Kasmiri Silk Rug

Tabrīz rugs and carpets are named for their place of origin — the northwestern Iranian city of Tabrīz (or Tabriz). To collectors of antique and vintage Persian carpets and rugs, it is one of history’s best-known hubs for textiles and other handicrafts. Tabriz is among the most populous cities in Iran and home to a rich tradition of hand-knotted rugs. The region’s weavers and their craft flourished under the Safavid dynasty between the 12th and 16th centuries after the Safavids wrested control of the city from the Turks. 

Aside from asymmetrical knots, the characteristics of antique Tabriz rugs and carpets include intricate patterns and designs woven from silk and wool. (Antique rugs are primarily woven from the latter.) Like Turkish rugs, Tabriz and other Persian rugs often reflect the region where they were made and typically feature floral and garden motifs with bold maroon, gold and red palettes. The most iconic motif found in Tabriz rugs is a central medallion that radiates outward into other star-shaped pendants and cartouches, with quarter medallions positioned on the corners, while special variations feature curling arabesque floral motifs and hunting scenes. There are rich hues of ivory, copper, terracotta and burgundy with complementing highlights of navy blue and deep green. 

While weavers traditionally rely on their fingers to produce the knots in Persian rugs and carpets, local weavers in Tabriz utilize a knife with a buttonhook-like projection to increase their speed. Some of the region’s artisans have set records for weaving faster than one knot per second. These rugs feature an integration of knots that are both Persian and Turkish in origin, and have a double weft made with cotton, wool or silk and cotton warps. This unique process makes these textiles the product of one of the finest and most delicate rug-making traditions in the world.

Tabriz carpets, along with other types of Persian rugs, have experienced a contemporary revival in the past few decades and are a coveted and distinctive piece of craftsmanship in many homes and other interior spaces. 

Find a collection of antique and vintage Tabriz rugs and carpets, wall decorations and other furniture on 1stDibs.

Antique, new and vintage area rugs and carpets are a simple way to add warmth and style to any space. Area rugs can be seasonal or changed with other decorative objects to refresh an interior. Carpet piles materials can vary from wool and cotton to silk and synthetic fibers, and the purpose of a floor covering can range from reducing noise to offering a place to sit.

Vintage rugs can ground a space, and arranging furniture around them creates a measured focal point. Key furniture pieces can be placed on the rug or just the legs, such as with furniture like coffee tables in your living room.

So, how can you tell if a rug is high quality or vintage?

The three main components that determine the quality of a piece are the dyes, the wool and the number of knots per square inch. Ultimately, however, if you want to be sure the rug you’re buying is truly an antique, it is best to consult an expert.

If you want a creative design that stands out, area rugs or carpets can provide layers of color. Rugs and carpets reflect a global heritage of textiles and weaving, such as ornately patterned Persian and Indian designs. Visually striking Chinese rugs can add a delicate touch of color, while modern rugs make a statement with their geometric patterns.

Turkish rugs, with their ruby reds and misted blues, their entwined botanical designs and rhythmic geometries, are as beloved today as they were in the 13th century. The West’s current infatuation with Moroccan and North African tribal rugs stretches to the mid-20th century, when modern furniture designers embraced bold geometric patterns and even bolder palettes as counterpoints to form-follows-function interiors. Alvar Aalto, Frank Lloyd Wright and Le Corbusier were among the designers who used these rustic, natural rugs to offset austere interiors.

If you properly maintain your antique and vintage rugs, they will last for many years. When you’re thinking about how to clean a rug, it is important to keep in mind that your vacuum is not too harsh for your favorite floor covering. Frequent vacuuming is in fact necessary to remove everyday dirt that otherwise wears down the pile. Omri Schwartz of Nazmiyal does, however, stipulate that “it’s best to use an ordinary suction vacuum without bristles, as the bristles can damage the rug’s pile.” Rotating the carpet every couple of years is also recommended — it ensures that the rug gets even foot traffic.

On 1stDibs, find a vintage rug or carpet to add a layer of beauty and function to your room.