Senneh

A Senneh or Sanandaj rug is hand-woven by the Kurdish semi-semi-nomads in the tribal district of Kurdistan called Senneh in the heart of northwestern Iran. Sennehs are reputed to be the best in quality rugs produced in surrounding villages. These harsh tribal people draw up a design resembling Bidjar in the provision, color and thickness and resistance. The city of Bidjar near Senneh has a long history of blanket weaving together. They tend to be small and usually have a gfamous Herati design with a diamond-shaped medallion, in a range of rich earth tones.

History & Construction
Hamedan historical and ancient Persian city (the second oldest city of Iran), which is about 6500 feet above sea level in the rugged mountains northwest of Iran. The city itself, with many villages and districts surrounding it, produces a good part of the tribal rugs of Iran. Some areas around Hamedan include Chen, Derjazin, Hussainabad, Nahavand and Kurdish districts Khamseh and many others between Hamedan and Arak. All rugs produced in the areas around Hamedan are introduced within the city. Found just east of Kurdistan, obvious traces of Kurdish and some Turkish influence can be seen on its peaceful people who managed, despite centuries of outside interference, to keep their special talents alive. All rugs have a wool pile colored with natural vegetable dyes. And very rarely silk seen in this region. The foundation of the deck, usually cotton and in some cases wool or goat hair. The models are usually simple geometric arrangements with vibrant primary colors. Animals or parts of the garden are sometimes small and often seen drawing famous Herati.

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Visibility: SANANDAJ (SENNEH) rugs and carpets have Herati designs and are the best quality among Kurdish Rugs. The pattern is almost always geometric and is similar to BIJAR rugs, with hexagonal medallions. Some carpets have concentric medallions with a single diamond medallion in the center on a detailed background. Another design woven by SANANDAJ (SENNEH) weavers is an all-over boteh.

Quality: SANANDAJ (SENNEH) rugs are of excellent quality. The older ones are extremely valuable and durable. The majority of SANANDAJ (SENNEH) rugs and carpets are vegetable dyed.

Size & Shapes: SANANDAJ (SENNEH) rugs and carpets come in different size, but the majority of them are mid-size (4 x 6 to 8 x 10 feet). You can also find large rugs up to 10 x 18 feet.

Color: Dark red is the predominate color, with ivory forming a beautiful contrast. The most common background colors used in SANANDAJ (SENNEH) rugs are cherry red, navy, black, brown, ocher, and beige. Frequently used motif colors are yellow, red, light green, orange and white. Other colors such as soft green and blue and brown are found in newer carpets.

Texture: Soft wool; thin, tight pile.

Foundation: Warp is cotton; pile is wool.

Knots: Inspection of the back of the carpet is important because the weavers in SANANDAJ (SENNEH) use Turkish knots even though, ironically, the asymmetrical knot (also known as Persian or Senneh knot) was named after this city. The quality of the carpet depends upon the number of knots, which varies, but averages from around 120 KPSI (30 RAJ) up to 475 KPSI (60 RAJ).