Khersak is a type of carpet known for its coarse texture. For an in-depth look into this art, join Saed News.
Carpets, rugs, or "qalins" are woven floor coverings made from cotton, wool, and sometimes silk, typically used for covering floors. A carpet with knots and pile is referred to as a "qalich." Historically, carpets have also been appreciated for their decorative appeal due to their intricate designs. The city of Tabriz has been named the carpet capital of the world, and its carpet-weaving history dates back to pre-Safavid times. During the Safavid era in the late 15th century, carpet weaving evolved from a rural craft to an advanced courtly art form.
Each carpet consists of the following parts: warp, weft, pile, or the "body" of the carpet.
Warp: Vertical threads that form the backbone of the carpet. They can be made from wool, cotton, or silk, depending on the quality of the carpet.
Weft: Horizontal threads that pass through the warp, creating the fabric. Like the warp, the weft can also be made from silk, wool, or cotton. Premium carpets often use silk for both warp and weft, while most carpets prioritize cotton due to its strength and low elasticity, providing durability.
Pile: The knots tied onto the warp threads, forming the patterns and colors seen in the carpet. In high-end carpets, the pile is often silk, while mid-range carpets use wool.
Khersak carpets are characterized by their coarse texture, crafted predominantly with wool, which gives them a thicker weave. The use of wool, a naturally voluminous material, results in a robust and warm carpet, suitable for colder climates and villas.
In the Semnan province of Iran, traditional handwoven crafts such as kilims, jajims, and khersak carpets have been popular for generations. In the village of After, located in the Sarak County, women have long woven khersak carpets, creating unique and traditional designs. The term "khersak" is derived from the word "khers," meaning bear, as the carpet’s untrimmed wool pile gives it a furry and thick appearance. This craft has been passed down through generations and continues to thrive in small workshops in the region.
Durability: These carpets are exceptionally long-lasting due to their dense woolen knots.
Absorption: The pile is moisture-absorbent and resilient.
Affordability: Khersak carpets are less expensive than others because their production does not require intricate designs or specialized techniques.
Weight: The extensive use of wool makes these carpets heavy, limiting their popularity.
The revival of traditional arts like khersak weaving symbolizes a return to cultural roots and heritage. While many traditional crafts may no longer serve their original purposes in modern life, incorporating their motifs and techniques into contemporary designs can breathe new life into these crafts and support local artisans. Revitalizing such traditional arts fosters a connection to history while offering sustainable and creative economic opportunities.
