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Karaja Rug

Antique Karaja Rug 1.82m x 1.42m
Antique Karaja Rug 1.82m x 1.42m

Antique Karaja Rug 1.82m x 1.42m

$4,001

W 55.91 in L 71.66 in

Antique Karaja Rug 1.82m x 1.42m

Located in St. Albans, GB

A wonderful antique Karaja rug, woven circa 1910. The design features a classical 3 medallion

Category

Vintage 1910s Central Asian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Karaja Rug 1.31m x 1.13m
Antique Karaja Rug 1.31m x 1.13m

Antique Karaja Rug 1.31m x 1.13m

$1,724

W 44.49 in L 51.58 in

Antique Karaja Rug 1.31m x 1.13m

Located in St. Albans, GB

A beautiful antique Karadja rug, woven circa 1920 in an unusual squarish size. This rug features a

Category

Vintage 1920s Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Karaja Rug 1.28m x 0.99m
Antique Karaja Rug 1.28m x 0.99m

Antique Karaja Rug 1.28m x 0.99m

$1,241

W 38.98 in L 50.4 in

Antique Karaja Rug 1.28m x 0.99m

Located in St. Albans, GB

A lovely antique Karadja rug, handwoven circa 1920 with a geometrical 3 medallion design on a rich

Category

Vintage 1920s Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Vintage Persian Tribal Karaja Rug, c. 1950-60's
Vintage Persian Tribal Karaja Rug, c. 1950-60's

Vintage Persian Tribal Karaja Rug, c. 1950-60's

Located in Milwaukee, WI

Squarish Vintage Persian Tribal Karaja 2 Toned Reds About: Fantastic size, and a workhorse when

Category

20th Century Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique True King Mighty Iconic Karaja Rug, circa 1920's
Antique True King Mighty Iconic Karaja Rug, circa 1920's

Antique True King Mighty Iconic Karaja Rug, circa 1920's

Located in Milwaukee, WI

True King Mighty Iconic Antique Karaja Deep Strawberry, Salmon, Denim, Seafoam About: This is

Category

20th Century Rugs

Materials

Wool

Narrow Vintage Karaja Rug with Variations of "Red", c. 1950-60's

Narrow Vintage Karaja Rug with Variations of "Red", c. 1950-60's

Located in Milwaukee, WI

Narrow Vintage Karaja with Variations of "Red" Lovely Piece About: You wont' find this Highly

Category

20th Century Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Karaja Persian Oriental Wool Rug Runner C1920
Antique Karaja Persian Oriental Wool Rug Runner C1920

Antique Karaja Persian Oriental Wool Rug Runner C1920

$1,440Sale Price|20% Off

H 118 in W 30.5 in D 0.25 in L 118 in

Antique Karaja Persian Oriental Wool Rug Runner C1920

Located in Big Flats, NY

This antique Karaja Persian Oriental rug runner, dating to circa 1920, showcases the distinctive

Category

Early 20th Century Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Djoharian Collection Antique Rug in Brown and Blue very good condition
Djoharian Collection Antique Rug in Brown and Blue very good condition

Djoharian Collection Antique Rug in Brown and Blue very good condition

Located in Lohr, Bavaria, DE

Azeri rug has a beautiful design inspired by Heriz and Karaja Rugs of the Azerbaijan region. A

Category

Early 20th Century Azerbaijani Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian Karaja Throw Rug C1930
Antique Persian Karaja Throw Rug C1930

Antique Persian Karaja Throw Rug C1930

$960Sale Price|20% Off

W 57.5 in L 75.25 in

Antique Persian Karaja Throw Rug C1930

Located in Big Flats, NY

Antique Persian Karaja Throw Rug C1930 Measures - 75.25" x 57.5"

Category

Early 20th Century Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique 11'x3' Karaja Persian Wool Rug Runner C1930
Antique 11'x3' Karaja Persian Wool Rug Runner C1930

Antique 11'x3' Karaja Persian Wool Rug Runner C1930

$1,650

H 139 in W 34 in D 0.5 in L 139 in

Antique 11'x3' Karaja Persian Wool Rug Runner C1930

Located in Big Flats, NY

Antique Karaja Persian Wool Rug Runner C1930 Measures - 139" x 34" x 1/2"

Category

Early 20th Century Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Karaja Runner, c. 1900
Karaja Runner, c. 1900

Karaja Runner, c. 1900

$4,500

W 44 in L 154 in

Karaja Runner, c. 1900

Located in Dublin, NH

Karaja Runner, c. 1900 Additional Information: Dimensions: 3'8" W x 12'10" L Origin: Persia Period

Category

Antique 19th Century Turkish Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Ancient Nomadic Northwest Persian Karaja Runner Rug, circa 1920's
Ancient Nomadic Northwest Persian Karaja Runner Rug, circa 1920's

Ancient Nomadic Northwest Persian Karaja Runner Rug, circa 1920's

Located in Milwaukee, WI

Ancient Nomadic Northwest Persian Karaja Runner Super Fine Piece In Indigo, Clay, Forest Green

Category

20th Century Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Djoharian Collection Antique Caucasian Kazak Cherlabend Design Rug from Karaja
Djoharian Collection Antique Caucasian Kazak Cherlabend Design Rug from Karaja

Djoharian Collection Antique Caucasian Kazak Cherlabend Design Rug from Karaja

Located in Lohr, Bavaria, DE

Djoharian Collection Antique Caucasian Kazak Cherlabend Design Rug from Karaja Beautiful rug with

Category

Vintage 1940s Azerbaijani Kazak Caucasian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Old Karaja Runner or Kelleh
Old Karaja Runner or Kelleh

Old Karaja Runner or Kelleh

$3,104

W 55.12 in L 145.28 in

Old Karaja Runner or Kelleh

Located in Moreton-In-Marsh, GB

Old Karaja runner or kelleh of traditional design with seven medallions and a classic Karaja border

Category

20th Century More Carpets

Character-Rich Vintage Persian Karaja Runner, c. 1930-40's
Character-Rich Vintage Persian Karaja Runner, c. 1930-40's

Character-Rich Vintage Persian Karaja Runner, c. 1930-40's

Located in Milwaukee, WI

Wonderful Character-Rich Vintage Persian Karaja Runner Earthy Rust & Unique Camel Border About: I

Category

20th Century Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Mid 20th Century Hand Knotted Karaja Runner with Pastel Triple Medallions
Mid 20th Century Hand Knotted Karaja Runner with Pastel Triple Medallions

Mid 20th Century Hand Knotted Karaja Runner with Pastel Triple Medallions

Located in New York, NY

Woven in the Karaja region of northwest Iran during the mid-1900s, this runner features a rhythmic

Category

Vintage 1950s Turkish Rugs

Materials

Wool

Heriz Rug Hand Knotted Low Wool Pile Vintage Look Djoharian Collection
Heriz Rug Hand Knotted Low Wool Pile Vintage Look Djoharian Collection

Heriz Rug Hand Knotted Low Wool Pile Vintage Look Djoharian Collection

By djoharian-design

Located in Lohr, Bavaria, DE

Karaja, Gerawan, Shirvan and Serapi rugs. Origin: India Pile material: Fine hand-spun wool, excellent

Category

2010s Indian Heriz Serapi Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Djoharian Collection Heriz-Serapi Style Rug with Medallion 6.6 x 9.5 ft
Djoharian Collection Heriz-Serapi Style Rug with Medallion 6.6 x 9.5 ft

Djoharian Collection Heriz-Serapi Style Rug with Medallion 6.6 x 9.5 ft

By djoharian-design

Located in Lohr, Bavaria, DE

Heriz Rug room size area Serapi carpet What is a Heriz rug? Heriz rugs are named after the town

Category

2010s Indian Heriz Serapi Indian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Late 19th Century Persian Karaja Rug
Late 19th Century Persian Karaja Rug

Late 19th Century Persian Karaja Rug

Unavailable|$12,000

W 118 in L 132 in

Late 19th Century Persian Karaja Rug

Located in New York City, NY

Late 19th century Karaja rug with geometric and floral medallions on a blue and red background.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Vintage Persian Karaja Runner Rug
Vintage Persian Karaja Runner Rug

Vintage Persian Karaja Runner Rug

Unavailable|$1,650

W 23 in L 125 in

Vintage Persian Karaja Runner Rug

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Age: 1930 Pile: Low Wear Notes: 2 Material: Wool on Cotton Vintage rugs are made by

Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Other Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Antique Karaja Runner
Antique Karaja Runner

Antique Karaja Runner

Unavailable|$6,209

W 41.34 in L 142.92 in

Antique Karaja Runner

Located in Crondall, Surrey

Wonderful royal blue background on this excellent condition antique Karaja runner, Persia. Warm

Category

Antique 19th Century Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Early 20th Century Antique Persian Karaja Runner Rug
Early 20th Century Antique Persian Karaja Runner Rug

Early 20th Century Antique Persian Karaja Runner Rug

Located in Louisville, KY

An antique Persian Karaja runner rug, circa 1920.

Category

Early 20th Century Persian Other Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian Karaja, Geometric Design, Navy Field, Wool, Oversize, 1915
Antique Persian Karaja, Geometric Design, Navy Field, Wool, Oversize, 1915

Antique Persian Karaja, Geometric Design, Navy Field, Wool, Oversize, 1915

Located in Williamsburg, VA

This is a very unusual oversize beautiful navy blue Persian Karaja dated circa 1915. Karaja is a

Category

Early 20th Century Heriz Serapi Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian Karaja, Heriz, Geometric Design, Rust Field, Wool, 3x5,  1915
Antique Persian Karaja, Heriz, Geometric Design, Rust Field, Wool, 3x5,  1915

Antique Persian Karaja, Heriz, Geometric Design, Rust Field, Wool, 3x5, 1915

Located in Williamsburg, VA

This is a great example of a scatter sized Persian Karaja also known as a Heriz or Serapi. Karaja

Category

Early 20th Century Central Asian Heriz Serapi Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian Karaja, Heriz, Geometric Design, Wool, 3-5x3-9, 1910
Antique Persian Karaja, Heriz, Geometric Design, Wool, 3-5x3-9, 1910

Antique Persian Karaja, Heriz, Geometric Design, Wool, 3-5x3-9, 1910

Located in Williamsburg, VA

This is a great example of a scatter size Persian Karaja also known as a Heriz or Serapi. Karaja is

Category

Early 20th Century Persian Heriz Serapi Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian Karaja, Geometric Eagle Kazak Design, Wool, Scatter Size, 1910
Antique Persian Karaja, Geometric Eagle Kazak Design, Wool, Scatter Size, 1910

Antique Persian Karaja, Geometric Eagle Kazak Design, Wool, Scatter Size, 1910

Located in Williamsburg, VA

This beautiful navy blue Persian Karaja is dated 1910. Karaja is a village just outside Heriz and

Category

Early 20th Century Heriz Serapi Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian Karaja, Geometric Design, Green on Navy, Wool, Scatter Size
Antique Persian Karaja, Geometric Design, Green on Navy, Wool, Scatter Size

Antique Persian Karaja, Geometric Design, Green on Navy, Wool, Scatter Size

Located in Williamsburg, VA

This beautiful navy blue Persian Karaja is dated 1915. Karaja is a village just outside Heriz and

Category

Early 20th Century Heriz Serapi Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian Karaja, Geometric Design, Green on Navy, Wool, Scatter Size
Antique Persian Karaja, Geometric Design, Green on Navy, Wool, Scatter Size

Antique Persian Karaja, Geometric Design, Green on Navy, Wool, Scatter Size

Located in Williamsburg, VA

This beautiful navy blue Persian Karaja is dated 1915. Karaja is a village just outside Heriz and

Category

Early 20th Century Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian Karaja, Geometric Design, Navy and Rust, Wool, 4-4x6, 1910
Antique Persian Karaja, Geometric Design, Navy and Rust, Wool, 4-4x6, 1910

Antique Persian Karaja, Geometric Design, Navy and Rust, Wool, 4-4x6, 1910

Located in Williamsburg, VA

This is a handsome antique Persian Karaja. These rugs also known as an antique Heriz or Serapi

Category

Early 20th Century Heriz Serapi Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian Karaja, Geometric Design, Green on Navy, Wool, Scatter Size 1915
Antique Persian Karaja, Geometric Design, Green on Navy, Wool, Scatter Size 1915

Antique Persian Karaja, Geometric Design, Green on Navy, Wool, Scatter Size 1915

Located in Williamsburg, VA

This beautiful navy blue Persian Karaja is dated 1915. Karaja is a village just outside Heriz and

Category

Early 20th Century Persian Heriz Serapi Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Vintage Karaja Rug
Vintage Karaja Rug

Vintage Karaja Rug

Sold|$975

W 25 in L 42 in

Vintage Karaja Rug

Located in Chicago, IL

A wonderful and bold vintage Karaja rug with three large stylized floral medallions woven in

Category

Late 20th Century Persian Heriz Serapi Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Persian Karaja Rug
Persian Karaja Rug

Persian Karaja Rug

Sold|$3,950

W 60 in L 76 in

Persian Karaja Rug

Located in Evanston, IL

Persian Karaja rug, circa 1920, measuring 5' x 6'4". Vegetable dyed wool with terracotta back

Category

Early 20th Century Persian Heriz Serapi Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Karaja Rug
Antique Karaja Rug

Antique Karaja Rug

Sold|$4,139

W 55.91 in L 72.84 in

Antique Karaja Rug

Located in Moreton-In-Marsh, GB

Antique Karaja rug of traditional design with three medallions and a classic Karaja border. The

Category

20th Century More Carpets

Stunting Antique Karaja Rug
Stunting Antique Karaja Rug

Stunting Antique Karaja Rug

Sold|$1,550

W 39 in L 54 in

Stunting Antique Karaja Rug

Located in Evanston, IL

used in these rugs are 100% natural. Karaja rugs have very unique patterns that are different from the

Category

Vintage 1920s Persian Heriz Serapi Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Karaja Rug 1.91m x 1.30m
Antique Karaja Rug 1.91m x 1.30m

Antique Karaja Rug 1.91m x 1.30m

Sold|$2,690

W 51.18 in L 75 in

Antique Karaja Rug 1.91m x 1.30m

Located in St. Albans, GB

A lovely antique Karaja rug, woven circa 1920. The rug features the classical Karaja design of

Category

Vintage 1920s Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Persian Karaja Rug
Persian Karaja Rug

Persian Karaja Rug

Sold|$50,000

W 105 in L 122 in

Persian Karaja Rug

Located in Dublin, NH

This is an exceptionally well-spaced Karaja woven in northwest Persia about one hundred twenty

Category

Antique 19th Century Persian Persian Rugs

Indigo & Avocado Antique Karaja Rug, c. 1920's
Indigo & Avocado Antique Karaja Rug, c. 1920's

Indigo & Avocado Antique Karaja Rug, c. 1920's

Located in Milwaukee, WI

Moody Indigo & Avocado Antique Karaja Super Fine Weave About: Stop it - this is amazing; super

Category

20th Century Rugs

Materials

Wool

Karaja Rug, First Quarter of the 20th Century
Karaja Rug, First Quarter of the 20th Century

Karaja Rug, First Quarter of the 20th Century

Located in New York, NY

This attractive village rug was woven in the area of Karaja in the N.W. Iranian province of

Category

Vintage 1920s Persian Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian Rust Navy Blue Geometric Tribal Karaja Rug, circa 1900-1910
Antique Persian Rust Navy Blue Geometric Tribal Karaja Rug, circa 1900-1910

Antique Persian Rust Navy Blue Geometric Tribal Karaja Rug, circa 1900-1910

Located in New York, NY

Antique Karaja (Black Mountain) rugs are woven in Iran near the Caucasian border and therefore

Category

Early 20th Century Persian Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian Red and Navy Blue Geometric Tribal Karaja Rug, circa 1940s
Antique Persian Red and Navy Blue Geometric Tribal Karaja Rug, circa 1940s

Antique Persian Red and Navy Blue Geometric Tribal Karaja Rug, circa 1940s

Located in New York, NY

Antique Karaja (Black Mountain) rugs are woven in Iran near the Caucasian border and therefore

Category

Vintage 1940s Persian Heriz Serapi Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian Red and Navy Blue Geometric Tribal Karaja Rug circa 1940s
Antique Persian Red and Navy Blue Geometric Tribal Karaja Rug circa 1940s

Antique Persian Red and Navy Blue Geometric Tribal Karaja Rug circa 1940s

Located in New York, NY

Antique Karaja (Black Mountain) rugs are woven in Iran near the Caucasian border and therefore

Category

Vintage 1940s Persian Heriz Serapi Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Karaja Persian Oriental Rug Runner C1920
Antique Karaja Persian Oriental Rug Runner C1920

Antique Karaja Persian Oriental Rug Runner C1920

Located in Big Flats, NY

Antique Karaja Persian Oriental Rug Runner C1920 (65" x 27 1/4" x 1/4") This antique Karaja

Category

Early 20th Century Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Fine Karaja, Serapi Rug
Fine Karaja, Serapi Rug

Fine Karaja, Serapi Rug

Sold|$2,450

W 46 in L 58 in

Fine Karaja, Serapi Rug

Located in Evanston, IL

mid-19th century rugs from these area imported to US and European market. This Karaja rug like many

Category

Early 20th Century Persian Heriz Serapi Persian Rugs

Antique Persian Karaja Heriz Rug
Antique Persian Karaja Heriz Rug

Antique Persian Karaja Heriz Rug

Sold|$799

W 28 in L 48 in

Antique Persian Karaja Heriz Rug

Located in Evanston, IL

used in these rugs are 100% natural. Karaja rugs have very unique patterns that are different from the

Category

Early 20th Century Persian Heriz Serapi Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian Karaja Runner
Antique Persian Karaja Runner

Antique Persian Karaja Runner

Sold|$1,799

W 34 in L 117 in

Antique Persian Karaja Runner

Located in Evanston, IL

Natural-dyed wool Persian Karaja rug handmade in or near the village of Qaraajeh (Karaja), in the

Category

Early 20th Century Persian Heriz Serapi Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Amazing Karaja Runner
Amazing Karaja Runner

Amazing Karaja Runner

Sold|$2,950

W 36 in L 166 in

Amazing Karaja Runner

Located in Evanston, IL

Karadagh rug or Karaja rug handmade in or near the village of Qarājeh (Karaja), in the Qareh Dāgh

Category

Early 20th Century Persian Heriz Serapi Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Persian Karaja Heriz Runner
Persian Karaja Heriz Runner

Persian Karaja Heriz Runner

Sold|$2,450

W 42 in L 168 in

Persian Karaja Heriz Runner

Located in Evanston, IL

Karadagh rug or Karaja rug handmade in or near the village of Qarājeh (Karaja), in the Qareh Dāgh

Category

Early 20th Century Persian Heriz Serapi Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Karaja Persian Oriental Area Rug C1930
Antique Karaja Persian Oriental Area Rug C1930

Antique Karaja Persian Oriental Area Rug C1930

Located in Big Flats, NY

Antique Karaja Persian Oriental Area Rug Signed C1930 (49" x 28 1/2" x 1/2"). A finely

Category

Early 20th Century Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian Heriz, Serapi, Karaja Runner, 2'9" x 17'
Antique Persian Heriz, Serapi, Karaja Runner, 2'9" x 17'

Antique Persian Heriz, Serapi, Karaja Runner, 2'9" x 17'

Located in Evanston, IL

Great size color condition and quality. Natural-dyed wool Persian Karaja rug handmade in or near

Category

Early 20th Century Persian Heriz Serapi Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Amazing Antique Karaja Runner
Amazing Antique Karaja Runner

Amazing Antique Karaja Runner

Sold|$2,899

W 33 in L 132 in

Amazing Antique Karaja Runner

Located in Evanston, IL

market. This Karaja rug like many other antique rugs antique rugs that used in US has beautiful appeal of

Category

Early 20th Century Persian Heriz Serapi Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian Karaja Serapi, Heriz, Amazing Colors
Antique Persian Karaja Serapi, Heriz, Amazing Colors

Antique Persian Karaja Serapi, Heriz, Amazing Colors

Located in Evanston, IL

% natural. Karaja rugs have very unique patterns that are different from the other rugs produced in this

Category

Early 20th Century Persian Heriz Serapi Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian Heriz, Karaja, Serapi Runner
Antique Persian Heriz, Karaja, Serapi Runner

Antique Persian Heriz, Karaja, Serapi Runner

Located in Evanston, IL

market. This Karaja rug like many other antique rugs antique rugs that used in US has beautiful appeal of

Category

Early 20th Century Persian Heriz Serapi Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian Karaja/Heriz Runner, c-1920's
Antique Persian Karaja/Heriz Runner, c-1920's

Antique Persian Karaja/Heriz Runner, c-1920's

Located in Evanston, IL

European market. This Karaja rug like many other antique rugs antique rugs that used in US has beautiful

Category

Early 20th Century Persian Heriz Serapi Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian Karajah Rug
Antique Persian Karajah Rug

Antique Persian Karajah Rug

Sold|$1,450

W 48 in L 70 in

Antique Persian Karajah Rug

Located in Evanston, IL

used in these rugs are 100% natural. Karaja rugs have very unique patterns that are different from the

Category

Vintage 1920s Persian Heriz Serapi Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Persian Karajah Rug
Persian Karajah Rug

Persian Karajah Rug

Sold|$1,100

W 36 in L 40 in

Persian Karajah Rug

Located in Evanston, IL

market. This Karaja rug like many other antique rugs antique rugs that used in US has beautiful appeal

Category

Early 20th Century Persian Heriz Serapi Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

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Karaja Rug For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the karaja rug you’re looking for at 1stDibs. Each karaja rug for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using fabric, wool and bamboo. Find 76 options for an antique or vintage karaja rug now, or shop our selection of 1 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. Your living room may not be complete without a karaja rug — find older editions for sale from the 19th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. When you’re browsing for the right karaja rug, those designed in Mid-Century Modern styles are of considerable interest.

How Much is a Karaja Rug?

Prices for a karaja rug start at $699 and top out at $50,000 with the average selling for $2,749.

Finding the Right Persian-rugs for You

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.