$25,599Sale Price|20% Off
Farahan Rug Antique, circa 1870s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Farahan rugs originate from an area north of Arak.
Wool
$17,599Sale Price|20% Off
Farahan Rug Antique, circa 1880s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Farahan rugs originate from an area north of Arak.
Wool
19th Century Sarouk Farahan Rug
Located in Chicago, IL
A wonderful 19th century Persian Sarouk Farahan rug with a central medallion with scrolling vines on an indigo background, on a field of multicolored flowers, surrounded by an amazin...
Wool
$6,000Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Persian Farahan Rug 4’4" x 6’5"
Located in New York, NY
Antique Persian Farahan Rug 4’4" x 6’5". The scatter and room size pieces made in the Arak/Sultanabad area, between 1880 and 1910, with firm and leathery well-woven textures, and str...
Wool
Fine Antique Sarouk Farahan Rug with Soft Colours
Located in Milan, IT
A finely knotted antique Sarouk Farahan rug, decorated by a central medallion on an ivory background.
Wool
Late 19th Century Persian Sarouk Farahan Rug
Located in Chicago, IL
A wonderful late 19th century Persian Sarouk Farahan rug with a stunning camel field. The central medallion is a stepped diamond form.
Wool
Nazmiyal Collection Antique Persian Farahan Rug 4 ft 10 in x 6 ft 6 in
Located in New York, NY
Balanced Symmetry Antique Persian Farahan Rug, Country of Origin: Persia, Circa Date: 1880
Wool
Antique Farahan Rug 2.10x2.3
Located in Los Angeles, US
Persian Farahan Sarouk rugs were woven in the village of Sarouk but these carpets given the name “Farahan” as a distinction for their exceptional type of Sarouks.
Wool, Cotton
Handmade Antique Persian Farahan Rug 4.1' x 6.7', 1870s - 1N47
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This exquisite handmade antique Persian Farahan rug from the 1870s captures the elegance and artistry of a bygone era.
Wool
Zabihi Collection Ivory Field Farahan Rug
Located in New York, NY
Classic Herati design Farahan gallery rug. Ivory field, with accents in green, mustard, blue, brown, terracotta.
Wool
Handmade Antique Persian Farahan Rug 1.8' x 2.3', 1880s - 1D140
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Bring home a piece of Persian heritage with this exquisite antique Ferahan rug. Hand-knotted around the end of 19th century, it showcases the rich artistry and durability of Persian ...
Wool
Antique Turkish Farahan Gold Rug with Ornate Medallion in Multicolor Rug & Kilim
Located in Long Island City, NY
Hand-knotted in wool circa 1900-1920, this 5x9 antique Turkish Farahan rug joins Rug & Kilim's Antique collection.
Wool
$4,830Sale Price|30% Off
Antique Sarouk Farahan Persian Rug, Wool Pile, Natural Dyes, 1890s
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
This is a SAROUK FARAHAN rug in superb condition, 100% wool pile from the 1890s.
Wool
The Moonlit Emblem: Antique Persian Sarouk Farahan Masterpiece of Regal Splendor
Located in Dallas, TX
79125 Late 19th Century Antique Persian Sarouk Farahan Rug, 10'09 x 16'00. The Moonlit Emblem: An Antique Persian Sarouk Farahan Masterpiece of Regal Splendor.
Wool
The Royal Qajar Dynasty: A Late 19th Century Persian Sarouk Farahan Masterpiece
Located in Dallas, TX
73477 Antique Persian Sarouk Farahan Rug, 09'00 x 13'02. The Royal Qajar Dynasty: A Late 19th Century Persian Sarouk Farahan Masterpiece.
Wool
The Gilded Garden: A Late 19th Century Persian Farahan Masterpiece of Splendor
Located in Dallas, TX
78651 Antique Persian Farahan Rug, 13'10 x 21'07. The Gilded Garden: A Late 19th Century Persian Farahan Masterpiece of Splendor.
Wool
The Imperial Reverie: Late 19th Century Persian Farahan Masterpiece of Elegance
Located in Dallas, TX
76763 Antique Persian Farahan Rug, 16'00 x 25'04. The Imperial Reverie: Late 19th Century Persian Farahan Masterpiece of Elegance.
Wool
The Sovereign Bloom: An Antique Sarouk Farahan Masterpiece of Palatial Splendor
Located in Dallas, TX
77179 Antique Persian Sarouk Farahan Rug, 14'04 x 20'04. The Sovereign Bloom: An Antique Sarouk Farahan Masterpiece of Palatial Splendor.
Wool
The Eternal Garden: A Late 19th Century Sarouk Farahan Masterpiece of Heritage
Located in Dallas, TX
77440 Antique Persian Sarouk Farahan Rug, 10'06 x 26'09. The Eternal Garden: A Late 19th Century Sarouk Farahan Masterpiece of Heritage.
Wool
The Gilded Palmette: A Late 19th Century Persian Farahan Masterpiece of Prestige
Located in Dallas, TX
79752 Antique Persian Farahan Rug, 04'06 x 06'04. The Gilded Palmette: A Late 19th Century Persian Farahan Masterpiece of Prestige.
Wool
The Garden Treasury: Late 19th Century Persian Farahan Masterpiece of Refinement
Located in Dallas, TX
74980 Antique Persian Farahan Rug, 08'08 x 11'04. The Garden Treasury: A Late 19th Century Persian Farahan Masterpiece of Refinement Created in the Late 19th Century, this hand-kno...
Wool
The Noble Garden: A Late 19th Century Persian Farahan Masterpiece of Grandeur
Located in Dallas, TX
76780 Antique Persian Farahan Sarouk Rug, 10'06 x 13'07. The Noble Garden: A Late 19th Century Persian Farahan Masterpiece of Grandeur.
Wool
Early 20th C. Sarouk Rug with Tight Weave and Rich Jewel Tones
By Sarouk Farahan
Located in Morristown, NJ
He was so well known that even today these rugs are called Farahan Sarouk rugs. Farahan started designing these rugs to compete with the popular Kashan rugs, by creating a new and u...
Wool, Cotton
1920s Red Antique Sarouk Farahan Hand Knotted Rug 8' x 11'
Located in New York, NY
Antique circa 1920 Sarouk Farahan hand-knotted wool rug, 8' x 11' (96 x 132 in), in red tones.
Wool
Antique Farahan Sarouk Rug 8'7'' x 10'5''
Located in New York, NY
Antique Farahan Sarouk Rug 8'7'' x 10'5''. The scatter and room size pieces made in the Arak/Sultanabad area, between 1880 and 1910, with firm and leathery well-woven textures, and s...
Wool, Cotton
Antique Persian Farahan Sarouk Wool 4x6 Navy, Rust & Ivory Handmade Area Rug
Located in Houston, TX
Condition: Antique Circa: 1880s Origin: Turkey Design: Farahan Sarouk Actual size: 4.2x5.11 Thickness: 1/8" - 1/4" Colors: Navy, Rust, Ivory, Yellow, Pink, Burgundy, Red C...
Wool
$4,400Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Farahan Sarouk Rug, Handmade Oriental Rug, Ivory, Lt Blue Navy Very Fine
Located in Port Washington, NY
This is a beautiful 19th century example. Rug measures: 4'3" x 6'5".
Wool
1890s Multicolor Antique Sarouk Farahan Hand Knotted Rug 10' x 20'
Located in New York, NY
Antique circa 1890 Sarouk Farahan hand-knotted wool rug, 10' x 20' (120 x 240 in), in multicolor tones.
Wool
1890s Ivory and Red Antique Sarouk Farahan Hand Knotted Rug 4'6" x 7'
Located in New York, NY
Antique circa 1890 Sarouk Farahan hand-knotted wool rug, 4'6" x 7' (54 x 84 in), in ivory and red tones.
Wool
Antique Farahan Sarouk Carpet - Late of 19th Century Sarouk Rug
Located in Sultanahmet, 34
Antique Farahan Sarouk Carpet - Late of 19th Century Sarouk Rug Size : 127 x 190 cm (50x74,8 In) A Timeless Beauty: Antique Ferahan Carpet from the Late 19th Century If you want to...
Wool
Extremely Fine Antique Persian Farahan Sarouk Rug 4’3” x 6’9”
Located in New York, NY
Extremely Fine Antique Persian Farahan Sarouk Rug 4’3” x 6’9”. The scatter and room size pieces made in the Arak/Sultanabad area, between 1880 and 1910, with firm and leathery well-w...
Wool, Cotton
Handmade Antique Persian Farahan Vagireh Rug 1.8' x 2.4', 1880s - 1N45
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This handmade antique Persian Farahan Vagireh rug from the 1880s is a rare and exquisite collectible, showcasing traditional Middle Eastern craftsmanship.
Wool
Antique Indian Sarouk Blue and Salmon Wool Rug 9'1''x12'
By Amara Rugs
Located in Torrance, CA
Elevate your space with this exquisite Antique rug, crafted in India and inspired by traditional motifs. Featuring an intricate floral pattern on a deep navy blue field, this rug is ...
Wool
Antique Ferahan Sarouk Rug in Dainty Flora & Suspended Vines, c. 1900's
Located in Milwaukee, WI
Sophisticated Old-World Antique Ferahan Sarouk Dainty Flora & Suspended Vines About: One of the most sought-after pieces of the first quarter of the 20th century - these are among...
Wool
$1,361Sale Price|20% Off
Beautiful Antique Sarogh Rug
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Nice late 19th century rug with beautiful design and natural colors with blue, pink, green, yellow, red and black, finely hand knotted with wool velvet on cotton foundation.
Wool
$2,723Sale Price|20% Off
Wonderful Fine Antique Kurdish Senneh Rug
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Beautiful early 20th century rug from Kurdistan, with nice Herati design, lovely French Savonnerie style borders, with natural with dark blue field, pink, red, blue, green and brown,...
Wool
8'10"x14'1" Pink Antique Farsian Taftanjian Sarouk Wool Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Magenta Color, Antique Persian Taftanjian Sarouk, 300 KPSI, Clean and Soft, Full Pile, Hand Knotted, Pure Wool, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inch...
Wool
Zabihi Collection 20th Century Indian Salmon Pink Blush Rug, 8'10'' x 15'2''
Located in New York, NY
A rare size Floral Indian rug. Soft pink, blush, terracotta field with accents in charcoal/gray 8'10'' x 15'2''
Wool
Early 20th Century Persian Sarouk Mahal Rug
Located in Chicago, IL
A gorgeous early 20th century Persian Sarouk Mahal rug with a coral field decorated with an all-over pattern of floral sprays and architectural motifs. The design features stylized v...
Wool
$10,208Sale Price|20% Off
8'5"x11'4" Ivory Antique Zoroastrian Sarouk Fereghan Hand Knotted Pure Wool Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Chiffon White, Antique Zoroastrian Sarouk Fereghan, Intricate Small Flower and Serrated Leaf Center Medallion Design, Good Condition and Clean, 100% Wool, Hand Knotted, Oriental rug...
Wool
$11,520Sale Price|20% Off
6'4"x16'3" Navy Antique Zoroastrian Fereghan Sarouk Hand Knotted Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Midnight Blue, Antique Zoroastrian Fereghan Sarouk with Intricate and Repetitive Geometric Flower Design, Hand Knotted, 100% Wool, Gallery Size, Wide Runner, Oriental Rug Primary mat...
Wool
Fine Rose Background Antique Ferahan Sarouk Rug
Located in Milan, IT
A very finely woven Sarouk Ferahan rug, decorated by a medallion and pendants pattern on a dark rose background. Ferahan Sarouks are representative of a classic group of turn of the ...
Wool
Fine White Ground Antique Ferahan Sarouk Rug
Located in Milan, IT
A very finely woven Sarouk Ferahan rug, decorated by a medallion and pendants pattern on an ivory background. Ferahan Sarouks are representative of a classic group of turn of the cen...
Wool
Antique Persian Sarouk Mohajeran Rug, C-1920
Located in Evanston, IL
Antique handmade Northwest Persian Sarouk Mohajeran rug, c-1910, 2'7" x 5'2", fine wool, in red and blue color and traditional floral design and this rug has been woven in high quali...
Wool
$1,960Sale Price|20% Off
Bobyrug’s Pretty antique Sarouk ferahan rug
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Exquisite antique Sarouk Ferahan carpet, intricately handwoven towards the late 19th century. This stunning piece features a symmetrical, stylized floral motif with a central white m...
Wool, Cotton
1'10"x2'8" Red Antique Zoroastrian Mohajaran Mat Hand Knotted Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Antique Persian Mohajaran Sarouk, Hand Knotted, Pure Wool, Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-old weaving ...
Wool
All-Over Floral Design Antique Indian Amritsar Rug in Red and Blue Tones
Located in Atlanta, GA
All-over floral design antique Indian Amritsar rug in red and blue tones, Keivan Woven Arts / rug B-0103, country of origin / type: Indian / Sarouk, circa 1910. Measures: 8'10 x 12'...
Wool
12'4"x19'3" Red Oversized Antique Farsian Moharajan Sarouk Pile Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Red Oversized Antique Persian Moharajan Sarouk Full Pile and Soft Hand Knotted Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Traditional Primary col...
Wool
10'6"x19'3" Prismatic Red, Antique Farsian Sarouk, Pure Wool Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Prismatic Red, Antique Persian Sarouk, Pure Wool, Full Pile, Mint Condition, Hand Knotted, Clean and Soft, Long and Narrow Shape, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile ...
Wool
2'7"x13'4" Purple, Antique Farsian Sarouk 100% Wool, Hand Knotted Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Cardinal Purple, Antique Persian Sarouk in Good Condition, 100% Wool, Hand Knotted, Full Pile, Clean, Sides and Ends Professionally Secured, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: W...
Wool
8'4"x11'6" Green, Rare Antique Farsian Sarouk Fereghan Hand Knotted Wool Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Old Moss Green, Rare Antique Persian Sarouk Fereghan with Medallion Design, Dense Weave, Hand Knotted, Pure Wool, Even Wear and Soft, Cleaned with Sides and Ends Professionally Secur...
Wool
$2,925Sale Price|25% Off
Karastan Antique Imperial Sarouk Rug Pattern, 1413
Located in Germantown, MD
An outstanding early 20th century Sarouk rug with a traditional all-over floral pattern woven in rich indigos, cranberries, and darks colors, and surrounded by one of the best floral...
Wool
$902Sale Price|20% Off
Traditional vintage rug wool hand knotted semi antique carpet
Located in Lohr, Bavaria, DE
STUNNING RUG WITH VIBRANT COLORS: THIS BEAUTIFUL MEDIUM SIZE RUG WAS KNOTTED USING FINE WOOL AND NATURAL DYES. THIS GIVES THE CARPET A DECORATIVE LOOK. Pile: Wool Warp: Cotton Styl...
Wool
10'8"x17'2" Ruby Red Antique Farsian Sarouk Pure Wool Hand Knotted Clean Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Ruby Red, Antique Persian Sarouk, Extra Long, Excellent Condition, Clean and Soft, Even Wear, 100% Wool, Hand Knotted, Oversized, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile ...
Wool
4'1"x6'4" Brick Red, Antique Farsian Fereghan Sarouk Hand Knotted Pure Wool, Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Brick Red, Antique Persian Fereghan Sarouk Hand Knotted Pure Wool, Even Wear Good Condition, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Tradition...
Wool
9'x12' Barn Red, Antique Farsian Feraghan Sarouk, Soft Wool Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Barn Red, Antique Persian Feraghan Sarouk, Evenly Worn Soft and Supple, Hand Knotted Soft Wool, No Repairs, Clean, Sides and Edges Professionally Secured, Oriental Rug Primary materi...
Wool
2'x4' Ivory Antique Open Field Medallion Design Hand Knotted Wool Mat Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Antique Persian Sarouk, Open Field Medallion Design Hand Knotted, Pure Wool, Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the cent...
Wool
12'2"x18'8" Ivory Antique Birds Design Hand Knotted Soft Wool Oriental XL Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Ivory, Oversized Antique Persian Sarouk Fereghan With Birds oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-old Persian...
Wool
Antique Persian Sarouk Hand-Knotted Wool Rug, circa 1880s, approx. 9' x 12'
Located in Perkasie, PA
Title Antique Persian Sarouk Hand-Knotted Wool Rug, circa 1880s, approx. 9' x 12' Description A richly colored antique Persian Sarouk wool rug, dating to the late 19th century, feat...
Wool
1920s Red Floral Antique Persian Sarouk Carpet 13' 8" x 14' Handknotted Wool Rug
Located in New York, NY
Antique circa 1920 Chinese Sarouk Farahan hand-knotted wool rug, 13'8" x 14' (164 x 168 in), in red tones.
Wool
Early 20th Century Antique Persian Farahan Rug
Located in Louisville, KY
An antique Persian Farahan rug, circa 1900.
Wool
Early 20th Century Antique Persian Farahan Rug
Located in Louisville, KY
An antique Persian Farahan rug, circa 1920. Signed by masterweaver.
Wool
Antique Room Size Persian Sarouk Farahan Rug
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a fantastic hand-knotted antique room size Persian Sarouk Farahan rug. A great choice for antique lovers. It would enhance the look any room.
Wool
Large Antique Persian Sarouk Farahan Rug
Located in Atlanta, GA
Sarouk Farahan rugs are among that group. This rug would enhance the look of any room with its large medallion and contrasting colors aged to a softer tone.
Wool
Antique Persian Sarouk Farahan Rug, circa 1900
Located in Northridge, CA
Antique Persian Sarouk Farahan rug circa 1900 Measures: 5'3" x 8' Hand-knotted wool pile, cotton foundation Field color: Navy-Blue Border color: Beige Accent colors: Light-Blue,...
Wool
Large Antique Hand Knotted Persian Sarouk Farahan Rug
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is an antique hand knotted Persian Sarouk Farahan rug. It is made with wool colored with natural dyes on a cotton foundation.
Wool
Antique Hand-Knotted Wool Persian Sarouk Farahan Rug
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is an antique hand-knotted Persian Sarouk Farahan rug made with wool colored with all natural dyes on a cotton foundation.
Wool
Large Antique Hand Knotted Wool Persian Sarouk Farahan Rug
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a large palace size antique hand knotted Persian Sarouk Farahan Rug. It is made with wool on cotton foundation in all natural dyes.
Wool
Antique Navy & Red Persian Farahan Rug circa 1920 - FREE SHIPPING
Located in Dallas, TX
Handwoven antique Persian Farahan rug featuring a diamond shaped terracotta medallion and corners surrounded by a leaf and vine motif with a navy colored field and border accented in...
Wool
Antique Hand Knotted Red, Navy Wool Persian Sarouk Farahan Rug
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is an antique hand knotted Persian Sarouk Farahan rug with a Classic traditional central medallion design on a brick red color field and a wide navy border.
Wool
Antique Room Size Hand Knotted Wool Red Persian Sarouk Farahan Rug
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is an antique hand knotted Persian Sarouk Farahan rug which are among the most sought after rugs of the late 19th century.
Wool
Antique Farahan Rug
Located in Houston, TX
Item #90
Wool
Farahan Rug, 19th Century
Located in Stockholm, SE
Farahan Western Persia-made in an unknown village in the western part of the district.The symmetric knots small rounded medallion + herati des. white cotton warps, Z7S pl. o degree -...
ANTIQUE PERSIAN SAROUK FARAHAN RUG, 6 ft 4 in x 4 ft 4 in
Located in Motley, MN
ANTIQUE PERSIAN SAROUK FARAHAN RUG, 6 ft 4 in x 4 ft 4 in (1.93 m x1.32 m).
Wool
Antique Persian Farahan Rug with Ivory, Rust and Navy
Located in Evanston, IL
The finely hand knotted wool and natural dyes are of premier quality from the Farahan region in western Persia. Woven during an exceptional period for rugs of this type in the 1880s,...
Wool
Large Room Size Antique Hand Knotted Wool Persian Sarouk Farahan Rug
Located in Atlanta, GA
This rug is a fantastic example of the later antique Persian Sarouk Farahans.
Wool
Vintage Farahan
Located in Providence, RI
Immerse yourself in the captivating charm of the Early Twentieth Century Persian Farahan Rug. This remarkable rug showcases a beautiful vibrancy of colors, with a stunning ensemble o...
Wool
Antique Hand Knotted Wool Persian Sarouk Farahan Area Rug
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is an outstanding late 19th century antique Persian Sarouk Farahan rug with a traditional design and softer colors than normally found in rugs of this type.
Wool
Antique Hand Knotted Wool Persian Sarouk Farahan Area Rug
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a hard to find and beautiful antique Persian Sarouk Farahan rug with all-over detailed pattern on an ivory color field and red border.
Wool
Vintage S. Farahan
Located in Providence, RI
The dominant color in this Vintage S Farahan Rug is a deep, rich navy blue. This deep blue serves as the backdrop for the rug's intricate patterns and motifs, lending a sense of rega...
Wool
Room Size Antique Hand-Knotted Persian Sarouk Farahan
Located in Atlanta, GA
A fantastic hand-knotted rug in great condition. This is a room size antique Persian Sarouk Farahan rug with a Traditional Design, vegetable dyes and all wool and cotton.
Wool
Handwoven Antique Persian Farahan circa 1910 in Terracotta and Ivory
Located in Dallas, TX
Handwoven antique Persian Farahan rug featuring a diamond shaped medallion with pendants surrounded by terracotta on an ivory colored field and floral border accented in shades of na...
Wool
Persian Farahan Sarouk Late 19th Century Oriental Rug
By G. None
Located in Katy, TX
Woven in late 1880's The detail to design is impeccable, the two pillars on the side lined with brick, the large tobacco leaves that are in the center, colors that are rich and so ba...
Antique Persian Farahan Sarouk Rug
Located in New York, NY
An antique Persian Farahan Sarouk rug. A fine wool pile in Persian knot tightly woven on an a cotton foundation.
Wool
Antique Farahan Sarouk Carpet - Rug
Located in Chicago, IL
This is a very nice finely woven Farahan Sarouk,with pleasing colors.
Late 19th Century Antique Persian Farahan Sarouk Rug
Located in Louisville, KY
An antique Persian Farahan Sarouk rug, circa 1890.
Wool
Antique 19th Century Farahan Sarouk Rug
Located in New York, NY
Antique 19th century Farahan Sarouk rug. Contact dealer. Measures: 6.9 x 4.5.
Wool
Farahan
Located in Stockholm, SE
Probably made in the western parts of the Farahan district. Design: Herat pattern against a grayish background.
Wool, Cotton, Ivory
Make a bold statement in a living room or bedroom by incorporating vintage Persian rugs in your home decor.
A Persian carpet lends an aura of prestige to any room, even today. The fascination with Persian rugs dates at least as far back as the 4th century B.C., when historian Xenophon referred to the “soft rugs on which the Persians sit.” For centuries, Iran (modern-day Persia) has been known for the craftsmanship, intricate patterns and artistry of its carpets, which have found their way into households and museums around the world.
Although they have many imitators, real Persian rugs are made only in Iran and are easily recognized by their vibrant colors and elegant patterns.
Traditional, or antique, Persian rugs are what most people identify as “authentic.” Hand-made, they are very durable and, if properly cared for, can be passed down from generation to generation. Modern Persians, on the other hand, are often machine-made. Today’s carpets, Iranian or otherwise, can’t possibly match the level of craftsmanship that prevailed centuries ago, so historical Persian carpets will always be admired and highly valued.
Although the machine-aided production process is much faster and cheaper, the resulting rugs typically do not have the same quality or lifespan as handwoven ones, so traditional options are considered better investments.
To distinguish between the two, look for imperfections. Because traditional Persian rugs are handwoven, you will likely see small flaws on the front and back. With a machine-made imitation, on the other hand, you will probably not find stitching glitches, and the back will have a mesh or plastic covering.
Antique rugs are handmade from the finest materials, including wool, silk or cotton — never synthetic fibers. The fibers used in antique rugs are colored using natural dyes derived from insects and plants and woven into bold designs that reflect Iran’s culture and history. Since Persian tribes traditionally raised and herded sheep, wool was the most common material. The fiber has many advantages: It is fire-resistant and dries much more quickly than cotton. Also, because of its natural elasticity, it is more durable than cotton or silk. Regarded as works of art, Persian rugs can take months or years to complete.
The different types of Persian rugs are named for the cities, villages and regions where they’re made. Kashan rugs, for example, woven in the north-central Iranian city of Kashan, are considered among the finest city rugs, distinguished by curvilinear motifs like palmettos, leaves and arabesques. Nains have high knot counts, an indication of high quality, and generally employ pink, blue and ivory hues, while Tabriz rugs — created by weavers in the northwestern Iranian city of Tabrīz (or Tabriz) — mostly have floral and garden patterns.
When shopping for vintage Persian rugs, you'll want to consider color, size and more — for a history of these rugs and tips on how to style yours, visit our guide to these woven creations today.
Find Tabriz rugs, handmade silk Persian rugs, Persian tribal rugs and other antique and vintage rugs from the world's best furniture dealers on 1stDibs.
