Doris Leslie Blau Antique Sultanabad Floral Allover Warm Tan Carpet - c. 1900
Located in New York, NY
Hand-knotted in wool of superior quality, this Sultanabad rug bears the durability and patina that only authentic antique Persian carpets possess.
Wool
Doris Leslie Blau Antique Sultanabad Allover Floral Pale Sand Carpet - c. 1880
Located in New York, NY
Handwoven with remarkable craftsmanship, it embodies the bold yet harmonious aesthetics that made Sultanabad carpets some of the most coveted in Europe and America during the late 19...
Wool
Doris Leslie Blau Sultanabad Antique Floral Allover Ivory Beige Carpet - c. 1920
Located in New York, NY
This magnificent antique Persian Sultanabad rug, woven in the 1920s, exemplifies the grandeur and artistry of one of Persia's most renowned weaving centers.
Wool
Doris Leslie Blau Sultanabad Antique Floral Allover Warm Tan Carpet - c. 1930
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite Antique Persian Sultanabad rug, handwoven in the 1930s, showcases the timeless artistry and grandeur for which Sultanabad weavings are celebrated. Featuring a deep ind...
Wool
Doris Leslie Blau Sultanabad Antique Allover Floral Warm Tan Carpet - c. 1920
Located in New York, NY
This magnificent Antique Persian Sultanabad rug from the 1920s is a testament to the artistry and grandeur of Persian weaving traditions. Measuring an impressive 17 by 12 feet, it wa...
Wool
$6,660Sale Price|20% Off
10X13 Vintage Mahal Sultanabad Rug Geometric Overall Bold Blue Rust
Located in New York, NY
This is a beautiful Vintage Sultanabad rug featuring a rare bold "Arts & Crafts" decorative design with a soft rust color palette and elegant geometric composition. It has a rare...
Wool
$199Sale Price|20% Off
Decorative Antique Persian Sultanabad Carpet Pillow with Floral Elements
Located in New York, NY
Antique Persian Sultanabad carpet pillow; size 1'10” x 1'6”.
Wool
$199Sale Price|20% Off
Decorative Antique Persian Sultanabad Carpet Pillow with Floral Elements
Located in New York, NY
Antique Persian Sultanabad Carpet Pillow; size 1'10” x 1'6”.
Wool
Beautiful Antique Mahal Rug
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Nice 19th century large runner with a beautiful design with a nice central medallion and Herati design, and natural colors with red, blue, yellow, green and beige field, entirely han...
Wool
Zabihi Collection Oversize Green Antique Oversize Rug
Located in New York, NY
an early 20th Century Sarouk oversize rug with lovely greens and terracottas Details rug no. j3800 size 12'5" x 20'6''
Wool
$398Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pari of Decorative Antique Persian Sultanabad Carpet Pillows with Floral
Located in New York, NY
A pair of antique Persian sultanabad carpet pillows ; size 1'10” x 1'6” Each.
Wool
Antique Persian Mahal Rug
Located in Closter, NJ
The Arak region in central Persia is generally accepted to have produced more large carpets than any other province in that country. During the second half of the nineteenth century,...
Wool, Cotton
$239Sale Price|20% Off
Worn Antique Persian Mahal Pillow
Located in New York, NY
Pillow made from an antique Persian Sultanabad rug with cotton back. Zipper closure. Age wear. 19'' x 21''
Foam, Wool
$6,522Sale Price|25% Off
9'10"x15'4" Red Antiqued Zoroastrian 250 KPSI 100% Wool Hand Knotted XL Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Copper Red, Antiqued Zoroastrian Sultanabad Design, 250 KPSI Distressed, 100% Wool Hand Knotted, Oversized Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for...
Wool
Antique Persian Mahal Pillow
Located in New York, NY
Pillow made from antique Persian Mahal rug with cotton back. Measures: 13'' x 16''.
Wool, Cotton, Foam
$175Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Persian Mahal Pillow
Located in New York, NY
Pillow made from antique Persian Mahal rug with cotton back. Measures: 16'' x 16''.
Wool, Foam, Cotton
Zabihi Collection Rich Antique Jewel Toned Antique Oversize Rug, 12'1'' x 20'6''
Located in New York, NY
A breathtaking jewel-toned antique late 19th-century Ziegler Sultanabad rug with fascinating colors and an interesting all-over palette. 12'1'' x 20'6'' item 6899
Wool
Zabihi Collection Light Blue Rust Color Antique Lumbar Size Rug Pillow
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful Rug Pillow in dominant light blue and rust accents. Measures: 15" x 20".
Wool, Cotton, Foam
Antique Mahal Rug, circa 1880s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Mahal rug stands as an incredibly vibrant and descriptive carpet, almost teetering onto the subject of an art form. A fine addition to any form sporting a unique approach and aes...
Wool
$19,199Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Mahal Rug, C. 1880s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Mahal rug stands as an incredibly vibrant and descriptive carpet, almost teetering onto the subject of an art form. A fine addition to any form sporting a unique approach and aes...
Wool
$263Sale Price|20% Off
Zabihi Collection Antique Persian Mahal Rug Pillow
Located in New York, NY
Pillow made from antique 19th Persian Mahal Sultanabad rug with cotton back. 1'4'' x 1'6''
Wool, Foam
Antique Karabagh Runner with All-Over Floral Medallion Design in Brown and Tan
Located in Atlanta, GA
Antique Karabagh in brown and tan colored antique Karabagh runner with floral design, Keivan Woven Arts / rug EMB-9619-P13569, country of origin / type: / Karabagh, circa 1900. Me...
Wool
Bobyrug’s Little Antique Mahal Rug
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Beautiful late 19th century little rug with a Herati design and natural colors with blue, red and green, entirely hand knotted with wool velvet on cotton foundation. ✨✨✨ "Experience...
Wool, Cotton
$239Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Persian Malayer Rug Pillow
Located in New York, NY
Pillow made from antique Persian Malayer rug with cotton back. 16'' x 23''
Wool, Cotton, Foam
Zabihi Collection Antique Persian Mahal Pillow
Located in New York, NY
Pillow made from antique Persian Mahal rug with cotton back. Measures: 17'' x 17''.
Wool, Cotton, Foam
Zabihi Collection Antique Persian Mahal Pillow
Located in New York, NY
Pillow made from antique Persian Mahal rug with cotton back. Measures: 17'' x 22''.
Wool, Cotton, Foam
Antique Caucasian Rug with All-Over Design in Royal Blue Field, Soft Red & Green
Located in Atlanta, GA
Antique Caucasian Rug with All-Over Design in Royal Blue Field, Soft Red & Green. Keivan Woven Arts/ rug/ EMB-9510-P13527, Caucasian Rug, Early 20th century Caucasian Measures: 3...
Wool
Zabihi Collection Antique Persian Mahal Border Rug Pillow
Located in New York, NY
Pillow made from antique Persian Mahal rug with cotton back. Measures: 17'' x 17''.
Wool, Cotton, Foam
$9,080Sale Price|20% Off
1920s Persian Lilihan Antique Rug beautiful patina 8.9x12.3
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Add warmth and elegance to your space with this antique Persian Lilihan rug, an exquisite hand-knotted piece reflecting the artistry and craftsmanship of early 20th-century Persian w...
Wool
Antique Small Mahal Rug with a Large Scale All-Over Pattern
Located in Milan, IT
Anglo-Swiss firm Ziegler & Co. wove carpets in the Sultanabad region during the late nineteenth century, often featuring classic Persian patterns in highly refined colours.
Wool
Bobyrug’s Pretty large antique mahal rug
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Presenting a remarkable late 19th-century mahal rug, adorned with exquisite decorative designs and captivating natural colors. This stunning piece, entirely hand-knotted with wool ve...
Wool, Cotton
Bobyrug’s Nice antique large mahal style rug
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Exquisite 19th-century Mahal rug – A true masterpiece! Discover this stunning 19th-century Mahal rug, boasting an intricate all-over design adorned with stylized flowers. Meticulous...
Wool, Cotton
Antique Circa 1880 Red Hand Knotted Wool Rug 10'3 x 14'
Located in New York, NY
10'3 x 14'. On a madder tomato red ground the design of arabesques and palmettes develops from a subtle central vertical axis. In addition, two secondary vertical axes display furthe...
Wool
Zabihi Collection Antique Persian Mahal Square Rug Pillow
Located in New York, NY
A large pillow made from an antique Persian Mahal rug with red cotton backing. Measures: 17'' x 18''.
Wool, Cotton, Foam
Zabihi Collection Antique Persian Mahal Border Rug Pillow
Located in New York, NY
This pillow was made from an antique Persian Mahal rug with red cotton backing. Measures: 18'' x 18''.
Wool, Cotton, Foam
$17,500Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Persian Mahal Rug, Hand-Knotted Wool, Floral Design, 1920
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bring home the elegance of Persian craftsmanship with this exquisite antique Persian Mahal rug, an authentic piece from the early 20th century. Measuring 10.5 x 13.5 feet, this hand-...
Wool
$7,000Sale Price|20% Off
1920s Antique Persian Mahal Rug Ralph Lauren square 10x11
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Discover the charm and sophistication of this antique Persian Mahal rug, a rare hand-knotted Persian area rug that showcases the rich heritage of Persian craftsmanship. This 10 x 11 ...
Wool
Antique Ziegler Rug, Hand-Knotted Wool, Late 19th Century
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This antique Ziegler carpet has a shaded royal-blue field with an overall design of bold polychrome palmettes around a central column of similar palmettes all linked by a scrolling f...
Wool
Bobyrug’s Pretty Antique Large Austrian Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Wonderful large European Austrian rug with nice Persian design and beautiful light colors, entirely hand knotted with wool velvet on cotton and jute foundation. ✨✨✨ "Experience the ...
Wool, Cotton
Antique Austrian Mahal Wool 10x28 Purple, Ivory & Rust Handmade Gallery Rug
Located in Houston, TX
Condition: Antique Circa: 1900s Origin: Austria Design: Mahal Actual size: 10.0x27.6 Thickness: 1/8" - 1/4" Colors: Purple, Ivory, Rust, Yellow, Orange, Lavendar Content: Wool
Wool
Zabihi Collection Antique Persian Mahal Shabby Chic Rug Pillow
Located in New York, NY
Pillow made from antique Persian Mahal rug with cotton back.
Wool, Cotton, Foam
Large Antique Khotan Rug with Blue All-Over Design of Blossoms and Flowers
Located in Atlanta, GA
Antique Khotan rug with blue all-over design of blossoms and flowers, large Khotan from Turkestan rug sus-1803-387, country of origin / type: Turkestan / Khotan, circa 1910 This a...
Wool
9x12 Modern Tabriz Style Wool Area Rug in Sage Green and Muted Earth Tones
By Apadana Fine Rugs
Located in Norwalk, CT
Its understated elegance, low-contrast design, and beautifully abrash fields mimic the coveted patina of antique Oushak and Ziegler Sultanabad carpets. This versatile masterpiece is ...
Wool
Neo Classical Warm Neutral with Rust Wool Rug 7'9''x10'
By Amara Rugs
Located in Torrance, CA
The wide border adds visual structure, echoing motifs found in museum-quality antique Ziegler & Sultanabad carpets once commissioned for European estates.
Wool
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.
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