Kerman and Kerman-e Laver Style
Kerman
The western trade designation 'Laver' is an incorrect form of the name
Ravar, the weaving center situated north-east of Kerman, adjacent to the
Lut desert. Ravar has long been the origin of some of the finest of
Kerman products. The historical explanation appears to be that during
the wars of the late 19th century much of Kerman was destroyed and a
large part of the population, among them many carpet weavers, fled to
Ravar. Although the weavings are characteristic of Kerman, the high
quality rugs produced in Ravar soon gained recognition and the workshops
founded their own tradition. The term 'Lavar' has become so firmly
entrenched in the trade that it has even been used as a designation for
high quality products of other provenances.
Patterns
A speciality of Ravar is the thousand flower design which
covers the whole field. Vases, cypresses, as well as other mainly
floral ornaments, including those found in Kerman carpets, are preferred.
Knots
Ravar rugs are woven in the Persian knot, with high knot densities,
up to 5000 knots per sq.dm
Pile
The highest quality wool is used, spun even finer than that of Kerman
rugs. The pile is clipped very short.
Quality
Even new Kerman-Laver rugs are amongst the most expensive Persian carpets
and there is a good chance that they will increase in value. Old and
antique pieces, found in the better carpet shops and at auction, are among
the best products of 19th and 20th century Persian urban carpet weaving.
Rather than subjecting them to wear on the floor, it is recommended that
they be used as decorative wall hanging.
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