Persian Rugs
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2,655
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10,200
228
159
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19
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4,623
28,106
2,920
8,895
6,712
2,735
1,098
725
1,604
938
752
821
846
335
138
71
10,182
9,968
1,654
271
15
9,493
564
10,200
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9,727
9,048
8,621
416
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67
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Persian Rugs For Sale
Period: Mid-20th Century
Period: Late 19th Century
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
Contemporary Mid-20th Century Handmade Persian Mahal Throw Rug
Located in New York, NY
A vintage Persian Mahal throw rug handmade during the mid-20th century with a colorful and contemporary diamond lattice pattern over a red field. The diamond pattern extends into the...
Category
Mid-20th Century Persian Modern Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
19th Century Antique Serapi Wool Rug
Located in Norwalk, CT
Beautiful 1890s Serapi rug with a rust field and beige and black accent with an all over geometric medallion design.
This rug measures 9' 10" x 16'
circa 1890s.
Category
Late 19th Century Persian Serapi Antique Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Oversized Antique Persian Kermanshah Rug with Floral Patterns
Located in Long Island City, NY
From our antique collection, this 13x19 oversized rug is a rare antique Persian rug of Kermanshah provenance—hand-knotted in wool circa 1890-1900.
On the Design
Beige-brown and red...
Category
1890s Persian Antique Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Vintage Pink Persian Silk Qum Rug, 13'07 x 20'01
Located in Dallas, TX
72891 Vintage Persian Silk Qum Rug, 13'07 X 20'01. Emanating French Romanticism with incredible detail and texture, this vintage Persian silk Qum rug is a captivating vision of woven beauty. The visual complexity and dreamy colorway woven into this piece work together emulating true decadence. A concentric round medallion takes center stage. An allover floral pattern composed of blooming palmettes, leafy tendrils, and arabesque vines intwined with peony, carnation, and lotus flowers rhythmically dance in a frenzied garden of silky beige. Elaborate spandrels boasting Baroque elements radiate from the corners. An elegant millefleur border enclosed with a series of ornamental floral meander guard borders create a refreshing finish to a formal composition. With its highly decorative aesthetic and regal charm, this palatial Persian rug can add an air of formality.
Perfect for a large entertaining space, hotel lobby, lounge area, state room, great room, drawing room, country club, academic library, golf locker room, trophy room, private Chambers, great room, wine cellar, executive suite, conservatory, royal suite, billiards room, owners retreat, dining room, living room, or formal sitting room. Well-suited for a variety of interior styles: Rococo, French Provincial, Rocaille, Louis XV, Louis XIV, Parisian, Baroque, Empire, Romantic, Georgian, Neoclassical, Southern Living, Renaissance, Victorian, Regency, European, Old World, English Country, Tudor, Manor House and Traditional. Whether in a formal setting with elaborate furnishings or in an Ottoman style interior, this oversized silk Persian rug will bring vibrant life where it is displayed.
Rendered in variegated shades of beige, pink coral, rose, salmon, ink blue, black, red, tan, light green, baby blue, sage, and brown with other accent colors.
Abrash.
Hand-knotted silk.
Made in Iran.
Hotel Lobby Size Carpet 14 x 20 Rug...
Category
Mid-20th Century Persian Rococo Persian Rugs
Materials
Silk
Vintage Gabbeh Persian Rug, Beige with Brown Animal Pictorials - Rug & Kilim
Located in Long Island City, NY
This vintage 3x6 Persian Gabbeh 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 vintage Ga...
Category
1950s Persian Tribal Vintage Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Oversized Antique Persian Serapi Rug, Hotel Lobby Size Carpet
Located in Dallas, TX
77525 Oversized Antique Persian Serapi Rug 16'00 x 24'01.
Warm and inviting with a timeless style, this oversized antique Persian Serapi rug charms with ease. T...
Category
Late 19th Century Persian Serapi Antique Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
1880s Antique Persian Ziegler Mahal Sultanabad Rug, Hotel Lobby Size Carpet
Located in Dallas, TX
75660, antique Persian Ziegler Mahal Sultanabad rug, Palace size Persian rug. This antique Persian Ziegler Mahal showcases a classic Sultanabad...
Category
Late 19th Century Persian Arts and Crafts Antique 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
Hand-Knotted Antique Persian Mohtashem Rug, Blue Floral Pattern by Rug & Kilim
Located in Long Island City, NY
Hand-knotted in wool circa 1890,1900, one of the finest antique Mohtashem Kashan rugs our principal has seen join our Antique & Vintage Persian rugs. A collectible, versatile 9 x 11 ...
Category
1890s Persian Kashan Antique Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Antique Uzbek Bukhara Suzani Textile, Embroidered Wall Tapestry
Located in Dallas, TX
78513 Antique Uzbek Bukhara Suzani Tapestry, 04'09 x 07'04.
Design a room that feels well-traveled and effortlessly inviting with this woven wonder of the world, whether it be used ...
Category
Late 19th Century Uzbek Suzani Antique Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool, Cotton, Silk
Antique Persian Tabriz Hadji Jalili Carpet in Room Size with Central Medallion
Located in New York, NY
Antique Persian Tabriz Hadji Jalili oriental carpet, circa 1890, room sized.
An antique Persian Tabriz Hadji Jalili oriental carpet, circa 1890. Size: 13'4" x 9'2". This large siz...
Category
1890s Persian Antique 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
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
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
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
Antique Silk Tabriz Prayer Rug, Northwest Persia.
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Antique Silk Tabriz Prayer Rug, Northwest Persia. A high quality pictorial and directional design. This rug is a unique interpretation of the tr...
Category
1890s Persian Tabriz Antique Persian Rugs
Materials
Silk
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
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
Persian Tabriz Hadji Jalili Oriental Carpet, in Large Size, with Medallion
By Haji Khalili
Located in New York, NY
An amazing antique Tabriz Hadji Jalili carpet, circa 1890, size: 18'0 x 12'7. This exemplary carpet features an eye-catching central medallion in the main field, with elegant corner ...
Category
1890s Persian Tabriz Antique Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Antique Persian Bakhshayesh Rug 9'5'' x 11'4''
Located in New York, NY
Antique Persian Bakhshayesh Rug 9'5'' x 11'4''. A type of Heriz, generally in squarish sizes, allover patterns and coarse to moderate weaves, wool or mixed constructions; woven befor...
Category
Late 19th Century Persian Antique Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Antique Persian Floral 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
Vintage Persian Tribal Rug in Beige with Red Animal Pictorials by Rug & Kilim
Located in Long Island City, NY
This vintage 4x8 Persian rug is a rare new addition to Rug & Kilim’s collection. Hand-knotted in wool, it originates circa 1950-1960.
Connoisseu...
Category
1950s Persian Tribal Vintage Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
3'x9' Orange Overdyed Vintage Persian Hamadan Hand Knotted Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Peach Color, Overdyed Vintage Persian Hamadan with Distinct Abrash, Geometric Medallions Design, 100% Wool, Hand Knotted, Shaved Down, Sides and Ends Professionally Secured, Clean, R...
Category
1960s Persian Bohemian Vintage Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Antique 1940s Persian Tabriz 10x13 Tan, Brown, & Ivory Handmade Area Rug
Located in Houston, TX
Ashly Fine Rugs presents a 1940s Antique Persian Tabriz 10x13 Wool Handmade Rug. Tabriz is a northern city in modern-day Iran and has forever been famous ...
Category
1940s Persian Tabriz Vintage Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Vintage Persian Hamadan Rug
Located in New York, NY
A vintage Persian Hamadan rug from the mid-20th century. A very folksy rendition of the traditional Persian Sarouk pattern in a more contempory...
Category
Mid-20th Century Persian Folk Art Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Bobyrug’s Beautiful Vintage Hamadan Rug
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Nice mid-20th century Kurdish rug with beautiful tribal design and red field, pink, yellow, blue and black color, entirely hand knotted with wool velvet on cotton foundation.
Some we...
Category
Mid-20th Century Turkish Tribal Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool, Cotton
3'x11'4" Hot Pink Overdyed Vintage Persian Hamadan Hand Knotted Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Hot Pink, Overdyed Vintage Persian Hamadan with Eagle Design, Worn and Distressed, Cropped Thin, Zero Pile, Sides and Ends Professionally Secured, Hand Knotted, 100% Wool, Runner, Or...
Category
1960s Persian Bohemian Vintage Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Vintage Persian Red Ivory White Blue Floral Kashan Area Rug
Located in New York, NY
This is a lovely example of a handwoven Persian Kashan rug from the 1960s, measures: 4.9 x 6.4 ft.
Category
1960s Persian Kashan Vintage Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Antique Oversize Persian Gold Floral Kirman Lavar Rug, circa 1880s-1900s
Located in New York, NY
This is an exquisite antique oversize Persian gold floral Kirman Lavar rug circa 1880s-1900s measuring 17 x 23 ft in pristine cond...
Category
1880s Persian Kirman Antique Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Vintage Persian Gabbeh Rug
Located in New York, NY
A vintage Persian Gabbeh carpet from the mid-20th century.
Category
Mid-20th Century Persian Tribal Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Late 19th Century Persian Tabriz Haji Jalili Carpet (14'4" x 22'7" - 437 x 688 )
Located in New York, NY
Late 19th Century Persian Tabriz Haji Jalili Carpet ( 14'4" x 22'7" - 437 x 688 )
Category
1890s Persian Tabriz Antique Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Mid-20th Century Persian Gabbeh Rug
Located in Chicago, IL
An incredible vintage Persian Gabbeh rug with a wonderful abrash crimson field surrounded by a geometric patterned border with alternating white, brown, green, and crimson triangle s...
Category
Mid-20th Century Persian Tribal Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Persian Mahal Antique Brown Wool Rug Featuring an Allover Motif From The 1890's
Located in Norwalk, CT
This beautiful Antique Mahal hand-knotted wool rug features a brown-colored field. Red, terracotta, and blue hues enhance the floral motif of this Persian rug.
This rug measures 12'...
Category
1880s Persian Islamic Antique Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Antique Persian Doroksh Rug
Located in WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA
Antique Doroksh with a soft celadon field and an all-over pattern of burgundy, brick red, pale coral, tan, and umber. Floreated lattice motifs with arching stems and a dense array of...
Category
Late 19th Century Persian Antique Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Doris Leslie Blau Extra Large Authentic Persian Meshad Handmade Rug
Located in New York, NY
Extra large Authentic Persian Meshad handmade wool rug
Size: 16'9" × 24'3" (510 × 739 cm)
This circa-1880 antique Persian Meshad rug features a striking, abstract central medallion i...
Category
Late 19th Century Persian Antique Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Late 19th Century Persian Sultanabad 13X24 Palace Sized Rust Rug
Located in Houston, TX
We present a beautiful Antique Persian Sultanabad Handmade Palace Rug #1140200 Rust colored field with accents of Blue, & Olive Green lined with a light blue border. This Sultanab...
Category
Late 19th Century Persian Sultanabad Antique Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Vintage Persian Tabriz Room Size Carpet
Located in New York, NY
This mid-20th century Persian Tabriz rug, measuring 9' 6" x 11' 9", showcases the refined elegance and intricate craftsmanship synonymous with Tabriz weaving traditions. The field fe...
Category
Mid-20th Century Persian Tabriz Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Hand-Knotted Antique Mohtashem Persian Rug in Beige-Brown, Red Medallion Pattern
Located in Long Island City, NY
Hand-knotted in wool circa 1890,1900, one of the finest antique Mohtashem Kashan rugs ever to join our Antique & Vintage Persian rug lines. A collectible, ve...
Category
1890s Persian Kashan Antique Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Antique Red Blue Cream Kerman Lavar Floral Wool Persian Rug by Rug & Kilim
Located in Long Island City, NY
Hand knotted in wool originating circa 1890-1900, this antique Persian rug, whose origins lie in the celebrated Kerman Lavar style, has a story all its own. While the traditional medallion design of the Persian rug...
Category
Late 19th Century Persian Kirman Antique Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Late 19th Century N.E. Persian Khorasan Moud Carpet (20'3" x 30'4" - 618 x 925)
Located in New York, NY
Late 19th Century N.E. Persian Khorasan Moud Carpet (20'3" x 30'4" - 618 x 925)
Category
1890s Persian Khorassan Antique Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
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.