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Used Persian Carpets

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Antique Indian Sharistan Carpet
Antique Indian Sharistan Carpet

Antique Indian Sharistan Carpet

Located in Closter, NJ

One large sub-group of these carpets, known as Sharistans/Larestans, emulated the patterns of traditional Persian carpets utilizing imported Manchester wool.

Category

Early 20th Century Indian Kashan Used Persian Carpets

Materials

Wool, Cotton

1920s Red Color with Tribal Guls Antique Persian Baluch Rug 3'6" x 4'6" Carpet
1920s Red Color with Tribal Guls Antique Persian Baluch Rug 3'6" x 4'6" Carpet

1920s Red Color with Tribal Guls Antique Persian Baluch Rug 3'6" x 4'6" Carpet

Located in New York, NY

Antique circa 1920 Afghan Tribal hand-knotted wool rug, 3'6" x 4'6" (42 x 54 in), in red tones. Condition: good, repaired. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Good Condition. ...

Category

1920s Afghan Tribal Used Persian Carpets

Materials

Wool

Bakhshaish Carpet
Bakhshaish Carpet

Bakhshaish Carpet

Located in Dublin, NH

Persian Bakhshaish carpet. Measures: 12'3" x 18'9".

Category

1880s Used Persian Carpets

Materials

Wool

Fine Persian Nain Silk Wool Floral All Over Medallion Area Rug Carpet 7' x 10.5'
Fine Persian Nain Silk Wool Floral All Over Medallion Area Rug Carpet 7' x 10.5'

Fine Persian Nain Silk Wool Floral All Over Medallion Area Rug Carpet 7' x 10.5'

Located in Dayton, OH

Vintage fine Persian Nain rug or carpet. Made of silk and wool featuring floral all over design with central medallion. 484 knots per square inch.

Category

Late 20th Century Used Persian Carpets

Materials

Wool, Silk

Baluch Afghan Persian part Kilim Handwoven Rug 218 x 129 cm (Flat-Weave Carpet)
Baluch Afghan Persian part Kilim Handwoven Rug 218 x 129 cm (Flat-Weave Carpet)

Baluch Afghan Persian part Kilim Handwoven Rug 218 x 129 cm (Flat-Weave Carpet)

Located in Leeds, GB

A Baluchi Afghan / Persiann part kilim rug, approximately 7'2" x 4'3", dating from the mid to late 20th century. Mixed techniques being part pile rug and part flat-weave kilim. The b...

Category

1970s Afghan Used Persian Carpets

Materials

Wool

Vintage Handwoven Persian Wool Area Rug, Floral Design, 8'3" x 11'10"
Vintage Handwoven Persian Wool Area Rug, Floral Design, 8'3" x 11'10"

Vintage Handwoven Persian Wool Area Rug, Floral Design, 8'3" x 11'10"

Located in Dallas, TX

The pattern reflects the elegance and balance characteristic of Persian carpets, with a thoughtfully coordinated color palette that enhances depth and visual appeal.

Category

1990s American Other Used Persian Carpets

Materials

Wool

Vintage Persian Runner with Flora & Fauna Play in Beige & Blue - Rug & Kilim
Vintage Persian Runner with Flora & Fauna Play in Beige & Blue - Rug & Kilim

Vintage Persian Runner with Flora & Fauna Play in Beige & Blue - Rug & Kilim

Located in Long Island City, NY

Unlike more densely ornamented Persian carpets, this example relies on subtle contrasts and spacious drawing to emphasize movement and texture.

Category

1950s Turkish Used Persian Carpets

Materials

Wool

Antique Fereghan Carpet
Antique Fereghan Carpet

Antique Fereghan Carpet

Located in Closter, NJ

The Arak province in northern Persia has produced the greatest number of large carpets of any other Persian province. Named for the plain of Fereghan, an area of roughly 1200 square ...

Category

Late 19th Century Sarouk Farahan Used Persian Carpets

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Antique Fereghan Carpet
Antique Fereghan Carpet

Antique Fereghan Carpet

Located in Katonah, NY

Many years of enjoyment to come with this hand knotted Persian Fereghan carpet made in Persia circa 1870's vintage.

Category

1870s Asian Other Used Persian Carpets

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Light Blue Rugs, Zeigler Handmade Carpet, Oak Floral Carpet
Light Blue Rugs, Zeigler Handmade Carpet, Oak Floral Carpet

Light Blue Rugs, Zeigler Handmade Carpet, Oak Floral Carpet

Located in Wembley, GB

Light Blue Rugs, Zeigler Handmade Carpet, Oak Floral Carpet

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Sultanabad Used Persian Carpets

Materials

Wool, Cotton, Organic Material

Striking Afshar Bidjar Antique, Collectible Investment Piece at Special Discount
Striking Afshar Bidjar Antique, Collectible Investment Piece at Special Discount

Striking Afshar Bidjar Antique, Collectible Investment Piece at Special Discount

Located in WYNNUM, QLD

The linking of the repeated boteh figure (which became a pervasive design element, a symbol for the seed of life in Persian carpets, adopted from India in the late 17th century) with...

Category

1880s Used Persian Carpets

Materials

Wool

Antique Ziegler Carpet - Late of 19th Century Ziegler Carpet
Antique Ziegler Carpet - Late of 19th Century Ziegler Carpet

Antique Ziegler Carpet - Late of 19th Century Ziegler Carpet

Located in Sultanahmet, 34

This antique Ziegler rug from the late 19th century stands out for its elegant design and rich history. This unique piece, coming from the Ziegler region, one of the famous carpet pr...

Category

Late 19th Century Azerbaijani Used Persian Carpets

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian style Laver Carpet, 8'8" × 14'10"
Antique Persian style Laver Carpet, 8'8" × 14'10"

Antique Persian style Laver Carpet, 8'8" × 14'10"

Located in Evanston, IL

They remain among the most desirable decorative Persian carpets for both traditional and contemporary interiors.

Category

Early 20th Century Central Asian Agra Used Persian Carpets

Materials

Wool

Tabriz Style Carpet
Tabriz Style Carpet

Tabriz Style Carpet

Located in Sheffield, MA

Tabriz style carpet in tones of mauve, black and Ivory.

Category

20th Century Pakistani Used Persian Carpets

Tabriz Style Carpet
Tabriz Style Carpet

Tabriz Style Carpet

$1,960Sale Price|20% Off

Tabriz Style Carpet

Located in Sheffield, MA

Tabriz style carpet in tones of mauve, black & Ivory. Rug

Category

20th Century Pakistani Used Persian Carpets

Materials

Wool

19th Century Azeri Carpet
19th Century Azeri Carpet

19th Century Azeri Carpet

Located in Chicago, IL

A 19th century Persian Azeri carpet with three contrasting central medallions surrounded by various square motifs with a contrasting border of red, cream and gold.

Category

19th Century Azerbaijani Used Persian Carpets

Materials

Wool

Antique Ganjeh Carpet Runner
Antique Ganjeh Carpet Runner

Antique Ganjeh Carpet Runner

Located in Chicago, IL

A late 19th century Persian Ganjeh carpet with all-over paisley pattern surrounded by a geometric and floral border.

Category

19th Century Azerbaijani Used Persian Carpets

Materials

Wool

19th Century Kazak Carpet
19th Century Kazak Carpet

19th Century Kazak Carpet

Located in Chicago, IL

A 19th century Persian Kazak carpet with three central geometric medallions on a crimson background surrounded by a contrasting green and blue geometric border.

Category

19th Century Azerbaijani Used Persian Carpets

Materials

Wool

Tabriz Carpet, Northwest Persia
Tabriz Carpet, Northwest Persia

Tabriz Carpet, Northwest Persia

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Due to recent changes in U.S. law, carpets and rugs of Iranian/Persian origin may no longer be imported into the U.S.    

Category

20th Century Used Persian Carpets

Materials

Silk

Vintage Distressed Kurdish Carpet
Vintage Distressed Kurdish Carpet

Vintage Distressed Kurdish Carpet

Located in Katonah, NY

:: Allover covered field in a Seichor Caucasian design motif with sprawling medallions with quatrefoil contour atop a field in allover buds, blossoms and more. Ideally this carpet wo...

Category

1930s Iraqi Other Used Persian Carpets

Materials

Wool

Antique Distressed Kurdish Carpet
Antique Distressed Kurdish Carpet

Antique Distressed Kurdish Carpet

Located in Katonah, NY

:: Allover covered field of diamond shaped panels with trellis outlined vines, each individual panel bearing a boteh and/or floral top view. Main border in a rhythmic meandering blos...

Category

1920s Iraqi Other Used Persian Carpets

Materials

Wool

Antique Hand-Knotted Oriental Tribal Carpet
Antique Hand-Knotted Oriental Tribal Carpet

Antique Hand-Knotted Oriental Tribal Carpet

Located in Nottingham, GB

Antique Hand-Knotted Oriental Tribal Carpet Material: Wool A fine antique hand-knotted Oriental tribal carpet, traditionally woven by nomadic communities of southwestern Iran and d...

Category

19th Century Used Persian Carpets

Materials

Wool

Vintage Persian Runner Mood
Vintage Persian Runner Mood

Vintage Persian Runner Mood

$1,362Sale Price|20% Off

Vintage Persian Runner Mood

Located in Foligno, Perugia

Vintage Persian Runner Mood Persian runner Mood vintage. Fully, hand-knotted is a pure form of uncanny beauty. Featuring one of the most beautiful tribal designs and vibrant colors. ...

Category

1970s Used Persian Carpets

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Vintage Persian Rug.
Vintage Persian Rug.

Vintage Persian Rug.

Located in Mexico City, CDMX

Vintage Persian Rug. Great vintage conditions.

Category

1970s Unknown Other Used Persian Carpets

Materials

Wool

Vintage Persian Kilim
Vintage Persian Kilim

Vintage Persian Kilim

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Introducing our Gorgeous Persian Kilim, a statement piece that transcends time and tradition. Now available on 1stdibs, this exquisite rug is more than just a decor accent—it's a nar...

Category

1950s Used Persian Carpets

Materials

Wool

Persian Rug Pillow
Persian Rug Pillow

Persian Rug Pillow

Located in New York, NY

Pillow made from a 19th-century Persian rug. 16'' square.

Category

Early 20th Century Malayer Used Persian Carpets

Materials

Wool, Cotton, Foam

Persian Lion Kilim
Persian Lion Kilim

Persian Lion Kilim

Located in New York, NY

Accent size Persian Kilim from the late 20th century with a lion sitting on a striated black grey field. Measures: 5'1'' x 6'5''. This was originally belonging to a private Per...

Category

Late 20th Century Pre-Columbian Used Persian Carpets

Materials

Wool

Persian Pictorial Kilim
Persian Pictorial Kilim

Persian Pictorial Kilim

Located in New York, NY

Accent size Persian Kilim from the late 20th century with a Small bird riding on a colorful pony surrounded by an exotic colorful border on a dark open field Measures: 3'11'' x 6'...

Category

Late 20th Century Folk Art Used Persian Carpets

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian Rug
Antique Persian Rug

Antique Persian Rug

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This exquisite Antique Persian Rug is a work of art, exhibiting extraordinary skill and the highest quality materials. Its timeless beauty and refinement are unrivaled, making it an ...

Category

Early 19th Century Used Persian Carpets

Materials

Wool

Persian Heriz Rug
Persian Heriz Rug

Persian Heriz Rug

Located in New York, NY

Persian Heriz Scatter Size rug from the 2nd quarter of the 20th century. Measures: 2'10'' x 4'11''.  

Category

Early 20th Century Sultanabad Used Persian Carpets

Materials

Wool

Persian Malayer Rug
Persian Malayer Rug

Persian Malayer Rug

Located in New York, NY

An early 20th Century Geometric Persian Malayer in red, blue and cream Measures: 3'6'' x 6'5''.

Category

1930s Tribal Used Persian Carpets

Materials

Wool

Vintage Persian Kashan
Vintage Persian Kashan

Vintage Persian Kashan

Located in New York, NY

A mid 20th century Persian Kashan rug in beige, bnrown and baby blue. Measures: 4'1'' x 5'6''.

Category

Mid-20th Century Tabriz Used Persian Carpets

Materials

Wool

Vintage Persian Qashqai
Vintage Persian Qashqai

Vintage Persian Qashqai

$3,200Sale Price|35% Off

Vintage Persian Qashqai

Located in New York, NY

Vintage Persian Qashqai    

Category

1970s Asian Used Persian Carpets

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Early 20th Century Turkmen Carpet
Early 20th Century Turkmen Carpet

Early 20th Century Turkmen Carpet

Located in Chicago, IL

Measures: 5'4" x 10'. Keyword: Carpet, rug, Persian, Heriz, Serapi, Bakhshaish, Tabriz, Samarghand, Khotan.

Category

1930s Uzbek Used Persian Carpets

Materials

Wool

19th Century Karachoff Kazak Carpet
19th Century Karachoff Kazak Carpet

19th Century Karachoff Kazak Carpet

Located in Chicago, IL

Measures: 5' x 7'5". Keywords: Rug, carpet, textile, Persian, Azeri, Heriz, tribal, Central Asian, Khotan, Samarghand, Samarkand, Chinese, Sultanabad, Saruk Farahan

Category

19th Century Azerbaijani Used Persian Carpets

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian Tabriz
Antique Persian Tabriz

Antique Persian Tabriz

$11,200Sale Price|20% Off

Antique Persian Tabriz

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Antique Persian Tabriz Measurement: 10'3"x15'10"

Category

Early 1900s Tabriz Used Persian Carpets

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian Qum
Antique Persian Qum

Antique Persian Qum

By Mehraban Rugs

Located in WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA

Boasting a truly magnificent geometric panel design, this Antique Persian Qum is a striking statement piece. This rug features a compartmentalized panels filled with ferns cusped in ...

Category

1920s Asian Used Persian Carpets

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian Mahal Rug
Antique Persian Mahal Rug

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,...

Category

Early 20th Century Sultanabad Used Persian Carpets

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Antique Persian Rug
Antique Persian Rug

Antique Persian Rug

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This rug is a true masterpiece, crafted with exceptional skill and using only the finest materials. Its intricate patterns and flawless craftsmanship are a testament to the art of ru...

Category

Late 19th Century Used Persian Carpets

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian Rug
Antique Persian Rug

Antique Persian Rug

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This stunning Vintage Oriental rug is a genuine work of art, made with precision and care using only the highest quality materials. The intricate patterns and flawless craftsmanship ...

Category

Late 19th Century Used Persian Carpets

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian style Dabir Kashan Carpet, 8'4" × 11'4"
Antique Persian style Dabir Kashan Carpet, 8'4" × 11'4"

Antique Persian style Dabir Kashan Carpet, 8'4" × 11'4"

Located in Evanston, IL

They remain among the most desirable decorative Persian carpets for both traditional and contemporary interiors.

Category

Early 20th Century Central Asian Agra Used Persian Carpets

Materials

Wool

Vintage Bulgarian Kerman Design Carpet
Vintage Bulgarian Kerman Design Carpet

Vintage Bulgarian Kerman Design Carpet

Located in Katonah, NY

Gardens of paradise design motif with roundel pomegrante stylized center medallion within main channels of blossomed buds and germinating plants, surrounded by paneled design motifs ...

Category

1970s Bulgarian Other Used Persian Carpets

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Vintage Bulgarian Tabriz Design Carpet
Vintage Bulgarian Tabriz Design Carpet

Vintage Bulgarian Tabriz Design Carpet

Located in Katonah, NY

:: Allover covered Herati motif with delicate outlines in scalloped contour suggesting multi-medallions. Colors and shades include: Navy blue, terra cotta, brick red, sky blue, ivory...

Category

1960s Bulgarian Tabriz Used Persian Carpets

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Vintage Bulgarian Tabriz Design Carpet
Vintage Bulgarian Tabriz Design Carpet

Vintage Bulgarian Tabriz Design Carpet

Located in Katonah, NY

Highly detailed with fantastic execution of intricate knotting, paired with optimized design rendering of a classic chanelled garden theme design motif in compartmentalized panels, a...

Category

1960s Bulgarian Tabriz Used Persian Carpets

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Vintage hand-knotted Persian rug, Gabbeh
Vintage hand-knotted Persian rug, Gabbeh

Vintage hand-knotted Persian rug, Gabbeh

Located in Foligno, Perugia

Hand-knotted Vintage Persian rug, peisley pattern all over Gabbeh. Gabbehs are carpets from southern Persia. They are carpets of ancient Nomadic origin. They are recognized for their...

Category

1970s Used Persian Carpets

Materials

Wool

Antique Heriz Carpet - Early 20th Century
Antique Heriz Carpet - Early 20th Century

Antique Heriz Carpet - Early 20th Century

Located in Sultanahmet, 34

this rare early 20th century Antique floral design carpet highlights a powerful and rhythmic composition featuring a magnificent centrally positioned layered medallion anchoring an i...

Category

Early 20th Century Azerbaijani Used Persian Carpets

Materials

Wool

Antique Heriz Carpet 3.43m x 2.56m
Antique Heriz Carpet 3.43m x 2.56m

Antique Heriz Carpet 3.43m x 2.56m

Located in St. Albans, GB

A fabulous antique Heriz carpet, woven circa 1900. This carpet features a large geometrical medallion on a terracotta field and deep indigo border. Fabulous secondary colours of blue...

Category

Early 1900s Used Persian Carpets

Materials

Wool

Vintage Persian Baluch Rug
Vintage Persian Baluch Rug

Vintage Persian Baluch Rug

Located in Chicago, IL

A simple but sophisticated vintage Persian Afghani Baluch rug with two large octagonal floral medallions in the center, surrounded by a simple border with three disc tin geometric fl...

Category

Mid-20th Century Afghan Tribal Used Persian Carpets

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian Wool Rug
Antique Persian Wool Rug

Antique Persian Wool Rug

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Antique Persian Wool Rug The rectangular blue field with a repeating pattern of botai within narrow borders. 78 by 51 in. (198.12 x 129.54 cm.)

Category

20th Century Used Persian Carpets

Materials

Wool

Antique Heriz Carpet 3.29m x 2.12m
Antique Heriz Carpet 3.29m x 2.12m

Antique Heriz Carpet 3.29m x 2.12m

Located in St. Albans, GB

An exceptional antique Heriz carpet, woven circa 1900. The design features a large geometrical medallion on a rare deep blue field surrounded by an unusual light camel border. Very a...

Category

Early 1900s Used Persian Carpets

Materials

Wool

Antique Heriz Carpet 2.96m x 2.15m
Antique Heriz Carpet 2.96m x 2.15m

Antique Heriz Carpet 2.96m x 2.15m

Located in St. Albans, GB

A beautiful antique Heriz carpet, woven circa 1920. The design features a large geometrical medallion on a rich terracotta field surrounded by a classic deep blue border. Very attrac...

Category

1920s Used Persian Carpets

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian Lori Runner
Antique Persian Lori Runner

Antique Persian Lori Runner

Located in Chicago, IL

An antique Persian Lori runner with asymmetrical multicolored geometric pattern and a striped pattern woven with natural wool.

Category

Early 20th Century Used Persian Carpets

Materials

Wool

19th Century Persian Runner
19th Century Persian Runner

19th Century Persian Runner

Located in Chicago, IL

A late 19th century Persian runner with alternating multicolored stripes with all-over paisley design, surrounded by multiple floral borders.

Category

19th Century Used Persian Carpets

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian Mahal Pillow
Antique Persian Mahal Pillow

Antique Persian Mahal Pillow

Located in New York, NY

Pillow made from antique Persian Mahal rug with cotton back. Measures: 13'' x 16''.

Category

Early 20th Century Sultanabad Used Persian Carpets

Materials

Wool, Cotton, Foam

Antique Heriz Carpet 3.68m x 2.65m
Antique Heriz Carpet 3.68m x 2.65m

Antique Heriz Carpet 3.68m x 2.65m

Located in St. Albans, GB

An exceptional antique Heriz carpet, woven circa 1920. The design features a large geometrical medallion on a rich terracotta field surrounded by a classic deep blue border. The desi...

Category

1920s Used Persian Carpets

Materials

Wool

Persian Silk Qum Rug
Persian Silk Qum Rug

Persian Silk Qum Rug

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Persian Silk Qum Rug Signed on the outside border. A center rosette within a blue ground-shaped reserve, set on a beige and gold center field within a wide border of stylized folia...

Category

20th Century Used Persian Carpets

Materials

Wool

1940s Wool Rug/Carpet, Czechoslovakia
1940s Wool Rug/Carpet, Czechoslovakia

1940s Wool Rug/Carpet, Czechoslovakia

Located in Praha, CZ

- Good original condition with minor signs of use

Category

1940s Czech Mid-Century Modern Used Persian Carpets

Materials

Wool

Vintage Persian Soumak Rug
Vintage Persian Soumak Rug

Vintage Persian Soumak Rug

Located in Chicago, IL

An incredible vintage mid-20th century Persian Afghani Soumak rug three large central medallions amidst a field with myriad stylized flowers and leaves, surrounded by the most incred...

Category

Mid-20th Century Afghan Tribal Used Persian Carpets

Materials

Wool

Quirky Persian Gabbeh Rug
Quirky Persian Gabbeh Rug

Quirky Persian Gabbeh Rug

Located in New York, NY

A 3rd quarter of the 20th century mischievous Persian Gabbeh rug. Measures: 6'8'' x 8'1''.

Category

Late 20th Century Tribal Used Persian Carpets

Materials

Wool

Antique Heriz Carpet 3.36m x 2.37m
Antique Heriz Carpet 3.36m x 2.37m

Antique Heriz Carpet 3.36m x 2.37m

Located in St. Albans, GB

A beautiful antique Heriz carpet, handwoven circa 1920 with a large geometrical medallion on a terracotta field and deep indigo border. Fabulous secondary colours, especially the lar...

Category

1920s Used Persian Carpets

Materials

Wool

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Used Persian Carpets For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are several options of used Persian carpets available for sale. Frequently made of fabric, wool and cotton, all used Persian carpets available were constructed with great care. Used Persian carpets have been produced for many years, with earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. Used Persian carpets bearing Modern or Mid-Century Modern hallmarks are very popular at 1stDibs. Many used Persian carpets are appealing in their simplicity, but Mehraban Rugs, Ben Soleimani and Rug & Kilim produced popular used Persian carpets that are worth a look.

How Much are Used Persian Carpets?

Prices for used Persian carpets can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, used Persian carpets begin at $12 and can go as high as $3,200,000, while the average can fetch as much as $5,660.

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.

Questions About Used Persian Carpets

  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Carpet balls were used to play the game Parlour ball. This Victorian-era indoor game is related to bocce ball or lawn bowling. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique carpet balls from top sellers around the world.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    There are a few ways to tell if a Persian carpet is real. A real Persian rug will always have a soft backing with hand-knots instead of machine-made knots. The fringe will also appear to be an extension of the rug, not an addition to the rug. Lastly, Persian rugs are always made with natural materials, not synthetic fibers. Browse a collection of authentic Persian rugs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

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