Types of Hand-Knotted Carpets

Hunting (Shekargah) Carpets

Hunting Carpets or Shekargah Rugs are specialized type of Pakistani Carpets which symbolize hunting scene which are sign of the power of the nobles during the Persian Empire . It depicts princes riding horses through grasslands and forests shooting wild animals such as lions and leopards, as well as rabbits and deer with Parthian shot (buckshot) or stabbing them with swords .

History of Hunting (Shekargah) Carpets

The history of hunting carpets goes back thousands of years. People have always loved stories, and long ago, they started using carpets to tell those stories. One of the most exciting things they liked to show was hunting. Hunting was not just for food. In many parts of the world, it was a sport for kings, princes, and wealthy people. It was a way to show power and bravery. These hunting scenes were carefully woven into hand-knotted carpets, made by skilled people who worked on them for months, sometimes even years. The carpets were not only used on floors. Some were hung on walls like paintings. They were made to be beautiful, detailed, and full of life.

One of the oldest known hunting carpets is the Pazyryk rug. It is believed to be over 2,000 years old. This special rug was found in the frozen tomb of a Scythian prince in Siberia. The cold weather helped to keep it in very good condition. The design of the Pazyryk rug shows men on horses around the edge and deer in the center. This tells us that hunting was important even in ancient times. It was more than just survival. It was something people wanted to remember and celebrate. The Pazyryk rug is made of wool and dyed in natural colors, showing early skill in carpet making and design.

In the 1500s, during the time of the Safavid Empire in Persia, hunting carpets became even more detailed and artistic. One famous example is a large silk carpet made for Shah Tahmasp. He was a ruler who loved the arts and supported painters and weavers. This hunting carpet was designed by his court artist, Sultan Muhammad, in the city of Kashan, which was known for its fine rugs. The carpet is now kept in a museum in Vienna, Austria. It is more than 22 feet long and over 10 feet wide. It shows many scenes of men on horses and on foot, hunting animals like deer, lions, and wolves using bows, spears, and swords.

This kind of carpet was not made for everyday use. It was a special piece, likely made for a palace. The weavers paid great attention to every small detail. You can see the muscles of the animals, the clothes of the hunters, and the expressions on their faces. These carpets were like stories woven into fabric. They showed what life was like for the rich and powerful, what they enjoyed doing, and what they valued. They were also used to impress guests and show the ruler’s taste and wealth. Because they were made of silk and had gold and silver threads, they were very costly and rare.

The history of hunting carpets shows us how rugs were more than just home items. They were a way for people to share their culture and beliefs. Each carpet tells a story. It could be about a day in the forest, a big hunting trip, or the bravery of a warrior. These rugs give us a window into the past. We can learn about what animals lived in the area, what kind of tools hunters used, and how people dressed. Even today, many of these carpets are kept in museums or private collections, where they are studied and admired for their beauty and meaning.

Today, hunting carpets are still made in some places, though not as often as before. They are usually made as art pieces or collector’s items. Many people love them for their history and unique designs. They are a link between the past and the present. When you look at a hunting carpet, you are not just looking at a rug. You are seeing a piece of history, one that tells a real human story. That is what makes the history of hunting carpets so rich and interesting for both beginners and experts alike.

Popularity of Hunting (Shekargah) Carpets

The popularity of hunting carpets has grown from royal courts to homes and galleries around the world. These carpets were once made for kings and nobles who used them to show their love for hunting and their high status. Over time, people began to see more than just decoration in these rugs. They saw culture, history, and stories from a different time. Each hunting carpet tells a moment in life, showing hunters, animals, and nature in detailed and meaningful scenes. Today, collectors, historians, and even everyday rug lovers find value in these pieces for their beauty and rich background. Even people who don’t know much about rugs can feel something special when they see one. They carry emotion, art, and human skill in every knot. This lasting connection is a big reason why hunting carpets continue to be admired, studied, and kept safe.

While machine-made rugs are now common, hand-knotted hunting carpets still hold a strong place in the world of textiles and interior design. Their popularity comes not just from how they look, but also from what they represent. They are symbols of craftsmanship, storytelling, and cultural memory. In many homes, these carpets are used as statement pieces that spark interest and conversation. In museums, they are carefully displayed as works of art and history. Social media and online platforms have also helped more people discover and appreciate them.

Tabrizi Treasure

Hunting Carpet 17th CE

This beautiful carpet, displayed at the Museum of Islamic Art, was woven in the early 11th century AH (17th century CE) in the workshops of Tabriz in northwest Iran.

Persian Isfahan

Shekargah Carpet 1950's

Very fine Isfahan (Seirafian atelier) carpet. Woven from high quality cork wool on silk with 1.2 million knots. Probably from Sadegh Seirafian atelier circa 1950.

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Analytics of Hunting (Shekargah) Carpets

These rugs remain highly prized today and are sought after by collectors and connoisseurs of fine rugs. They are seen as an important part of the cultural heritage of the Mughal Empire and are valued for their historical and artistic significance. They are also highly decorative and can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any room. Mughal hunting rugs are a unique and highly prized type of rug that reflects the cultural and artistic traditions of the Mughal Empire.

1. Production

Making a hunting carpet takes time, care, and skill. Each one is made by hand, usually by skilled weavers who know how to turn thread into art. One of the main methods they use is hand knotting. This means tying one small knot at a time to slowly build the design. It’s a slow process, but it makes the carpet strong and long-lasting. These types of carpets can last for many years, even passed down from one generation to the next. Another important part of the process is dyeing the threads. The weavers use natural or plant-based colors to dye the wool or silk before they start weaving. This helps bring the patterns to life. The colors need to be even, bright, and carefully chosen to match the design. Sometimes, workers also add embroidery, which means stitching extra designs onto the carpet to give it more texture and detail. At the end, the carpet goes through finishing steps like trimming the edges and washing it to remove dust or extra dye. All these steps come together to make a hunting carpet that is not just beautiful, but also made to last.

2. Symbolism

The design of a hunting carpet are symbolized by natural elements. It carries meanings through the use of symbols and patterns. One of the most common symbols is the stag, which stands for power, strength, and nobility. In many hunting carpets, the stag is shown running while hunters chase it on horses. This scene has a background about the struggle between humans and nature, something people have faced for centuries. It’s not just about hunting animals, but also about facing challenges in life. Other important symbols include bows, arrows, and spears. These tools remind us of the skill and focus needed during the hunt. At the same time, carpets often include geometric shapes and floral designs and even the cycle of life and death.

3. Comparison

Hunting carpets come from many parts of the world, and each one has its own style. Persian hunting carpets are known for their detailed designs and bright colors. They often show hunters on horses chasing animals, with lots of small, careful patterns. On the other hand, Turkish hunting carpets usually have more simple or abstract designs. These often include geometric shapes and symbols instead of full scenes. Caucasian hunting carpets use strong colors and sharp, bold shapes. Their designs show the culture and art style of the people in that area.

Region	Design Style	Common Features
Persian	Detailed and vibrant	Hunters on horseback, animals, natural scenes
Turkish	Abstract and geometric	Geometric shapes, stylized motifs
Caucasian	Bold and angular	Strong colors, sharp shapes

Persian hunting carpets are known for detailed scenes and bright colors.
They often show hunters on horseback chasing animals like deer and lions.
Turkish hunting carpets usually have abstract and geometric designs.
These carpets use shapes and simple motifs rather than detailed pictures.
Caucasian hunting carpets feature bold colors and sharp, angular patterns.
Each region’s carpets reflect its unique culture and weaving style.
Hunting carpets tell stories about hunting, nature, and tradition.
They are made by skilled weavers using hand-knotting and dyeing techniques.
These carpets are both beautiful and long-lasting works of art.
Collectors and museums value hunting carpets for their history and craftsmanship.

Conclusion

After taking a close look at the hunting carpet on display at the Museo Poldi Pezzoli in Milan, it’s easy to see why this piece is so special. Every part of the carpet its bright colors, fine details, and careful weaving shows the deep skill and patience of the Persian weavers who made it. The hunting scenes are not just beautiful to look at, but also help us understand the important role hunting played in Persian culture. From the animals to the hunters and the natural setting, each part is woven with great care and meaning.

This carpet is more than just a work of art. It is a piece of Persian history. Its place in the museum lets people from around the world admire the beauty and tradition of Persian carpet making. As visitors leave, they carry with them a lasting picture of the hard work and creativity behind these carpets. The hunting carpet reminds us why it is so important to protect and share the rich cultural heritage of Iran and to honor the old craft of hand-woven rugs.

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