Ghoochan Rugs History
Ghoochan is situated in the province of Khorassan whose capital is Mashhad. The town, lying north-west of Mashhad with a population of around 110,000 is the centre of a region producing fascinating and unique rugs. It is surrounded by an area independent, rug industry. Ghoochan and its neighbouring villages, on the other hand, are Kurdish.
Ghoochan Rug Design
Ghoochan Rugs Structure
Practically all Ghoochan Persian rugs are woven on a horizontal loom. The warp is usually of wool or goat hair, and the weft of double woollen thread. This gives Ghoochan a coarse and heavy, but loose, structure. The deep pile is woven with Persian Senneh knots, with between 1500 and 3000 knots per square decimetre, although antique pieces may have as many as 7000 knots.
The village around Ghoochan form a small independent weaving community, producing only limited number of rugs. Most of these are Kallegis, up to 400 cm long but never more about 170 cm wide. Some pieces measuring 3 m or 4 m are available but small rugs are rare.
Ghoochan Rugs Designs
The design used by the village weavers are the legacy of many different traditions, developed over hundreds of years. At least three types of patterns come together in Ghoochan rugs: small repetitive Baluchi motif, the smaller Turkoman pattern and the never- ending variety of patterns originating from the workshops of Khorassan and Mashhad. Although Turkoman and Baluchi influences are very strong, the clearest inspiration of the design comes from the Caucasus.
Ghochan are coarsely-woven nomadic rugs. Their designs reflect the traditions of different nomadic tribes, which mean they still retain their originality. Ghochan rugs, especially antique pieces, are much in demand among.