Qoom (#234)

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Quoom: The holy city of Quoom in central Persia is noted for silk rugs, which at their best are considered the epitome of contemporary Persian silk weaving, although relatively coarse items are also made; wollen pile rugs are produced in equally varying qualities.
Being relatively new to rug-making, Quoom has no design tradition of its own and employs the designs of other Persian workshop groups and some Caucasian, particularly Shirvan groups. The most popular schemes are medallion, Shah Abbas, vase, boteh, zel-i-sultan and panelled garden, but almost any other composition may be found. The palette is equally diverse - various shades of red, blue, green, mushroom, rose, gold and both yellow and orange ochres are employed - but the extensive use of ivory and champagne, particularly as ground colours, is a distinguishing feature. These colours may be either rich of pastel, and it is not uncommon for an antique wash to be used to subdue the tones and give the impression of mellowness through age. Quooms can be very well made, with between 250 and 300 persian knots per m² on woollen items, and 600 or more on silk; good quality materials are normally used. The foundation may be either cotton or silk, and both materials may be used, either independently or in cunjunction, for the pile.
Woollen rugs are made in a wide range of sizes, including large carpets, but pure silk rugs are usually confined to smaller dimensions. Arguably the most important contemporary masterweaver is Rashtizade, and items from his workshop are generally considered to be of exceptionally high quality.