What Is Termeh?

Termeh is an exquisite fabric with Iranian decorative motifs which are mostly Paisley. In the past, Termeh was mainly wound of fluff or wool; however, nowadays it is made of natural silk or viscose.

In the dictionaries, Termeh is considered equivalent to cashmere. There is a disagreement on the origin of Termeh from either Iran or Kashmir, but now there is no doubt on Iranian origin of Termeh design.

Some people believe that the main design of Termeh, Paisley, is derived from cypress tree which was considered holy in Zoroastrianism in the Sasanian period. During the Safavid period which was the bloom of weaving industry in Iran, Paisly and other Iranian designs were exported to India and these designs were later used in cashmere scarves. Termeh now has its own fans around the world.

Three factors have made Termeh a unique fabric in the world:

  1. its design

  2. delicacy of the used threads

  3. high density of warp and weft

Its design, which is the main factor in making Termeh exquisite, had been resulted from months of artists’ effort to draw a design like Paisely, Goljaam and abstract motifs, and lotus Arabesque traceries on paper and paint it later. Moreover, skillful choice of colors, some even contrasting, in designing Termeh has doubled its beauty and attraction. In addition, lots of colorful wefts in Termeh texture, are used to reflect the artistic design of the fabric. Therefore, the elegance of the used silk threads and the very high density of wefts in Termeh – in some cases up to 360 threads per centimeter – cause the production of Termeh to be much more time-consuming than similar fabrics. These factors have turned Termeh into a precious and exquisite commodity.

Using modern machineries in the weaving Termeh since the mid-1970s, after the retirement of the old weavers and the increase in demand for this fabric in the society, not only did not cause the precious and high position of Termeh to decline, but also it caused Termeh to preserve its outstanding place and to be introduced to the world as the only fabric that is designed and produced by Iranian artists.

 

How to Choose Good Termeh?

Termeh is currently valued based on following criteria:

  1. Design ranking (beauty of the design, delicacy of the motifs, etc.);
  2. Type of fibers used in weaving Termeh;
  3. Number of woven colors;
  4. Density of the texture; and
  5. Quality of sewing and accessories (Lining, adhesive layer, etc.).

 

Design Ranking

Apparently, it can be said that design and motif play the most important role in choosing Termeh.

Paisely plays the main role in designing various types of Termeh tablecloth.

Paisley has different types and mixes with other motifs such as arabesque, lotus, etc.

Paisely is a carving from a cypress tree, a sacred tree in Zoroastrianism from the Sassanid period, which has been bent over time in pursuit of resistance, standing and humility.

Designing and coloring Termeh has its own principles and techniques, and it is very important to observe the congruency and aesthetic rules in designing paiselies and their arrangement.

Termeh tablecloth divided in two types in terms of design:

  • A variety of Termeh tablecloths without borders, in which a small design is repeated. These teblecloths are available undecorated and as mere fabric and anyone can use them according to their own taste and creativity;
  • A variety of bordered Termeh tablecloths which are designed in certain sizes and forms.

 

 

Types of Fibers Used in Weaving Termeh

Currently, there are only two types of fibers used in weaving Termeh:

  • Viscose fibers with herbal base which are called viscose silk due to their high softness and durability;
  • Polyester fibers with chemical base.

We use viscose silk in our Termeh and because of high-quality raw materials, our Termeh is guaranteed for fixed color after being washed.

Gold threads, or so-called broccato, which is today used in Termeh does not have much advantage comparing to other fibers and using broccato with silver threads only has decorative purposes and does not add to the value of Termeh.

 

 

Number of Colors in Termeh

Number of colors used in Termeh adds to the quality and beauty of this product. Also, the harmony and sometimes contrast of Termeh color with the color of the rest of the home decoration is one of the important factors when purchasing Termeh.

 

 

Density of the Texture

Similar to carpets, Termeh has warp and weft threads. Termeh is valued based on the number of thread colors used in weaving. the higher the number, the higher the value of that Termeh. If the numbers of colors are the same, it is the design and density of the texture that shows the quality of the product.

The high density of colored wefts indicates the elegance of the design, moreover, the production of Termeh takes much more time than producing other fabrics. Thus, elegance of the threads used and the high density of the fabric have made Termeh a valuable fabric. It will probably be interesting for you to know that this density reaches up to 480 threads per centimeter in some cases!

 

 

Quality of Sewing and Accessories

Lining and sewing Termeh requires special skills. It is done in the workshop of our producers by experienced people with the best raw materials. The linings used in sewing Termeh are also of the highest quality.

 

 

Where can 5-piece set be used?

Square tablecloth can be used for coffee tables or small dining tables.

Use the big runner to cover kitchen counter or bigger dining tables and 3-piece tablecloth can be used for living room coffee table and end tables.

 

 

Note: Some uploaded designs may not be available and you need to order to be produced.

 

 

Square tablecloth size:

50*50 cm

100*100

100*150

 

Round tablecloth size:

50*50 cm

100*100

 

3-piece set size:

Stools: 35*50 cm

small runner: 50*100

 

5-piece set size:

Stools: 35*50 cm

small runner: 50*100

big runner: 50*160

tablecloth: 100*100

How to Wash and Maintain Termeh

Due to its high density and type of texture, Termeh has good relative resistance against environmental factors. However, it can be damaged by light, especially direct sunlight.

Although in silk Termeh, because of naturalness of the used threads, the resistance of the fabric to light is higher, but still, light will have a negative effect on Termeh. This negative effect is much more evident on polyester Termeh.

Also, moths also damage silk Termeh, and like woolen fabrics, silk Termeh should be taken care of against moths.

For washing silk Termeh, if you are sure of its fixed color, quality of lining and adhesive layer, you can wash the conventionaaly. However, it is suggested to dry wash it for longer life.

If you wish to wash Termeh in a washing machine, you’d better use hand-wash mode.