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Persian Rugs

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Persian Rugs For Sale
Period: 19th Century
Period: 18th Century and Earlier
Antique Fachralo Kazak Rug, 19th Century
Located in San Francisco, CA
Antique Caucasian Fachralo Kazak Rug, 19th Century Additional Information: Dimensions: 3'7" W x 4'1" L Origin: Caucasus Period: 19th Century (4th Quarter)
Category

19th Century Caucasian Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian Malayer Rug, c. 1900
Located in San Francisco, CA
Antique Persian Malayer Rug, c. 1900 Additional Information: Dimensions: 4'9" W x 6'3" L Condition: Excellent Origin: Persia Period: c. 1900 Rug ID: 23607
Category

19th Century Persian Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Classic Antique Serapi with a Blue and Red Field and a Blue Medallion
Located in New York, NY
The surrounding medium blue Herati field host a plain madder red hexagonal subfield cenred on a blue Herati medallion. Stepped blue diamond pendants. Ivory strip style main border w...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian Sultanabad Rug 8' X 12'6
Located in New York, NY
Antique Persian Sultanabad Rug 8' X 12'6. Sultanabad is one of those magical Oriental rug types, something to conjure with. There are real Sultanabad's, of which this is one, those m...
Category

19th Century Persian Sultanabad Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Cotton

Authentic 19th Century Persian Senneh Handmade Rug
Located in New York, NY
Authentic 19th Century Persian Senneh Red Handmade Wool Rug Size: 11'2" × 16'10" (340 × 513 cm) A late 19th century antique Persian carpet, the midnight blue field with palmettes and...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

19th Century Persian Kurdish Bidjar in Allover Pattern in Pale Yellow, Ivory
Located in Barrington, IL
Late 19th Century Persian Kurdish Bidjar area rug in an allover pattern in a pale yellow, ivory, pink and blue colors. The beautiful area rugs come in an allover small flower form pattern which is a variation of paisley form considered the “seed of life” in many oriental cultures. The primary border in this Kurdish Bidjar is a beautiful cream color and the sub-borders are rust red color. Dimensions: 4’ 2” x 9' 2” Date of Manufacture: 4th Quarter of the 1800s Place of Origin: Persia Material: Wool pile on a wool foundation with natural vegetable dyes Condition: Wear consistent with age and use Bidjar Rugs, Antique Bijar Rugs, Antique Bidjar Rugs, Bijar Carpets, Bijar Rugs, Vintage Persian Bijar, Persian Bijar Rugs, Persian Bidjar Rugs, Bijar Golfarang, Persian Bidjar Golfarag, Persian Bidjar, Bidjar Rugs, Kurdish Bidjar Rugs, Antique Kurdish Bidjar, Persian Senneh Rugs, Senneh Bidjar Carpets, Bidjar Halavi Rugs, Bidjar Hashtrang, Medallion Bidjar, Allover Bidjar Rugs, Antique Bidjar Herati, Floral Design Bidjar, Bidjar Floral...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Senneh Kilim Late 19th C. Wool Rug
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This Senneh Kilim Wool Rug originated from Persia in the late 19th century. Features a central medallion against a delicate paisley, or “boteh” motif.
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Kilim Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

19th Century North West Persian Handmade Rug
Located in New York, NY
Authentic 19th Century North West Persian Handmade Wool Carpet Size: 5'8" × 15'7" (172 × 474 cm) The vast region of North-West Persia encompasses parts of Iran, Azerbaijan and Armeni...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Damoka Collection Persian Tabriz Heydarzadeh - Size: 11 ft 6 in x 8 ft 3 in
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Vintage Tabriz Rug, generously sized at 11 feet by 8 feet, is a true masterpiece that embodies the artistry and skill of the renowned weaver Heydarzadeh. Woven with the finest k...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Tabriz Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Kork, Cotton

Antique Caucasian Fachralo Kazak Prayer Rug, 19th Century
Located in San Francisco, CA
Antique Caucasian Fachralo Kazak Prayer Rug, 19th Century Additional Information: Dimensions: 3'6" W x 4'5" L Condition: Good Period: 19th Century (4th Quarter) Rug ID: 19477
Category

19th Century Caucasian Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Caucasian Shirvan Prayer Rug, 19th Century
Located in San Francisco, CA
Antique Caucasian Shirvan Prayer Rug, 19th Century Additional Information: Dimensions: 5'0" L x 3'10" W Origin: Caucasus Period: 19th Century (4th Quarter) Rug ID: 23676
Category

19th Century Caucasian Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian Ghazvin Etamad - Size: 18 ft 2 in x 10 ft 7 in
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Antique Ghazvin Rug, masterfully woven by the skilled hands of Etemad, is an extraordinary piece of Persian craftsmanship. With its grand dimensions o...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Sultanabad Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Antique Mohtasham Kashan Rug. 7 ft 7 in x 10 ft
Located in New York, NY
Antique Persian Mohtasham Kashan Rug, Country of origin: Persia, Circa date: 1880. Size: 7 ft 7 in x 10 ft (2.31 m x 3.05 m)
Category

19th Century Persian Kashan Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

19th Century Persian Hadji Jali Li Tabriz Rug
Located in New York, NY
Stunning super quality 19th century one of a kind Persian Tabriz Rug featuring a spiraling boteh outer border. 9'6'' x 12'6'' Since the middle of the 19th century, Tabriz has lead...
Category

19th Century Persian Tabriz Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Kermanshah/Laver Persian Carpet
Located in Evanston, IL
Discover the allure of the Kermanshah or Laver Kerman rug, a Southeast Persian treasure that captures a pictorial narrative of the Qajar kingdom. These rugs originate from a rich tradition dating back to the 16th century Safavid dynasty, marking Kerman as a significant Persian rug weaving center, alongside Tabriz and Kashan. Laver Kirman antique Persian rugs are distinguished by their uniquely soft and delicate color palette, infused with a European elegance. Crafted during the late 19th century, this 7' x 11'7" beauty showcases a central medallion adorned with a harmonious array of multi-colors, creating a versatile piece suitable for various rooms. In good condition considering its age, this Kermanshah carpet exhibits wear consistent with its historical use. Owning a Laver Kirman rug...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Kirman Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Heriz Rug - 19th Century Persian Heriz Carpet
Located in Sultanahmet, 34
A Timeless Elegance: Antique Heriz Carpet from the 19th Century Size 203 x 273 cm If you want to add timeless elegance to your home or office, this antique Heriz rug from the 19th c...
Category

1870s Persian Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian Bibikabad Rug, Traditional Elegance Meets Rustic Sensibility
Located in Dallas, TX
77160 Late 19th Century Antique Persian Bibikabad Rug, 08’00 x 11’09. Traditional elegance meets rustic sensibility in this hand knotted wool antique Persian Bibikabad rug. The capti...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Malayer Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Turkish Manastir Kilim Rug, Late 19th century
Located in San Francisco, CA
Antique Turkish Manastir Kilim Rug, Late 19th Century Additional information: Dimension: 2'5" x 3'11"
Category

Late 19th Century Turkish Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Damoka Collection Antique Persian Tabriz - Size: 16 ft 3 in x 12 ft 10 in
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Antique Tabriz Rug featuring an All-Over Design is a captivating testament to the rich tradition of Persian craftsmanship and artistry. Hailing from the esteemed weaving city of...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Tabriz Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Zabihi Collection Antique Tribal Persian Bakshaish Rug
Located in New York, NY
3rd quarter of the 19th century Persian Bakshaish Large Room size tribal rug Measures: 9'9" x 15'1'.
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Bakshaish Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

1880s Antique Persian Sultanabad 16x19 Tan, Blue, & Ivory Handmade Area Rug
Located in Houston, TX
Ashly Fine Rugs presents a beautiful Antique Persian Sultanabad 16x19 Handmade Area Rug #1142157. Sultanabad carpets are classics in the world of interior design, and they continue t...
Category

1880s Persian Sultanabad Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Vintage Persian Mahal Sultanabad in an Allover Pattern in Red, Navy, Yellow
Located in Barrington, IL
Vintage Persian Mahal Sultanabad rug in an allover pattern in dark red and navy blue from the late 1800s. It has an all-over design that consists of large geometric forms in beaut...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Antique Turkmen Tekke Main Carpet, 19th Century
Located in San Francisco, CA
Antique Turkmen Tekke Main Carpet Rug, 19th Century Additional information: Dimensions: 7'4" W x 9'4" L Origin: Turkmenistan Period: 19th Century (4th Qua...
Category

19th Century Turkestan Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Hand-Knotted Antique Wool Ziegler Sultanabad Rug
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This antique Ziegler Sultanabad has a soft camel-brown field with a large central polychrome flowerhead surrounded by scrolling vines issuing further similar part-palmettes and flowe...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Sultanabad Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Caucasian Karabagh Prayer Rug, c. 1900
Located in San Francisco, CA
Antique Caucasian Karabagh Prayer Rug, c. 1900 Additional Information: Dimensions: 3'2" W x 5'1" L Origin: Caucasus Period: c. 1900 Rug ID: 17528
Category

19th Century Caucasian Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Vintage Persian Qum Area Rug in a Geometric Pattern in Red, Navy, Ivory, Yellow
Located in Barrington, IL
Vintage Persian Qum area rug in a geometric medallion pattern circa the mid 1900s. The strikingly beautiful bright red field sets the stage to showcase this wonderful small area rug from one of the finest weaving centers in Persia. The beautiful small Qum rug has a bright red color field with a yellow and blue border. The elongated medallion has small square designs in ivory and yellow. The corner spandrels are ivory with designs in blue, yellow and red. The city of Qum located around 90 miles south of the capital city of Tehran is known for very finely woven rugs and extremely well made. Dimensions: 2’ 7” x 4’ 5” Date of Manufacture: 3rd Quarter 20th Century Place of Origin: Persia Material: Wool pile on a cotton foundation with silk highlights Condition: Excellent Vintage Qum Carpets, Allover Design Persian Qum, Vintage Persian Rugs, Vintage Oriental Rugs, Persian Rugs, Handwoven Runners, Fine Handmade Rugs, Vintage Persian Qum Runners...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Antique Persian Sultanabad - Size: 13 ft 8 in x 11 ft 0 in
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An Antique Sultanabad Rug adorned with an All-Over Design is a masterpiece that transcends time, blending the rich heritage of Persian craftsmanship with an enchanting symphony of pa...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Sultanabad Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Antique Persian Serapi - Size: 19 ft 2 in x 11 ft 2 in
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Antique Serapi Rug is a captivating testament to the artistry and cultural heritage of the Serapi region, nestled in the heart of Persia. These remarkable rugs, often dating bac...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Serapi Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Antique Persian Afshar Rug, Late 19th Century
Located in San Francisco, CA
Antique Persian Afshar Rug, Late 19th Century Additional Information: Dimensions: 6'0" L x 3'8" W Origin: Persia Period: Late 19th Century Rug ID: 20436
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Perisan Bidjar Wagireh Rug, 19th Century
Located in San Francisco, CA
Antique Persian Bidjar Wagireh Rug, 19th Century Additional Information: Dimensions: 3'9" W x 6'8" L Origin: Persia Period: 19th Century (4th Quarter)
Category

19th Century Persian Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Anatolian Prayer Rug, 19th Century
Located in San Francisco, CA
Antique Anatolian Prayer Rug, 19th Century Additional Information: Dimensions: 3'2" W x 4'8" L Origin: Anatolia (Turkey) Period: 19th Cen...
Category

19th Century Turkish Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Persian Silk Kashan Mohtasham - Size: 6 ft 8 in x 4 ft 6 in
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Antique Kashan Mohtasham Rug is an exquisite masterpiece that combines the artistry of Persian craftsmanship with a captivating color palette. Its Center Medallion Design, adorn...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Kashan Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Silk

Antique Kazak Prayer Rug, 19th Century
Located in San Francisco, CA
Antique Kazak prayer Rug, 19th Century Additional Information: Dimensions: 3'9" W x 4'7" L Origin: Caucasus Period: 19th Century (4th Quarter) Rug ID: 24033
Category

19th Century Caucasian Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Damoka Collection Pure Silk Persian Antique Farahan - Size: 7 ft 6 in x 4 ft 4in
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Pure Silk Antique Farahan is a masterpiece of enduring opulence and unparalleled craftsmanship. Originating from the esteemed Farahan region in Persia, these rugs are not just f...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Sarouk Farahan Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Silk

Damoka Collection Antique Persian Tabriz Hajjalili - Size: 12 ft 7 in x 9 ft 5in
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Antique Tabriz Rug featuring a Center Medallion Design is a captivating testament to the rich tradition of Persian craftsmanship and artistry. Hailing from the esteemed weaving ...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Tabriz Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Antique Persian Jajim Rug, c. 1900
Located in San Francisco, CA
Antique Persian Flatwoven Jajim Rug, c. 1900 Additional Information: Dimensions: 7'3" L x 5'9" W Origin: Persia Period: c. 1900 Rug ID: 16782
Category

19th Century Persian Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian Baluch Prayer Rug, Late 19th Century
Located in San Francisco, CA
Antique Persian Baluch Prayer Rug, Late 19th Century Camel hair field. Oxidation in browns, and reds, with the majority of the indigo and camel hair being original pile height. Add...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Damoka Collection Antique Persian Tabriz Hajjalili - Size: 13 ft 6 in x 9 ft 9in
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Antique Tabriz Rug featuring a Center Medallion Design is a captivating testament to the rich tradition of Persian craftsmanship and artistry. Hailing from the esteemed weaving ...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Tabriz Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Antique Kurdish Runner, c. 1900
Located in San Francisco, CA
Antique Northwest Persian Kurdish Runner Rug, c. 1900 This long Kurdish runner from Northwest Persia draws rows of ‘boteh’ paisleys in shades of ma...
Category

19th Century Persian Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Bobyrug’s Nice antique Rashti Douzi embroidery
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Nice 19th century Rashti Douzi embroidery. Discover a timeless work of art: a delicate embroidery dating back to the late 19th century. Handcrafted with silk threads that shimmer ele...
Category

Late 19th Century Asian Kirman Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Silk

Antique Persian Bidjar - Size: 12 ft 4 in x 8 ft 8 in
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Antique Bidjar Rug, measuring a generous 12 feet by 8 feet, is a true testament to the enduring allure of Persian craftsmanship. With its captivating All-Over Design, it has sto...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Caucasian Kuba Kilim Rug, Late 19th Century
Located in San Francisco, CA
Antique Caucasian Kuba Kilim Rug, Late 19th Century Combining bold geometry with pure color, this Kazak kilim from the South Caucasus draws alternating bands of blue and red. These ...
Category

Late 19th Century Caucasian Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian Silk Tabriz Rug, 19th Century
Located in San Francisco, CA
Antique Persian Tabriz Silk Rug, 19th Century Additional information: Dimensions: 4'2" W x 5'6" L Origin: Persia Period: 19th Century Rug ID: 10259
Category

19th Century Persian Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Silk

Antique Persian Ziglar Mahal - Size: 13 ft 4 in x 11 ft 9 in
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Antique Ziglar Mahal Rug, sized at a generous 13 feet by 11 feet, is a living testament to the enduring appeal of Persian craftsmanship. Crafted with meticulous care, this rug b...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Antique Caucasian Sumak Rug, Late 19th Century
Located in San Francisco, CA
Antique Caucasian Sumak Rug, Late 19th Century Additional Information: Dimensions: 5'4" W x 9'0" L Origin: Caucasus Period: Late 19th Century Rug ID: 19491
Category

Late 19th Century Caucasian Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian Malayer - Size: 26 ft 7 in x 13 ft 3 in
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Antique Sultanabad Rug, measuring an impressive 26 feet by 13 feet, is a true masterpiece of exceptional size and timeless beauty. Hailing from the prestigious weaving centers o...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Malayer Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Antique Persian Tabriz Handmade Wool Rug
Located in New York, NY
Antique Persian Tabriz Handmade Wool Rug Size: 11'6" × 13'9" (350 × 419 cm) A late 19th century Persian Tabriz rug, the caramel field with a subtle allover lattice of flowering viner...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Tabriz Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian Qashqai Rug, c. 1900
Located in San Francisco, CA
Antique Southwest Persian Qashqai Rug, c. 1900 Very good condition. Only a slight thinning of the pile in the center medallion. Gorgeous glossy wool. Complete original ends and selv...
Category

19th Century Persian Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Damoka Collection Antique Persian Sultanabad - Size: 10 ft 6 in x 8 ft 2 in
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An Antique Sultanabad Rug adorned with an All-Over Design is a masterpiece that transcends time, blending the rich heritage of Persian craftsmanship with an enchanting symphony of pa...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Sultanabad Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Antique Persian Bakshaish Prayer Rug, Mid-19th Century
Located in San Francisco, CA
Antique Persian Bakshaish Prayer Rug, Mid-19th Century The Collection of Dr. Charles Whitfield. A true collector’s piece. Additional Information: Dimensions: 3'2" W x 4'1" L Origin...
Category

Mid-19th Century Persian Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian Lavar - Size: 18 ft 6 in x 13 ft 7 in
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Antique Lavar Rug featuring a Center Medallion is a captivating symbol of enduring beauty and meticulous craftsmanship. Hailing from the esteemed weaving region of Lavar in Pers...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton

4.3x5.7 Ft Antique Persian Shiraz Qashqai Rug, Ca 1890, 100% Wool
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Persian Shiraz Qashqai rug, hand-knotted by the pastoral nomadic Qashqai people in the 19th century made with wool on wool foundation and natural vegetable dyes.
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Tribal Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Turkish Konya Yatak Rug, 19th Century
Located in San Francisco, CA
Antique Turkish Konya Yatak Rug, 19th Century Additional Information: Dimensions: 4'2" W x 5'0" L Condition: Excellent Origin: Turkey Period: 19th Centur...
Category

19th Century Turkish Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

19th Century N.W. Persian Bakshaiesh Carpet ( 8' x 11'10" - 245 x 360 )
Located in New York, NY
19th Century N.W. Persian Bakshaiesh Carpet ( 8' x 11'10" - 245 x 360 )
Category

1870s Persian Bakshaish Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Damoka Collection Antique Persian Sarab - Size: 12 ft 4 in x 9 ft 4 in
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Antique Sarab Rug, measuring 12 feet by 9 feet, is a captivating testament to Persian craftsmanship and artistry. Featuring a mesmerizing All-Over Design, adorned in soft, cream...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Damoka Collection Antique Persian Farahan - Size: 6 ft 5 in x 4 ft 6 in
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Antique Farahan is a masterpiece of enduring opulence and unparalleled craftsmanship. Originating from the esteemed Farahan region in Persia, these rugs are not just floor cover...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Sarouk Farahan Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Damoka Collection Antique Persian Tabriz - Size: 9 ft 10 in x 8 ft 1 in
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Antique Tabriz Rug with a Prayer Design is a captivating blend of artistic expression and spiritual reverence, hailing from the renowned weaving city of Tabriz in Persia. These ...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Tabriz Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Damoka Collection Persian Antique Tehran - Size: 10 ft 0 in x 6 ft 8in
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Tehran rug is a masterpiece that encapsulates centuries of Persian craftsmanship and artistic heritage. Meticulously woven by skilled artisans in the bustling city of Tehran, th...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton

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.

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