HISTORY OF ORIENTAL RUGS
The origin of the Persian knotted rug is shrouded in mystery. However, we do know that the earliest pile–woven rug dates back to the 5th century B.C. It was discovered frozen in a Scythian burial site in the Altay Mountains of Siberia near the northeastern border of Mongolia. Modern carbon dating has placed it at 2,500 years old. The discovery of the Pazyryk rug proved that pile weaving is an ancient craft.
The size of the Pazyryk carpet was 6’ by 6’, and was woven with symmetric knots of about 200–225 knots per square inch. The design has a dominant tile–work central motif surrounded by borders featuring rows of elk and horsemen.
Even though it has Persian motifs, the source of the Pazyryk carpet is uncertain. Some scholars believe that it was made in Persia and was imported. Others disagree and believe it was made near the area where it was found. Currently, the Pazyryk carpet is displayed in the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia.
