One of the oldest and largest Persian rugs in existance is known as the
"Ardebil Carpet" (sometimes spelled ardabil) which is currently on
display in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Since the
mid-1600's when this rug is believed to have been woven, Ardebil
carpets now carry somewhat of a different place in the oriental rug
market.
Ardebil rugs and carpets are often made of wool woven on a cotton
foundation, often sheered fairly thin. Colors used are often bold,
those of which would include red, white and royal blue. Ardebil rugs
are usually constructed with a fairly tight knot count, and integrate
many different colors into the design. Overall, the designs which are
used tend to be more on the geometric side. Often design elements
which are included may feature snakes, peacocks, roosters, or some
other woven interpretation of such animals. Ardebil rugs often are
found in sizes less than 7'x10'.
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Ardabil, Iran is located about 30 miles west of the Caspian Sea, in the northwest of Iran
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