Why it matters:
Iranian handwoven carpets are a significant cultural and artistic heritage. This innovation could make them more accessible to the public while preserving their authenticity, potentially revitalizing an industry facing challenges from mass-produced machine-made carpets.
What she's saying:
Hanieh Alizadeh, a researcher in the field of carpets and a graduate of Tehran University of Art, explained that the idea stemmed from her longstanding concern about the decline of handmade carpets due to the prevalence of machine-made alternatives. Her goal was to maintain the core characteristics of handwoven carpets while making them more affordable and easier to produce.
Key points:
- The handwoven carpet without a loom eliminates the need for warping and wefting while keeping the essential knots and fibers intact.
- The structure consists of a pre-designed mesh framework where knots are tied directly, increasing speed and efficiency.
- This innovation maintains the visual and tactile qualities of traditional Persian carpets while significantly reducing production time and costs.
- The method allows for diverse shapes, lightweight designs, and easier washing.
- The project is still undergoing research and development before mass production.
Go deeper:
With continued refinement, this innovation could make handwoven carpets more affordable and widely available, helping sustain Iran’s carpet-weaving tradition in a modernized format. Alizadeh hopes that with industry support, this method can be further developed to bridge the gap between authenticity and accessibility, ensuring that Persian carpets remain a central part of Iranian homes.
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