How are handmade carpets classified?

Handmade carpets are primarily classified by their construction method and their geographic or cultural origin.1

Construction Methods

• Knotted Pile: These are constructed by knotting individual tufts of yarn onto a woven foundation of warp and weft threads. The type of knot used—such as the Persian (asymmetrical), Turkish (symmetrical), or the rare Spanish knot—influences the carpet's density and design detail.2
• Tapestry Weave: Often referred to as the Aubusson type, these carpets are woven without a pile, resulting in a flat or slightly ribbed surface.13
• Hooked Rugs: These are created by drawing yarn or fabric strands through a base material to form loops, which may be left uncut or clipped.1
• Other Techniques: Some carpets, such as kilims, are woven similarly to tapestries, while soumak carpets utilize a specific weft-wrapping technique.2

Geographic and Cultural Classification

Knotted carpets, often grouped as Oriental carpets, are frequently classified by their region of origin, including:
* Persian: The largest group, known for intricate floral or medallion patterns.45
* Turkoman: Vividly colored rugs from Central Asia featuring geometric designs.45
* Caucasian: Known for bold, geometric patterns and contrasting colors.45
* Turkish (Anatolian): Characterized by precise, stylized designs.45
* Indian, Pakistani, and Chinese: Often featuring botanical or religious motifs.45