RugNotes: A BRIEF HISTORY OF "ALABAF" RUGS

RugNotes: Wednesday, May 11, 2005: "A BRIEF HISTORY OF "ALABAF" RUGS
Persian and Oriental Rugs - Fine, Antique, Imported, Hand-knotted, Best Prices, Most Selection, Custom Available: "A BRIEF HISTORY OF "ALABAF" RUGS: Tabriz carpets signed by "Alabaf" have a 120-year-old background. The "Alabaf" family weaving rugs today is the third generation of rug producers. The grandfather (first generation) operated a workshop with over 300 looms and around 1000 workers and weavers. He passed away in 1949, and only four out of his seven sons continued the work of their father (second generation). "Alabaf" carpets made by the first generation are at least 60 years old. Rugs that belong to the first and second generations have used 100% natural and vegetable dyes. But those made by the third generation, starting in 1985, have about 5% chemical colors. It is believed that the second generation of "Alabaf" used the best quality of wool and dyes. This is the period between 1948 and 1990 when "Alabaf" family was at its peak as a high-quality rug producer. The wool was obtained from Golpayegan area, and had the highest quality available in Iran. Very few of the old pieces made by "Alabaf" do not have a signature. Instead of a signature, some of them have the number 185 which reads "Alabaf" in the Abjad alphabet. The majority of designs are the work of Mir Mosavar Arjangi and his son Manochehr Arjangi, two of the best designers in Tabriz. The "Alabaf" family has produced rugs between 30 and 70 raj. The first workshop was located in their backyard and was active for 40 years. It was then moved to a new place where it is operating even today, with less than 100 looms. Fortunately, very few of their designs have been copied with a fake "Alabaf" signature. The hard work of three generations has made the name "Alabaf" a source of pride for the Persian Rug industry.""