Exhibition “Carpex 2017”

The brilliance and lure of the Persian carpet are sublime and legendary. Nearly all carpet masterworks are anonymous art for the ages, each carrying its own distinct narrative, culture and spirituality. – The Persian carpet or Persian rug is an essential part of Persian art and culture. Carpet-weaving is undoubtedly one of the most distinguished manifestations of Persian culture and art, and dates back to ancient Persia. – In 2008, Iran exports of hand-woven carpets were $420 million or 30% of the world’s market. There is an estimated population of 1.2 million weavers in Iran producing carpets for domestic markets and international export. – Iran exports carpets to more than 100 countries, as hand-woven rugs are one of its main non-oil export items. The country produces about five million square meters of carpets annually – 80 percent of which are sold in international markets. – Iran is the world’s largest producer and exporter of handmade carpets, producing three quarters of the world’s total output. – Iran is also the maker of the largest handmade carpet in history, measuring 60,546 square feet (5,624.9 square meters).