Hand-knotted Persian carpets have been collected in Germany for well over a century. Exhibitions of historic and contemporary pieces regularly draw large audiences, from collectors to families who own a carpet inherited from their grandparents.

Reading a carpet

Each region has its own language of patterns. Carpets from Tabriz are known for fine detail and medallions, those from Kerman for flowing floral designs, while nomadic rugs often show bold geometric shapes. The number of knots per square metre, the wool quality and natural dyes all influence value.

A craft passed on by hand

Behind every carpet are months of work. Many weavers learned the craft within their families, and patterns are often handed down for generations. For visitors, a close look at the back of a carpet reveals more about its making than the front.