Sultanabad

Description

History of Sultanabad Rugs
Sultanabad rugs originate from the city of Arak, which was historically known as Sultanabad. Located in central Iran, the city became one of the most important rug-weaving centers in the 19th century.

1. Origins in the 19th Century
Sultanabad was founded in the early 1800s during the Qajar period. Carpet production expanded significantly in the mid-to-late 19th century when Western demand for Persian carpets surged.

A major turning point came in the 1870s when the British company Ziegler & Co. established workshops in Sultanabad. They adapted traditional Persian designs to suit European and American tastes, creating what are now known as Ziegler Sultanabad rugs.

2. Ziegler Influence
Used Persian weavers but adjusted colors and patterns for Western markets Preferred softer, more muted vegetable-dyed palettes Created large-scale floral motifs and open fields
Produced oversized carpets for European mansions.
These rugs became highly popular in England and the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

3. Design Characteristics
Traditional Sultanabad rugs are known for:
Large, bold floral patterns
Spacious, open layouts
Curvilinear vines and palmettes, Soft reds, blues, ivory, and earthy tones, Thick, durable pile.
They differ from more intricate city rugs like those from Isfahan or Tabriz, which tend to feature finer knotting and denser detail.

4. 20th Century Decline and Revival
After World War I, production declined due to:
Political instability
Changing export markets
Industrialization
However, interest revived in the late 20th century as antique Sultanabad and Ziegler rugs became highly collectible in Europe and the U.S.

Today, modern reproductions are woven both in Iran and in countries like India and Pakistan, often marketed as “Sultanabad” or “Ziegler-style” carpets.

5. Legacy
Sultanabad rugs remain valued for their:
Balance of elegance and simplicity
Durability
Adaptability to both traditional and contemporary interiors
Antique pieces from the late 19th century are especially prized in the global rug market.