanistan and feature bold geometric patterns; and Caucasian designs which reflect the artistic traditions of the Caucasus region.
Chobi rugs are named after the Urdu word for “stick” and can often feature intricate floral patterns. Chobi rugs are influenced by Ziegler rugs, Oushak rugs, and Peshawar rugs, which are known for their floral sprays, vegetable dyes and scrolling vines often with a focus on symmetry.
Persian-style rugs are directly inspired by the rich traditions of Persian rug making, and feature the classic elements you would expect to see such as intricate floral patterns, a high knot density and the use of silk.
Sometimes, these styles may overlap – a Pakistani rug might combine elements from different styles. There are also other regional variations and tribal rugs within Pakistan which wouldn’t always necessarily fall into these three categories.