Persian Rug Moud 290 x 202 cm Wool Hand-knotted

Moud Persian Rug

Material and Craftsmanship

This Moud Persian rug is hand-knotted with a pile made from high-quality sheep wool. Cotton is also part of its construction: the weft is cotton, and the fringes are made from high-quality cotton yarn. The combination of sheep wool and cotton belongs to the described make of this rug. The wool forms the pile and provides the soft handle associated with Moud rugs made with this material combination.

The knot density is 300,000 to 360,000 knots per square metre. In fine Moud rugs, this density represents a close and carefully executed structure. A large number of individual knots allows Herati details, floral forms and the lines of a medallion to be rendered clearly. The knot density is also associated with the quality and durability of fine Moud rugs.

The cotton fringes are another part of the construction. They finish the rug and reflect the careful handwork described for this piece. The weaving therefore combines a sheep-wool pile with cotton in the weft and cotton yarn at the fringes. The condition of this one-off rug is stated as excellent.

Origin and Tradition

Moud is a historic city in eastern Iran and the place of origin of this Persian rug. Its weaving tradition forms part of the wider Iranian carpet heritage, which has been passed down from one generation to the next. Moud rugs are known for their finely executed construction, varied designs and strong colours. In this region, carpet making remains an important part of the cultural heritage.

Iranian carpet making brings regional design traditions together with a patient, hand-based method of production. A hand-knotted rug is built knot by knot on its foundation. The weaver follows a planned design in which the field, medallion and borders are coordinated. In Moud rugs, the relationship between precise knotting and established ornament is a central feature of the regional tradition.

Moud rugs are divided into several recognised design groups. The Moud medallion is one of the best-known forms. There are also all-over versions in which the field is covered by Herati motifs. A further type is the Moud field pattern, also called the garden pattern. This classification shows how varied the layout can be within one regional tradition. The pattern description for this rug names the Moud medallion, Herati pattern and field pattern.

The carpet culture of Iran includes other well-known origins and styles alongside Moud. Kashan rugs are associated with fine silk designs, while Nain rugs are known for delicate pastel colours and high-quality wool. These names refer to distinct traditions within Iranian carpet making. Together they illustrate the broad range of materials, colour schemes and compositions that developed through the history of Persian rugs.

The transmission of weaving knowledge across generations helps regional patterns remain recognisable. What is passed on includes more than individual motifs: it also includes the handling of materials, the distribution of colour, the construction of borders and the organisation of the field. Moud therefore represents an Iranian origin with its own group of layouts and a clear tradition of using strong colours.

Design and Pattern

The design of this rug is described with three pattern terms: Moud medallion, Herati pattern and field pattern. The Moud medallion is a well-known regional format. A round star medallion provides the centre of the composition. Around this central form, a Herati pattern can spread through the field and create a dense floral structure.

Herati is a traditional Iranian carpet pattern. It combines floral elements with a regular, often symmetrical arrangement. The many small interlocking shapes create a lively but ordered surface. In Moud rugs, the Herati pattern may fill the area around a medallion or cover the entire field. It can therefore be used in both strongly structured compositions and all-over designs.

In a medallion design, the central motif is commonly framed by a border. Moud rugs are described with borders containing palmettes and stylised floral motifs. Palmettes are abstract leaf forms that recur throughout Persian ornament. Stylised flowers add smaller botanical accents. Together, these elements connect the centre of the rug with its outer frame and give the composition a continuous visual structure.

The Moud field pattern is also called the garden pattern. It divides the surface into rectangular compartments, which may contain floral motifs and trees of life. The tree of life is a traditional image that can suggest growth, order and a connection between different levels. In carpet design it appears as a stylised form placed within a clearly organised field.

The colours of this rug include strong reds and blue on a beige and red ground. Red and reddish brown are among the colours commonly associated with Moud rugs. Beige can provide a quieter ground for the ornaments, while blue creates a distinct contrast with the warm areas. The overall colour arrangement comes from the relationship between the ground, field, border and individual floral motifs.

Floral designs, geometric forms and Herati elements are widely used in Iranian carpet design. In Moud, these components appear in different combinations. A medallion can establish a clear centre, a continuous Herati design can make the field more densely patterned, and a field pattern can divide it into separate garden-like sections. The pattern names given for this rug identify these established elements of Moud design.

Special Features

The distinguishing features of this Moud Persian rug are its hand-knotted construction, its high-quality sheep-wool pile and the use of cotton in the weft and in the fringe yarn. Its stated density of 300,000 to 360,000 knots per square metre describes a fine construction. The named patterns are the Moud medallion, Herati pattern and field pattern. The colour scheme includes strong reds and blue on a beige and red ground. The condition is stated as excellent.

Moud rugs can also be made in silk versions, in which animal, floral and palmette motifs can be brought out particularly clearly. This rug, however, is described with a sheep-wool pile and cotton. Its material details therefore refer to this wool-and-cotton construction rather than to a silk version.

FAQ

What are the main features of a Moud Persian rug?

Moud Persian rugs are characterised by a high knot density, varied traditional designs and strong colours. Recognised forms include the Moud medallion with a central round star medallion, all-over versions dominated by Herati motifs and the Moud field pattern, also known as the garden pattern. High-quality wool is commonly used, while some versions are made with silk. This rug has a high-quality sheep-wool pile and a stated density of 300,000 to 360,000 knots per square metre.

How should I care for my Moud Persian rug?

A Moud Persian rug should be vacuumed regularly and gently so that dust does not remain in the pile. Direct sunlight should be avoided, as it can affect strong colours over time. Professional cleaning is appropriate when more thorough treatment is required. Damp surroundings should also be avoided because persistent moisture can encourage mould. Care should take the hand-knotted structure and the wool pile into account rather than using methods that are too aggressive for the fibres.

Where do the patterns of Moud rugs come from?

The patterns of Moud rugs are rooted in Iranian culture and the regional weaving tradition. Floral designs, geometric forms and traditional Herati motifs appear frequently. In the Moud medallion, a round star medallion occupies the centre, while a border with palmettes and stylised flowers can frame the field. The Moud field pattern uses rectangular compartments, floral details and trees of life. These design elements are characteristic of the carpet making tradition associated with Moud.