Symmetrical knot (left) and
asymmetrical knot (right)
Jufti knotting: variations of asymmetrical knots wrapped around four warp yarns
Jufti knotting
Offset knotting
Technique
Classical Khorasan carpets are characterized by superior wool and dyes; a broad color palette including blue-green, orange, and a bluish-red; exquisite drawing; and distinctive knotting variations. Although carpet patterns traveled from region to region, weaving techniques, choice of materials, and secondary elements of design often remained constant in one place and are therefore more reliable in identifying the origin of a particular carpet.
Many Persian carpets use an asymmetrical knot to secure the pile yarns that protrude from the surface and create the pattern. In Khorasan carpets, these knots are usually wrapped around four warp yarns rather than the usual two warps. This knotting variation is known as jufti, or paired or double, knotting. The knots in Khorasan carpets are also often offset, or staggered, row by row.
This knotting variation may be a way of saving time and labor, although classical Khorasan carpets are so finely woven that this seems unlikely. Jufti knotting also could be simply a matter of longstanding local tradition, however it originated.
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