Tabriz is the capital of East Azerbaijan province in northwest Iran and has been one of the most important rug-weaving cities in Persia for centuries. The city produced some of the earliest known classical Persian carpets and remains a major center for hand-knotted rug production today.
Tabriz is notable for the breadth of its design vocabulary. Unlike many Persian weaving centers that are associated with a single, identifiable style, Tabriz workshops produce rugs in a wide range of designs:
- Medallion — a large central medallion with corner spandrels and a floral field
- All-over — repeating floral patterns covering the entire field
- Herati — the fish-and-diamond pattern, especially popular in Tabriz production
- Pictorial — rugs depicting hunting scenes, gardens, historical figures, and architectural views
- Geometric — simpler village-style designs from the surrounding Heriz district
Tabriz rugs typically use a cotton foundation, wool pile (occasionally with silk highlights), and the asymmetric Persian knot. Knot density varies widely by intended grade. The famous Mahi (Herati) Tabriz and various pictorial Tabriz designs are among the most recognized Persian rug styles in the U.S. market.