The spelling of "Persian Lamb" is fairly straightforward with the exception of the initial plosive consonant in "Persian." The IPA phonetic transcription for "Persian" is /ˈpɜr.ʒən/ with a voiced postalveolar fricative (/ʒ/) sound replacing the expected voiceless velar plosive (/k/). This is due to the influence of French pronunciation and is common in English words borrowed from French. The second word, "Lamb," is spelled phonetically as it sounds: /læm/. Together, the word is pronounced /ˈpɜr.ʒən læm/.
Persian Lamb refers to a type of high-quality, luxurious fur obtained from the breed of sheep known as the Karakul, primarily found in Central Asia and specifically in regions such as Afghanistan, Iran, and parts of the former Soviet Union. The term "Persian Lamb" is often used to describe the fur's origin and association with Persian culture and craftsmanship.
The fur of Persian Lamb is highly valued for its distinctive characteristics and is sought after in the fashion industry for its softness, durability, and unique curl pattern. It is well-known for its dense, wavy curls that range in color from deep black to various shades of gray and even a silky white. The curly texture, coupled with its natural luster, gives Persian Lamb fur a distinctive and luxurious appearance.
Traditionally, Persian Lamb fur has been used in fashion, particularly in the creation of elegant coats, jackets, and accessories. Due to its unique properties, it is highly regarded as a symbol of luxury and opulence. The fur is meticulously sheared and crafted by skilled artisans, who shape and style it to enhance its natural beauty.
It is essential to note that the term "Persian Lamb" is derived from the association of the fur with the Persian culture and craftsmanship, rather than the actual breed of sheep. While these sheep are primarily referred to as Karakul, Persian Lamb remains a widely recognized term in the fashion industry to describe this prestigious fur.
The word "Persian Lamb" originated from the designation of a type of fur often referred to as Persian lamb or Astrakhan. However, it is important to note that Persian lamb is not actually derived from the Persian country or the breed of sheep from Persia (modern-day Iran). The term "Persian" here is actually a misnomer.
The fur known as Persian lamb comes from the Karakul breed of sheep, which is predominantly found in Central Asia, including countries like Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan, among others. The fur is obtained from the lambs at a very young age, allowing the pelts to retain their tightly curled, soft, and wavy texture, resembling the fur of the Astrakhan lamb from Astrakhan in Russia.