Persian Rugs
to
8,120
Width
to
Length
to
32,798
2,678
239
837
359
160
112
97
83
64
60
32
14
14
9
9
8
5
3
3
78
4,620
28,100
2,917
8,892
6,709
2,734
1,098
726
1,604
938
752
822
846
335
138
71
35,627
34,765
3,619
1,369
143
33,632
1,720
35,715
35,354
35,358
33,670
26,883
22,901
2,457
1,990
324
269
150
141
137
Persian Rugs For Sale
Vintage Persian Tabriz Area Rug with Neoclassical Swedish Gustavian Style
Located in Dallas, TX
75613, vintage Persian Tabriz area rug with neoclassical Swedish Gustavian style. This hand knotted wool vintage Persian Tabriz area rug...
Category
Mid-20th Century Persian Gustavian Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Mehraban Antique Persian Tabriz Circa 1900
Located in WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA
Rug Number
31802
Size
14' 9" X 22' 5"
Design
Tabriz
Collection
Antique/Vintage
Material
Wool
Texture
Pile Weave
Origin
Iran
Age
Antique
Category
1920s Persian Vintage Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
1880s Antique Persian Mohtasham Silk Kashan Rug
Located in Dallas, TX
74220 Antique Persian Mohtashem Kashan Silk Directional Rug with Regal Neoclassic Style. Opulence and grace with beguiling ambiance, this antique Persian Mohtashem Kashan large direc...
Category
Late 19th Century Persian Kashan Antique Persian Rugs
Materials
Silk
21st Century Persian Sultanabad Large Carpet
Located in New York, NY
A modern Persian Sultanabad large room size carpet handmade during the 21st century.
Measures: 12' 8" x 18' 6"
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Persian Sultanabad Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Early 20th Century Persian Malayer Rug
Located in Chicago, IL
A wonderful early 20th century Persian Malayer rug with a central floral medallion living on a solid tan field, surrounded by a densely woven floral patterned border, and all handwov...
Category
1910s Persian Malayer Vintage Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
1850s Antique Persian Ziegler Sultanabad 12x15 Orange, Blue, & Ivory Area Rug
Located in Houston, TX
We present a beautiful Antique Persian Ziegler Sultanabad 12x15 Orange, Blue, & Ivory Handmade Area Rug #9902456. Ziegler Sultanabad carpets are classics in...
Category
1850s Persian Sultanabad Antique Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
19th Century Persian Ziegler Sultanabad Carpet ( 17'4" x 24' - 528 x 732 )
Located in New York, NY
19th Century Persian Ziegler Sultanabad Carpet
17'4" x 24' - 528 x 732
Category
1880s Persian Sultanabad Antique Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
1950s, Persian Heriz Mid-Century Carpet in Red, Blue, Ivory
Located in Lomita, CA
Rich reds, ivory and royal blues form the palette of colors for this 1950s Heriz Persian carpet to treasure. The red field features a large central pointed rectangular medallion link...
Category
Mid-20th Century Persian Heriz Serapi Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Green Antique Persian Mahal Handmade Square Wool Rug with Allover Floral Design
Located in Norwalk, CT
Beautiful Antique Mahal hand-knotted wool rug with a green color field. This Persian rug has orange, beige, and gray accents in an all-over floral design.
This rug measures 7' x 7'.
Category
20th Century Persian Islamic Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Early 20th Century Persian Sarouk Rug
Located in Chicago, IL
A traditional early 20th century Persian Sarouk rug with a mirrored floral pattern with myriad floral clusters, surrounded by a wide border with a repeated floral patterned border, a...
Category
1930s Persian Sarouk Farahan Vintage Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Vintage Persian Heriz Runner with Mina Khani Pattern, Extra-Long Hallway Runner
Located in Dallas, TX
77395, vintage Persian Heriz runner with Mina Khani pattern, extra-long Hallway runner 03'00 x 17'04. This hand knotted wool vintage Persian Heriz runner features a lively all-over M...
Category
Mid-20th Century Persian Heriz Serapi Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Antique Austrian Savonnerie Mythical Hunting Rug, Viennese Garden of Beasts
Located in Dallas, TX
72342 Antique Austrian Savonnerie Rug, 15'00 x 36'00. Step into the grandeur of a forgotten ballroom, where the whisper of silk gowns and the rustle of empire echo across gilded parq...
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Aubusson Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Early 20th Century Handmade Persian Malayer King Solomon Pictorial Accent Rug
Located in New York, NY
An antique Persian Malayer accent rug handmade during the early 20th century. The inscription cartouche indicates the subject is King Solomon and the date is circa 1911. in a frogged...
Category
Early 20th Century Persian Folk Art Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Vintage Pink Persian Souf Silk Kashan Rug
Located in Dallas, TX
78120 Vintage Pink Persian Souf Silk Kashan Rug, 02'10 x 04'05. A vintage Persian Souf Kashan rug is a luxurious type of Persian carpet from Kashan, Iran, known for its intricate des...
Category
Mid-20th Century Persian Neoclassical Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool, Silk
19th Century W. Persian Bijar Carpet ( 15'6" x 27'10" - 472 x 848 )
Located in New York, NY
19th Century W. Persian Bijar Carpet ( 15'6" x 27'10" - 472 x 848 )
Category
1870s Persian Antique Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Antique Heriz Rug
Located in Norwalk, CT
A 20th century antique Heriz rug with an all over red geometric, medallion motif. This rug measures at 7'2" x 10'2".
Category
Mid-20th Century Persian Heriz Serapi Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Late 19th Century 1880's Antique Persian Bijar Carpet with Traditional Style
Located in Dallas, TX
53868 Late 19th Century Antique Persian Bijar Rug Runner, 01'11 x 25'11. This extraordinary hand-knotted wool antique Persian Bijar rug runner, dating back to the late 19th century, is a rare and remarkable example of Persian craftsmanship. Known for their durability and intricate artistry, Bijar rugs are celebrated as the "Iron Rugs of Persia," and this extra-long Persian carpet runner is no exception. It seamlessly combines traditional elegance with rustic sensibility, showcasing an intricate design that captivates the viewer with its timeless charm and unparalleled craftsmanship.
The field is adorned with elongated medallions, each filled with an allover pattern of Herati motifs—a hallmark of Persian artistry. These motifs, composed of a central rosette flanked by curling leaves or fish forms, create a mesmerizing rhythm across the runner. The earthy color palette, featuring shades of rust, navy blue, and ivory, evokes a sense of warmth and rustic refinement, making this piece as visually striking as it is culturally significant. The medallions are beautifully framed by angular detailing, enhancing their presence and creating a harmonious balance across the length of the rug.
The artisanal character of this Bijar runner is further emphasized by its exquisite texture and incredible detail. The dense knotting and precise execution of the intricate patterns reflect the exceptional skill of the weavers, whose dedication to their craft has transformed this rug into a piece of woven art. The elongated format, rare for antique Bijar rugs, adds to its allure, making it an ideal choice for stairways, long hallways, or grand corridors, where its beauty can be fully appreciated.
Emanating a sense of exotic sophistication, this antique Persian Bijar runner tells a story of tradition, artistry, and timeless elegance. Its rustic yet refined aesthetic captures the essence of an exotic journey, adding worldly charm to any space it graces. As a rare find, this woven wonder is not only a functional piece but also a collector’s treasure, embodying the rich heritage and enduring appeal of Persian weaving traditions.
Rendered in variegated shades of brick red, navy blue, baked clay, cerulean, rose, brown, terra cotta, tan, dark pink, coffee and verdigris with other accent colors.
Distressed. Desirable Age Wear.
Abrash.
Hand knotted wool.
Made in Iran.
Measures: 01'11 x 25'11.
Pile Height: 0.25 of an inch.
Antique Stair Runner...
Category
Late 19th Century Russian Spanish Colonial Antique Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Vintage Gabbeh Persian Tribal Rug, Blue with Geometric Patterns - Rug & Kilim
Located in Long Island City, NY
This vintage 3x6 Persian Gabbeh runner rug is the latest grand entry to Rug & Kilim’s curation of rare tribal pieces. Hand-knotted in wool circa 1950-1960.
On the Design:
This vin...
Category
1950s Persian Tribal Vintage Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Vintage Pictorial Rug with Native American Couple, Tapestry Wall Hanging
Located in Dallas, TX
74341, vintage Pictorial rug with Native American couple, tapestry wall hanging. This vintage pictorial rug displays a beautiful use of naturalis...
Category
Late 20th Century Persian Native American Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Doris Leslie Blau Antique Persian Sultanabad Rug
Located in New York, NY
Antique Persian Sultanabad rug
Size: 13'9" × 16'7" (419 × 505 cm)
Color: Beige, Blue, Red.
A hand-knotted wool antique Persian Sultanabad rug dating back to circa 1920. The main fiel...
Category
Early 20th Century Persian Sultanabad Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Vintage Persian Shiraz Kilim Rug, Modern Desert Meets Boho Chic
Located in Dallas, TX
77905, vintage Persian Shiraz Kilim rug with Bohemian Tribal style. Full of tiny details and a bold expressive design combined with vibrant colors and tribal style, this hand-woven w...
Category
Late 20th Century Persian Kilim Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
21st Century Persian Silk Quom Square Oversize Carpet
Located in New York, NY
A modern Persian Silk Quom square oversize carpet handmade during the 21st century.
Measures: 19' 9" x 19' 11"
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Persian Neoclassical Persian Rugs
Materials
Silk
Ararat Rugs Kerman Vase Technique Carpet 17th Century Revival Rug, Natural Dyed
By Ararat Rugs
Located in Tokyo, JP
The Kerman Vase-Technique Carpet (Model: ART00676) by Ararat Rugs is a distinguished creation inspired by southeastern Persia's renowned 17th-century Kerman "Vase" carpets. This piec...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Revival Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool, Natural Fiber, Organic Material
Persian Sultanabad Area Rugs - 53764
Located in Dallas, TX
Discover the elegance of Persian Sultanabad featuring Area Rugs. Designed with meticulous attention to detail, this exclusive design is perfect for enhancing your space.
Category
Late 20th Century Asian Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Doris Leslie Blau Antique Persian Malayer Rug
Located in New York, NY
Antique Persian Malayer Rug
Size: 15'6" × 23'0" (472 × 701 cm)
This striking antique Persian Malayer carpet circa 1900 features a grid of multicolored geometric medallion designs wit...
Category
Early 20th Century Persian Malayer Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Mid-20th Century Handmade Persian Veece Small Room Size Carpet
Located in New York, NY
A vintage Persian Veece small room size carpet handmade during the mid-20th century.
Measures: 7' 5" x 11' 1".
Category
Mid-20th Century Persian Rustic Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
1900's Antique Persian Lilihan Carpet
Located in Dallas, TX
74902 Distressed Antique Persian Lilihan Rug, 07'07 x 09'08. Distressed Persian Lilihan rugs are a modern interpretation of traditional Lilihan rugs that undergo a specialized treatment process to create an aged and weathered appearance. This treatment typically involves distressing the rug and soften the colors, giving it a muted and worn-in aesthetic. Despite their distressed appearance, these authentic Persian rugs often retain the durable construction and timeless design elements characteristic of traditional Lilihan rugs, making them a popular choice for both classic and modern interior spaces seeking a vintage-inspired touch.
This hand-knotted wool distressed antique Persian Lilihan rug epitomizes timeless elegance with its soft colors and naturalistic design elements, making it a versatile addition to various interior styles ranging from modern to rustic. The rust-colored field, characterized by an intricate botanical floral pattern of bursting floral sprays, extends seamlessly across the rug, infusing every corner with interest and detail. Enclosed within a botanical border, complemented by inner and outer floral Meander guard bands, this lovingly time-worn Persian rug...
Category
Early 20th Century Persian Sarouk Farahan Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Vintage Persian Heriz Rug with Modern American Craftsman Style
Located in Dallas, TX
74970, vintage Persian Heriz rug with modern American craftsman style. Overflowing in a refined color palette and representing a stylish union...
Category
Mid-20th Century Persian Heriz Serapi Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
19th Century Persian Sarouk Farahan Wool & Silk Carpet ( 8'4" x 9'6"-254 x 290 )
Located in New York, NY
19th Century Persian Sarouk Farahan Wool & Silk Carpet
8'4" x 9'6" - 254 x 290
Category
1880s Persian Sarouk Farahan Antique Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Zabihi Collection Mid 19th Century Pictorial Balouch Rug
Located in New York, NY
A mid 19th Century Figurative Tribal Persian Balouch worn Carpet
Details
rug no. j4167
size 3' 4" x 5' 10" (102 x 178 cm)
Category
Mid-19th Century Folk Art Antique Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
1900's Antique Persian Bibikabad Carpet with Modern Style
Located in Dallas, TX
77575 Antique Persian Bibikabad Rug, 10'08 x 12'08. A captivating orchestration of floral rhythm and age-old craftsmanship, this hand-knotted wool antique Persian Bibikabad rug unfol...
Category
Early 20th Century Persian Aesthetic Movement Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Haji Jalili Tabriz Rug Doris Leslie Blau
Located in New York, NY
Haji Jalili Tabriz Rug Doris Leslie Blau
Size: 16'6" × 23'5" (502 × 713 cm)
This antique Persian Tabriz rug, crafted around 1880, is a remarkable piece from Doris Leslie Blau, renow...
Category
Late 19th Century Persian Tabriz Antique Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Persian Qom Over Size Rug Circa 1990 - Wool Ivory Purple Red Yellow 70596
Located in Dallas, TX
Discover the elegance of Persian Qom featuring Over Size Rug in Circa 1990. Designed with Wool and IvoryPurpelRedYellow, this exclusive design is perfect for enhancing your space.
Category
20th Century Persian Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Antique Oversize Persian Blue Floral Kirman Lavar Rug, c. 1910s-1920s
Located in New York, NY
This is an exquisite antique oversize Persian Floral Kirman Lavar rug, circa 1910-1920s, measuring 19.3 x 30 ft in pristine condition.
Provenance:
Sotheby's Auction House, New York,...
Category
1910s Persian Kirman Vintage Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Antique Persian Malayer Rug
Located in New York, NY
Antique High Decorative Persian Malayer rug from the early 20th century
Measures: 4'5'' x 6'6''.
Category
20th Century Persian Agra Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Vintage Gabbeh Persian Rug, Taupe with Colorful Animal Pictorials - Rug & Kilim
Located in Long Island City, NY
This vintage 3x5 Persian Gabbeh rug is the latest entry to Rug & Kilim’s curation of rare tribal pieces. Hand-knotted in wool circa 1950-1960.
On the Design:
A celebration of whi...
Category
1950s Persian Bessarabian Vintage Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Antique Persian Karaja Heriz Rug with Modern Tribal Style
Located in Dallas, TX
73317 Antique Persian Karaja Heriz rug with Modern Tribal style 02'10 x 03'10. This hand-knotted wool antique Persian Heriz rug features three medalli...
Category
Early 20th Century Persian Heriz Serapi Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Large Tiger Rug Hand Knotted Djoharian Collection 8 x 11 ft Tibetan Design
Located in Lohr, Bavaria, DE
Large Tiger Rug Hand Knotted Djoharian Collection 8 x 11 ft Tibetan Design
An Art Deco style tiger rug for dining room, living room, bedroom or office..
Size: 8.1 x 11.3 ft /247 x ...
Category
2010s Nepalese Art Deco Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Mid-20th Century Handmade Persian Malayer Large Room Size Carpet in Neutral Tone
Located in New York, NY
A vintage Persian Malayer large room size carpet handmade during the mid-20th century in neutral tones to include slate grey, slate green, brown, and cream.
Measures: 11'0" x 16'7".
Category
Mid-20th Century Persian Rustic Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Hand-Knotted Antique Kerman Rug in Beige-Brown Pictorial Pattern by Rug & Kilim
Located in Long Island City, NY
Hand knotted in wool, a 13x17 antique Persian Kerman Lavar joining rug & Kilim’s coveted Antique & Vintage collection. Originating from Persia circa 1920-1930, the piece flourishes i...
Category
1920s Persian Kirman Vintage Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Extremely Fine and Rare Antique Persian Silk on Silk Heriz Rug 10’0" x 14’0"
Located in New York, NY
Extremely Fine and Rare Antique Persian Silk on Silk Heriz Rug 10’0" x 14’0". The numerous rugs of the famous NW Persian weaving district, from small scatters to giant carpets and a ...
Category
Late 19th Century Persian Antique Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Tribal Mid-20th Century Handmade Persian Bakhtiari Pictorial Square Accent Rug
Located in New York, NY
A vintage Persian Pictorial accent rug in square format handmade by the Bakhtiari nomadic tribe during the mid-20th century with a pictorial design of an androgynous figure...
Category
Mid-20th Century Persian Tribal Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Mid 19th Century N.W. Persian Silk Heriz Carpet ( 4'3'' x 5'10'' - 130 x 178 )
Located in New York, NY
Mid 19th Century N.W. Persian Silk Heriz Carpet with Tree of Life Design
4'3'' x 5'10'' - 130 x 178
Category
Mid-19th Century Persian Antique Persian Rugs
Materials
Silk
Vintage Persian Sarouk Hand Knotted Red Floral Wool Area Rug Carpet 9' x 12'
Located in Dayton, OH
Large vintage Persian Sarouk area rug / carpet featuring a floral motif with red field accented with blues and tans.
Dimensions:
106" x 144"
Category
Mid-20th Century Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Oversized Antique 19th Century Kerman Lavar Rug With Exquisite Floral Motifs
Located in Morristown, NJ
An outstanding large 19th C. Kerman Lavar rug featuring a prominent central medallion with intricate patterns and floral motifs. The rug has a rich array of floral designs, including...
Category
Late 19th Century Persian Kirman Antique Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Early 20th Century Persian Kashan Rug
Located in Chicago, IL
A beautiful early 20th century Persian Kashan rug with an allover floral trellis pattern woven with gorgeous large crimson, orange, and pink flowers with swirling indigo vines, and a...
Category
1910s Persian Kashan Vintage Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
19th Century Persian Haji Jalili Tabriz Carpet ( 21'6" x 33' - 655 x 1066 )
Located in New York, NY
19th Century Persian Haji Jalili Tabriz Carpet ( 21'6" x 33' - 655 x 1066 )
Category
1890s Persian Tabriz Antique Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Rare Oversize Antique Persian Mashad Rug, c. 1920s
Located in New York, NY
A Mashad rug uses cotton to form a base followed by a wool pile for a soft, cozy and durable texture. The Mashad rug typically has medallions and pendants woven throughout with ivory...
Category
1920s Persian Art Deco Vintage Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Ararat Rugs Bidjar Sweeping Arabesques Rug Persian Revival Carpet Natural Dyed
By Ararat Rugs
Located in Tokyo, JP
This is a repeat of large sweeping arabesques in muted colors adorning the red field rug designed in the early 20th century that originates from the Bidjar region in northwestern Ira...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Revival Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool, Natural Fiber, Organic Material
Apadana's Modern Sultanabad Square Wool Rug Handmade In Blue With Floral Design
Located in Norwalk, CT
This beautifully hand-knotted Sultanabad square wool rug features a serene light blue background adorned with multicolored designs. Enhance your space with a touch of artistry and el...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Sultanabad Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Mid-20th Century Persian Gabbeh Rug
Located in Chicago, IL
A wonderful and bold mid-20th century Persian Gabbeh rug with a geometric abrash indigo medallion set against an abrash crimson field, with a single goat in three corners...
Category
Mid-20th Century Persian Tribal Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Early 20th Century Handmade Persian Mahal Large Room Size Carpet
Located in New York, NY
An antique Persian Mahal large room size carpet handmade during the early 20th century with an all-over pattern of 'Harshang (crab)' palmettes over an ivory field enclosed by a borde...
Category
Early 20th Century Persian Rustic Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Oversized Antique Bakshaish Persian Rug with Pictorials
Located in Long Island City, NY
Hand-knotted in wool, an antique 13x18 oversized Bakshaish rug circa 1920-1930 - making a grand new entry to our antique selections.
On the Design:
This rug is rare in both size an...
Category
1920s Persian Vintage Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Ararat Rugs Palmettes and Flowers Lattice Rug Bidjar Revival Carpet Natural Dyed
By Ararat Rugs
Located in Tokyo, JP
Introducing the exquisite Palmettes and Flower Lattice Rug from Ararat Rugs, a masterful representation of traditional Persian craftsmanship. This handwoven rug showcases the intrica...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Revival Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool, Natural Fiber, Organic Material
Early 20th Century Brown Antique Khotan Wool Rug with Medallion Design
Located in Norwalk, CT
An Antique Khotan rug crafted from hand-knotted wool with an exquisite tan field, adorned with intricate ivory and brown accents in a dual medallion design spanning its entirety. Thi...
Category
Early 20th Century Persian Khotan Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
19th Century Serapi Rug
Located in Chicago, IL
An outstanding late 19th century Persian Serapi rug with the most beautiful central medallion with a stylized floral and leaf pattern woven in wonderful and brilliant crimsons, light...
Category
1880s Persian Serapi Antique Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Antique Persian Gold Floral Kirman Lavar Rug, circa 1880s-1900s
Located in New York, NY
The carpets produced in Lavar are often included in the general category of Kerman rugs (as Lavar is a small village located 80 miles north of Kerman), yet the reputation of this sma...
Category
1880s Persian Kirman Antique Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
1870s Antique Persian Ziegler Sultanabad 15x21 Tan, Rust, & Light Blue Area Rug
Located in Houston, TX
We present a beautiful wool & silk tan background, large scale, Medallion Design Antique Persian Ziegler Sultanabad Rug #9902456. Ziegler Sultanabad carpets are classics in the world...
Category
1870s Persian Sultanabad Antique Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool, Silk
Antique and Vintage Persian Rugs for Sale on 1stDibs: Persian Tribal Rugs, Handmade Silk Persian Rugs and More
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.