Carpet Origins

Chinese Carpets

Since the time of the Ch'ung Chen, the last emperor of the Chen Dynasty which was during the years, 557-589 is the earliest time that history shows us when carpets were crafted in China. Although China has a very rich and long history in carpets, it wasn't until the first half of the 19th century that they started to export their carpets. The Chinese carpets are only woven for internal use. Once the Western countries started to influence the exporting of Chinese carpets, the demand for the carpets increased dramatically all around the World.

Persian Carpets

Persian carpets dating back to the 16th century in the Safavid dynasty which was between, 1501 and 1736. The Persian carpet forms part of the Iranian arts and culture which produce the finest of carpets in the world. Iran is currently that worlds largest manufacturer and exporter of handmade carpets which is producing three quarters of the worlds total carpet trade. The Persian carpets typically have overlapping geometric compartments, palmettes, cloud bands and medallions rather than humans or animals as the dominant religion, Islam, forbids it.

Pakistani Carpets

It all started in the Indus Valley Civilization where they used the method of using spindles and spun a variety of weaving materials. Pakistan's biggest export product is the hand-knotted carpet. The Pakistan carpet designs consist of medallions, paisleys, motifs of gulls, and various geometric designs. In Sangla Hill which is a small town of District Sheikhupura where all the currently manufacturers and exporters have there area office set up, this is the focal point for the Carpet Industry in Pakistan.

Indian Carpets

With the coming of the first Muslim conquerors dating back as far as the eleventh century, carpet weaving was introduced. India brought in Persian craftsman and established them in India. In the beginning the carpets was woven in the art of the fine knotted Persian style but gradually started blending the Indian art into the designs. The quality and design for these carpets became so well known the demand for them spread through the subcontinent extremely quick. These carpets had a very distinct design in them and was boasted for their high density of knots.