Heriz

Heriz is one of a group of villages in the Iranian part of Azerbaijan a few miles west of the city of Tabriz to which specific design groups of rugs are attributed, although there is little difference in their overall structure. Most Heriz examples have a design of a large central stepped medallion with corners or an all-over design of highly-stylised floral motifs. They are symmetrically knotted on cotton foundations and are usually quite thick and heavy. One of the most distinguishing features of early Heriz carpets dating from the late-19th and early-20th centuries is their remarkably rich and varied palette.

The rugs and carpets of Heriz, together with those from the other famous villages in the area - Karaja, Sarab and Bakhshaish - constitute something of a mystery. It seems impossible to believe that so many thousands of rugs could have emanated from what were once such comparatively small and primitive places. It certainly is impossible to believe that the group of sophisticated silk piled rugs attributed to Heriz were made there.