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Persian Rugs

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7,515
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2,725
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2,049
Persian Rugs For Sale
Peach Khaki Antique Sultanabad Pillow
Located in New York, NY
Pillow made from antique 19th Persian Mahal Sultanabad rug with cotton back. Measures: 16" x 19".
Category

19th Century Sultanabad Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Foam

Antique Belouch with Red Brown Field with Floral Ashik Design
Located in New York, NY
Eight offset rows of ashik-headed flowers with dense stem decorations, fill the red-brown field. Light blue minor borders edge a broad central stripe in brownish salmon-buff with a d...
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Hand-Knotted Antique Red Floral Oversized Wool Persian Ziegler Sultanabad Rug
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This antique, circa 1870, Persian Ziegler Sultanabad rug has a soft teal-green field with a vase at both ends issuing a variety of flowerheads and surrounded by a counterposed design...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Sultanabad Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

1940's Persian Farahan Carpet with Modern Style
Located in Dallas, TX
61368 Vintage Persian Farahan Rug, 04'06 x 06'07. This hand-knotted wool vintage Persian Farahan rug masterfully combines timeless elegance with a refined sense of formality, drawing...
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Aesthetic Movement Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian Kerman Carpet
Located in Dallas, TX
73228 Antique Persian Kerman Rug, 01'08 x 02'06. In this hand knotted wool antique Persian Kerman rug, ageless grace effortlessly intertwines with majestic opulence, forming a captiv...
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Kirman Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian Kerman Carpet
Antique Persian Kerman Carpet
$2,684 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique Persian Isfahan Rug with Golden Field and Floral Details, circa 1910s
Located in Dallas, TX
Large antique Persian rug handwoven from the finest sheep’s wool and colored with all-natural vegetable dyes that are safe for humans and pet...
Category

1910s Persian Other Vintage Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Kirman Handmade Multicolor Medallion Floral Oversize Wool Rug
Located in Norwalk, CT
An extraordinary Beautiful antique Kirman hand-knotted wool rug with a beige and red field. This Persian rug has multicolor accents in a gorgeous medallion floral pattern design. ...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Kirman Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Vintage Silk Wool Floral All Over Persian Tabriz Area Rug Carpet Birds 10' x 13'
Located in Dayton, OH
Very high quality vintage hand knotted Persian Tabriz. Features silk and wool pile featuring a red field with central medallion and floral all over design with birds. Reds, Blues, ...
Category

20th Century Persian Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Silk

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

Late 19th Century Persian Bakshaish Carpet with Traditional Style
Located in Dallas, TX
79229 Late 19th Century Antique Persian Bakshaish Rug, 12'01 x 15'06. Woven beneath the expansive skies of northwest Persia in the twilight of the 19th century, this one-of-a-kind, h...
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Bakshaish Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Hadji Jalili Tabriz Animal Pictorial Prayer Rug
Located in New York, NY
A remarkable late 19th-century pictorial tree of life Tabriz rug woven by Hadji Jalili workshop in the city of Tabriz. Predominant colors in salmon orange and blues The weave, crafts...
Category

19th Century Persian Tabriz Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Antique Tabriz Persian Blue Handmade Floral Pattern Wool Rug
Located in Norwalk, CT
Beautiful antique distressed Tabriz hand-knotted wool rug with a blue field. This Persian rug has a beige designed frame and accents in an all-over gorgeous floral pattern design. ...
Category

1920s Persian Islamic Vintage Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Silk and Wool Signed Akbaroff Persian Isfahan Hunting Scene Rug
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This silk and wool vintage, circa 1970, signed Akbaroff Isfahan rug features an ivory field with an overall design of mounted hunting figures, paired animals and animals hunting each...
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Silk

Zabihi Collection Antique Tabriz Rug Non-Insert Pillow
Located in New York, NY
Pillow made from an early 20th-century Persian Tabriz rug. The insert is NOT provided Measures: 16'' x 16".
Category

20th Century American Classical Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton, Foam

Handmade Antique Persian Style Isfahan Prayer Rug 4.6' x 6.8', 1900s - 1D85
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Handmade Antique Persian Style Isfahan Prayer Rug 4.6’ x 6.8’, 1900s, Good Condition, Wool Bring home a piece of history and elegance with this handmade antique Persian style Isfaha...
Category

1880s Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Silk

Zabihi Collection Pea Green Vintage Persian Tabriz Carpet
Located in New York, NY
Intermediate-size mid 20th Century Tabriz rug in Pea Green Details rug no. 9156 size 5' 8" x 7' 11" (173 x 241 cm) rug type Tabriz
Category

Early 20th Century American Classical Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Persian Serapi Oversize Carpet
Located in New York, NY
An antique Persian Serapi. Rare all-over navy blue field with terracotta/coral border.
Category

19th Century Persian Serapi Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Late 19th Century Persian Bakhshaish Serapi Rug
Located in Chicago, IL
An extraordinary late 19th-century Persian Bakhshaish Serapi rug, woven with an incredible balance of tribal artistry and refined elegance. At its heart, a striking, large-scale flor...
Category

1880s Persian Bakshaish Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Oversize Antique Persian Wool Sultanabad Mahal Traditional Carpet
Located in New York, NY
Navy ground, rusty red border early 20th century Persian Mahal Sultanabad rug. Very good condition overall. Pictures shown from light and dark side Measures: 12'10" x 19' Exem...
Category

Early 20th Century Persian American Colonial Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Late 19th Century Antique Persian Serapi Carpet with Traditional Style
Located in Dallas, TX
78922 Late 19th Century Antique Persian Serapi Rug, 08'11 x 12'04. This hand-knotted wool distressed antique Persian Serapi rug from the late 19th century is a masterful testament to...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Serapi Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Zabihi Collection Oversize Antique Persian Yazd Carpet
Located in New York, NY
Stunning Persian Yazd rug from the first quarter of the 20th century. 10'8'' x 15' Yazd carpets are very similar to formal Persian Kerman carpets in desi...
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Regency Revival Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Sultanabad Mahal Persian Carpet
Located in New York, NY
A connoisseur caliber late 19th century Persian Sultanabad carpet. Measures: 10'5'' x 13'10'' Woven in a series of villages in Western Central Iran, Sultanabad carpets employ o...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Agra Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian Bidjar
Located in New York, NY
An early 20th-century oversize Persian Bidjar rug with an all-over design on a striated gray field, earth tone accents Measures: 11' x 18'3''.  
Category

1920s Persian Romantic Vintage Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique 1930s Persian Tabriz Pahlavi 9x13 Yellow, Red, & Navy Handmade Area Rug
Located in Houston, TX
Ashly Fine Rugs presents a 1930s Antique Persian Pahlavi Tabriz 9x13 Wool Handmade Rug. Tabriz is a northern city in modern-day Iran and has forever been famous for the fineness and...
Category

1930s Persian Tabriz Vintage Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Late 19th Century N.W. Heriz Carpet 14' 8" x 23' 2"
Located in New York, NY
Late 19th Century N.W. Heriz Carpet, Size: 14' 8" x 23' 2"
Category

1890s Persian Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Dark Blue Antique Persian Serapi Handmade Allover Motif Wool Rug
Located in Norwalk, CT
Beautiful Antique Serapi hand-knotted wool rug with a dark blue field. This Persian rug has a red frame and multi-color accents in a gorgeous all-over geometric floral design. Thi...
Category

1890s Persian Heriz 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

Garden Box Design Antique Persian Tabriz Room Size Rug
Located in New York, NY
A room size antique Persian Tabriz Oriental rug woven early 20th century with a garden box all over design in earth tones Measures: 10' 12'11''.    
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Romantic Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Late 19th Century Antique Persian Serapi Carpet with Traditional Style
Located in Dallas, TX
78331 Late 19th Century Antique Persian Serapi Rug, 11'03 x 15'04. Emanating a sense of regal sophistication, this hand-knotted wool Late 19th Century Persian Serapi rug is a strikin...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Serapi Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Zabihi Collection Blue Animal Pictorial Antique Persian Tabriz Room Size Rug
Located in New York, NY
An early 20th century room size Persian Tabriz Formal rug. A sky blue field , ivory border with predominant accents in chocolate brown, pink and khaki. You can find various animals t...
Category

20th Century Persian American Classical Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Distressed Antique Persian Heriz Rug
Located in Dallas, TX
73166 Distressed Antique Persian Heriz Rug Runner, 02'04 x 10'00. Antique-worn Persian Heriz carpet runners are a unique category within the realm of Heriz rugs, distinguished by the...
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Heriz Serapi Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Distressed Antique Persian Heriz Rug
Distressed Antique Persian Heriz Rug
$1,599 Sale Price
20% Off
Persian Sultanabad Area Rugs - 54117
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

1870s Antique Persian Halwai Bijar Rug Hotel Lobby Size Carpet
Located in Dallas, TX
77327 antique Persian Halwai (Halvei) Bijar Palace rug with American Colonial style. With an all-over rectilinear pattern and vibrant color palette, this hand knotted wool antique Persian Halvai...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Modern Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

nice antique lavar Kirman rug
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Very beautiful late 19th century large Kirman Lavar rug with beautiful decorative and all over design and nice natural colours with navy blue field, red, pink, yellow, brown and gree...
Category

Late 19th Century Asian Kirman Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Antique Persian Heriz Serapi Rug
Located in New York, NY
Wonderful antique Persian Heriz Serapi rug . Ivory field , soft brown borders with predominant accents in blue grey & terracotta. T...
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Bakshaish Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Bobyrug’s Nice Antique Tabriz Rug
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Beautiful early 20th century rug with a Herati design and beautiful colors with blue, red, yellow, orange and pink, entirely and finely hand knotted with wool velvet on cotton founda...
Category

Early 20th Century Asian Tabriz Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Bobyrug’s Nice Antique Tabriz Rug
Bobyrug’s Nice Antique Tabriz Rug
$2,418 Sale Price
20% Off
Oversized Antique Persian Bijar Rug, Hotel Lobby Size Carpet
Located in Dallas, TX
73125 Oversized Antique Persian Bijar Rug, 15'01 x 26'01. Cleverly composed and distinctively well-balanced, this hand knotted wool oversized antique Persian Bijar rug will take on ...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Modern Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Zabihi Collection Oversize Antique Sultanabad Mahal Persian Carpet
Located in New York, NY
high decorative Persian Mahal Sultanabad Oversize Rug from the early 20th century Measures: 10'8'' x 16'10'' Woven in a series of villages in Western Central Iran, Sultanabad carpe...
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Agra Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Contemporary Persian Sultanabad Rug with Traditional Style
Located in Dallas, TX
73419 Rare Vintage Persian Sultanabad Rug, 16'04 x 17'08. A vision of refined artistry and noble heritage, this exceptional hand-knotted wool vintage Persian Sultanabad rug evokes th...
Category

Late 20th Century Persian Spanish Colonial Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian Serapi Rug
Located in New York, NY
An absolutely exquisite rare size 19th century antique bold Persian Serapi rug. 14'3'' x 18'10'' The finest antique Persian Serapis are ge...
Category

1870s Persian Serapi Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Oversize Antique Persian Bakhtiar Rug with Brown and White Botanical Details
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique Persian rug handwoven from the finest sheep’s wool and colored with all-natural vegetable dyes that are safe for humans and pets. It’s a traditional Bakhtiar design highlight...
Category

20th Century Persian Other Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Large Antique Persian Sultanabad Area Rug Circa 1900s
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique area rug handwoven from the finest sheep’s wool. It’s colored with all-natural vegetable dyes that are safe for humans and pets. It’s a traditional Sultanabad design handwove...
Category

Early 1900s Persian Sultanabad 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

Vintage Persian Baluch Rug
Located in Dallas, TX
20793 Vintage Persian Baluch Rug, 07'03 x 10'05. Persian Baluch rugs are handwoven textiles originating from the Baluchistan region, crafted by the Baloch people. Characterized by tr...
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Rustic Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Vintage Persian Baluch Rug
Vintage Persian Baluch Rug
$639 Sale Price
36% Off
Oversized Antique Persian Sarouk Rug Hotel Lobby Size Carpet
Located in Dallas, TX
74845 Antique Persian Sarouk Rug Hospitality Size Carpet, 14'00 x 30'08. This hand-knotted wool highly antique Persian Sarouk palace size rug with Art Nouveau style features an intri...
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Sarouk Farahan Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Early 20th Century Handmade Persian Heriz Square Room Size Carpet
Located in New York, NY
An antique Persian Heriz room size carpet in square format handmade during the early 20th century. Measures: 12' 6" x 14' 0".
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Rustic Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Northwest Persian Malayer Carpet
Located in Closter, NJ
The geographical region of Northwest Persia with its’ cities and villages was at the forefront of the large-scale export of rugs and carpets in the late 19th century. The merchants ...
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Malayer Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Early 20th Century 26'X42' Palace Sized Antique Laristan Wool Handmade Rug
Located in Houston, TX
Ashly Fine Rugs presents an original 26'X42" Antique Laristan Palace Rug circa 1910. This rug was custom-made for the Penn Mutual Life Insurance Corp. in 1910 the construction of the...
Category

1910s Indian Agra Vintage Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Oversized Late 19th Century Antique Persian Serapi Rug, 16'04 x 22'05
Located in Dallas, TX
74044 Oversized Late 19th Century Antique Persian Serapi Rug, 16'04 x 22'05. This magnificent hand-knotted wool antique Persian Serapi rug epitomizes the grandeur and elegance of 19th-century Persian artistry. Its breathtakingly abrashed red field serves as the perfect backdrop for a concentric octofoil medallion, exuding an air of regal sophistication. The central medallion is anchored by graceful palmette pendants at each end, evoking a sense of symmetry and refinement that is characteristic of classic Serapi designs. As the medallion blooms outward, the richly detailed pattern draws the viewer's eye to the interplay of vibrant colors and meticulous details that unfold throughout the field. Surrounding the medallion is an enchanting array of geometric floral motifs, delicately arranged in a rhythmic pattern. Each element—serrated leaves, stylized florals, rectilinear vinery, buds, and rosettes—adds to the complexity of the design, while the use of bold and contrasting hues creates a visually captivating tapestry. The corner spandrels, reflecting the motifs within the main field, are outlined with elegant cloudband accents, adding a touch of ethereal beauty to the composition. The interplay of colors, from the deep indigo blues to the rich reds and beige highlights, showcases the weaver’s mastery of natural dyes and nuanced color gradations. Framing this harmonious design is a classic samovar turtle scroll border, a hallmark of fine Serapi rugs. This traditional border, with its stylized florals and curling vinery, is flanked by a double inner and outer carnation meander guard band that unifies the composition. The elegant framing not only defines the central field but also draws the colors and motifs from within, creating a seamless transition that enhances the overall sense of balance and harmony. The meticulous detailing and proportionate layout reflect the influence of both tribal and courtly weaving traditions, making this oversized antique Serapi rug a rare blend of sophistication and rustic charm. Steeped in history, this exquisite Serapi rug is more than just a decorative piece—it is a testament to the rich weaving heritage of Northwest Persia. Such oversized Serapi rugs were woven for grand interiors, gracing the floors of opulent residences and state buildings with their majestic presence. The rug’s exceptional artistry and luxurious appeal make it a true collector’s item, capturing the essence of Persian elegance and timeless beauty. Whether displayed as the focal point of a grand living space or as a statement piece in a hospitality setting, this masterpiece exudes an undeniable sense of history and artistic mastery. Rendered in variegated shades of brick red, ruby red, crimson, in +blue, navy blue, cerulean, royal blue, beige, sand, tan, ecru, taupe, dark rose, and sky blue with other accent colors. Abrash. Hand-knotted wool. Made in Iran (Persia). Hotel Lobby Size Carpet 16 x 22 Rug...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Serapi Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Persian Khoi Over Size Rug Circa 1940 - Wool Blue Ivory Red 70614
Located in Dallas, TX
Discover the elegance of Persian Khoi featuring Over Size Rug in Circa 1940. Designed with Wool and BlueIvoryRed, this exclusive design is perfect for enhancing your space.
Category

20th Century Asian Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Apadana's Modern Sultanabad Blue Wool Rug Handmade With Floral Design
Located in Norwalk, CT
Discover the elegance of this exquisite hand-knotted Sultanabad wool rug, featuring a calm light blue background enhanced by multicolored designs that adorn the entire piece. Enrich ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Sultanabad Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

1960's Persian Mahal Rug with Traditional Style
Located in Dallas, TX
75320 Vintage Persian Mahal Rug, 07'06 x 10'03. Bathed in a palette of warm claret and earthy hues, this hand-knotted wool vintage Persian Mahal rug sings with the lyrical charm of f...
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Tabriz Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

2'x3'10" Crimson Red Vintage Northwest Persian Hand Knotted Pure Wool Mat Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Crimson Red, Vintage Northwest Persian with Eagle Kazak Design, Cropped Thin, Zero Pile, Sides and Ends Professionally Secured, Hand Knotted, 100% Wool, Fragment, Mat, Oriental Rug P...
Category

1960s Persian Kazak Vintage Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

1900s Blue Antique Persian Tabriz Designed Wool Rug With Floral Pattern
Located in Norwalk, CT
This antique Persian Tabriz rug from the 1900s features a blue field with a captivating floral pattern accented by elegant beige and brown details. This rug measures 11'4" x 15'10".
Category

20th Century Persian Tabriz Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian Bidjar Rug
Located in New York, NY
An antique Persian Bidjar rug from the early 20th century. The wine red small Herati pattern field is overlaid by a light blue involute Herati medallion which, in turn, is centered b...
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian Bidjar Rug
Antique Persian Bidjar Rug
$2,700 Sale Price
20% Off
Persian Sarouk Rug
Located in New York, NY
A rare size vintage Persian Sarouk carpet. Measures: 5'4'' x 8'.
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Victorian Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Late 19th Century Antique Persian Khorassan Rug with Traditional Style
Located in Dallas, TX
52678 Late 19th Century Antique Persian Khorassan Rug, 12'07 x 14'03. Like a timeworn manuscript revealing the whispers of history, this hand-knotted wool distressed antique Persian ...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Khorassan Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Bobyrug’s Beautiful Vintage Hamadan Rug
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Nice midcentury rug with decorative geometrical design and nice colors, entirely hand knotted with wool velvet on cotton foundation. ✨✨✨ "Experience the epitome of luxury and crafts...
Category

Mid-20th Century Asian Rustic Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Early 20th Century Rare Size Antique Northwest Persian Serapi Rug
Located in New York, NY
A rare size early 20th century Persian Serapi rug. Finely woven with Classic medallion and border. Dark rusty brown inner ground with a brown green caramel border and dominant accents in soft and denim blue. This quality on this piece is superb. Measures: 5'2" x 6'10" Serapi antique carpets...
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Heriz Serapi 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 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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