Skip to main content

Persian Rugs

to
8,111
Width
to
Length
to
32,813
2,707
246
35,680
34,818
3,564
1,376
33,652
1,731
35,766
35,401
35,411
33,722
26,983
22,987
2,049
Persian Rugs For Sale
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

Early 20th Century S. Persian Double Saddle-Bag Carpet ( 2'4" x 4'9" - 72 x 145)
Located in New York, NY
Early 20th Century S. Persian Double Saddle-Bag Carpet ( 2'4" x 4'9" - 72 x 145 )
Category

Early 1900s Persian Tribal Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Persian Jajim - 13574
Located in Dallas, TX
Discover the elegance of Persian Jajim featuring beautiful craftsmanship in Circa 1880. Designed with meticulous attention to detail, this exclusive design is perfect for enhancing y...
Category

20th Century Asian Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

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

Art Deco Wool and Silk, Black and Cream, Persian Carpet, Orley Shabahang, 10x14
Located in New York, NY
This wool and silk, black and cream Persian carpet inspired by Art Deco traditions measures 10' x 14.' Simple and elegant, "Agora" utilizes contrasting black and cream tones to creat...
Category

2010s Persian Art Deco Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Silk

Zabihi Collection 19th Century Distressed Persian Rug
Located in New York, NY
A naturally distressed Persian Farahan rug from the late 19th century circa 1875, measures: 3'7" x 6'
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

Art Nouveau-Inspired Blue, Cream, Brown, Pink, and Red Wool Persian Rug, 3' x 5'
Located in New York, NY
This Art Nouveau-inspired blue, cream, brown, pink, and red wool Persian rug, sized 3' x 5', features a beautiful fusion of intricate design and rich color. The abstract pattern flow...
Category

2010s Persian Art Nouveau Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

21st Century Persian Sultanabad Masters 13x20 Ivory & Tan Handmade Palace Rug
Located in Houston, TX
Ashly Fine Rugs presents an antique recreation of an original Persian Sultanabad 13x20 Ivory, Tan, & Blue Handmade Area Rug. Part of our own previous production, this antique recreat...
Category

2010s Persian Sultanabad Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Persian Antique Heriz Rug with All-Over Geometric Design in Jewel Tones
Located in Atlanta, GA
Persian Antique Heriz Rug with All-Over Geometric Design in Jewel Tones.Keivan Woven Arts / Rug / EMB-22161-15110, country of origin / type: Iran /Heriz, circa 1920 Measures: 7'3 x 9'9
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Heriz Serapi Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Kerman Lavar Red and Brown Persian Floral Rug
Located in Long Island City, NY
This antique Kerman Lavar Persian floral rug has a unique orientation in its field. From 1880-1900, the graph of the all-over floral field was drawn off-...
Category

1880s Persian Kirman Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian Rug in Beige-Brown and Gold Floral Patterns by Rug & Kilim
Located in Long Island City, NY
Rug & Kilim presents a rare antique 13x25 Persian rug with their latest curation of iconic classics. Hand-knotted in wool circa 1920-1930. On the Design: This all over pattern ...
Category

1920s Persian Modern Vintage Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian Malayer by Mehraban Rugs
Located in WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA
This majestic Persian Malayer rug comes from a handmade finest wool that features neutral and cerulean blue geometrical motifs and elements in a pale caramel field. With its impressi...
Category

1910s Persian 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

Late 19th Century Antique Persian Kerman Rug with Traditional Style
Located in Dallas, TX
79259 Late 19th Century Antique Persian Kerman Rug, 03'03 x 04'10. Woven in the twilight of the 19th century in the storied workshops of Kerman, this hand-knotted wool Persian rug is...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Kirman Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Ararat Rugs Palmettes and Flowers Lattice Rug Bidjar Revival Carpet Natural Dyed
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

Navy Sarouq
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
Hand-knotted wool pile on a cotton foundation. New Dimensions: 6' x 9' Origin: India Condition: Excellent Field Color: Navy-Blue Border Color: Cherry-Red Accent Colors: Ivory,...
Category

2010s Persian Sarouk Farahan Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Vintage Persian Kerman Lavar “Tree of Life” in Navy, Turquoise, Blue, Sage, Red
Located in Barrington, IL
Prepare to be astonished by this truly magnificent Early 20th Century Persian Kerman Lavar rug, a profound testament to the unparalleled artistry of Southern Persia. Woven by the finest artisan weavers in the renowned village of Lavar in the early 1900s, this rug embodies a profound sense of peace, grace, and breathtaking beauty. The words "beautiful, peaceful, graceful" are only a start when describing this "Tree of Life" pattern, a design so fantastic it leaves one "speechless and in awe." Lavar carpets, originating from a village near the city of Kerman on the edge of the great desert in Southeast Persia, are world-renowned for their exquisite beauty in design and colors, and this rug is an exceptional representation. The all-over pattern features a rich narrative woven with numerous birds, blossoming trees, and abundant flowers in various vibrant hues. The color palette in this rug is astonishingly beautiful and unique, including deep navy, vibrant turquoise, serene blue, subtle sage, classic red, striking magenta, delicate pink, sunny yellow, luminous pale green, midnight blue, and regal purple. Each shade contributes to a harmonious and captivating visual narrative, showcasing the extraordinary skill of the weavers. This Kerman Lavar rug is not just a floor covering; it is a profound piece of art, an heirloom-quality textile that will enrich any discerning interior with its timeless elegance and spiritual depth. Given its intricate detail and stunning artistry, it would be magnificent as a tapestry wall art, allowing for full appreciation of this Persian masterpiece. Dimensions: 4’ 8” x 7’ 5” Date of Manufacture: 1st Quarter of the 1900s Place of Origin: Persia Material: Wool pile on a cotton foundation with vegetable dyes Condition: Wear consistent with age and use The Persian Knot Gallery, SKU 2095 Kerman Tree of Life, Kerman Lavar Tree of Life, Antique Kerman Rugs, Persian Kerman Rugs, Kerman Carpets, Vintage Kerman Rugs, Kerman Vase Carpets, Kerman Lavar, Antique Lavar Rugs, Persian Kerman Lavar, Antique Persian Lavar, Vintage Persian Kerman, Kerman Carpet, Antique Persian Rugs, Antique Rugs, Antique Carpets, Vintage Carpets, Floral Design Rugs, Antique Handmade Rugs, Floral Design Rugs, Kerman Lavar Area Rug, Tree of Life rug, early 20th century Persian carpet, antique Persian tapestry...
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Antique Large 100% Wool Tabriz Persian Rug Carpet 390x310cm 13ftx10ft
Located in London, GB
This very elegant large antique fine quality Tabriz Persian rug dates from the mid 19th century. This beautiful carpet was hand woven in Iran and has a 100% wool pile based on a cot...
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Persian Bijar Bidjar Rug
Located in San Diego, CA
This piece is a handmade Persian Bijar rug with diamond medallion. This piece has wool with cotton foundation. The base color is red and cream, ...
Category

Early 2000s Persian Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Persian Bijar Bidjar Rug
Persian Bijar Bidjar Rug
$4,950 Sale Price
37% Off
Antique Persian Lavar Oriental Carpet, Mansion Size, with Allover Floral Design
Located in New York, NY
An antique Persian Lavar oriental carpet, size: 33'1 x 17'10, circa 1880. This handwoven oversized master work has an incredibly fine weave, and is characterized by a repeating diamo...
Category

1880s Persian Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

9'3"x12'1" Orange Vintage Persian Tabriz Pure Wool Hand Knotted Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This fabulous Hand-Knotted carpet has been created and designed for extra strength and durability. This rug has been handcrafted for weeks in the traditional method that is used to m...
Category

1960s Persian Medieval Vintage 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

Persian Kilim Small Rug - Wool Brown Ivory Design - 88418
Located in Dallas, TX
Discover the elegance of Persian Kilim featuring Small Rug in Circa 1910. Designed with Wool and BrownIvory, this exclusive design is perfect for enhancing your space.
Category

20th Century Iraqi Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Large Oversize Persian Red Floral Sarouk Rug, c. 1920s
Located in New York, NY
Sarouk is a small village and its neighboring villages in Northwestern Iran. Most Sarouk carpets follow a very distinctive design and is depended on floral sprays and bouquets. T...
Category

1920s Persian Sarouk Farahan Vintage Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Oversize Antique Persian Ivory and Blue Floral Kirman Rug, circa 1920s
Located in New York, NY
Kirman is an ancient city, with an incredible history going back over a thousand years. Marco Polo was one of the first westerners to view Kirman rugs. The city is located in the cen...
Category

1920s Persian Kirman Vintage 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

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

Nice fine Sino Persian silk rug
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Exquisite vintage Persian Tabriz-style rug, meticulously hand-knotted with silk on silk, boasting a delicate floral design. In the center, a red and light green floral medallion is s...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Tabriz Persian Rugs

Materials

Silk

Early 20th Century Chinese Art Deco Rug
Located in Chicago, IL
A chic and sophisticated early 20th century Chinese Art Deco rug with a black background with the most incredible large central peon...
Category

1920s Chinese Art Deco Vintage Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Turkey Kars Small Rug - Wool Ivory Orange Pink Taupe Design - 92723
Located in Dallas, TX
Discover the elegance of Turkey Kars featuring Small Rug in Circa 1940. Designed with Wool and IvoryOrangePinkTaupe, this exclusive design is perfect for enhancing your space.
Category

20th Century Turkish 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

Vintage Persian Nain Rug
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite late 20th-century Persian Rain rug is a masterpiece of traditional craftsmanship. Its design centers on a grand medallion that radiates elegance and draws the eye, set...
Category

Late 20th Century Persian Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Silk

Oversize Pale Persian Antique Rug
Located in New York, NY
Stunning oversize antique Persian Mohajeran Sarouk rug consisting of a pale wheat ground and powder blue border, some terracotta accents too, circa 1910. Measures: 13' x 19'8".
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Industrial Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian Sultanabad Rug. 14 ft 4 in x 19 ft 4 in
Located in New York, NY
An Impressive Large Size Rustic Antique Persian Sultanabad Carpet, Country of Origin / rug type: Persian rugs, Circa date: 1880's. Size: 14 ft 4 in x 19 ft 4 in (4.37 m x 5.89 m)  
Category

1880s Persian Sultanabad Antique 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

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

Persian Black Tabriz Rug
Located in San Diego, CA
This rug is a magnificent hand-knotted Persian Tabriz masterpiece, renowned for its exceptional quality and craftsmanship. It boasts a captivating floral medallion pattern, meticulously designed by the esteemed Tabriz designer Benam, whose work is celebrated for its artistic excellence and cultural significance. The rug's pile is an exquisite blend of wool and silk, complemented by a silk foundation, ensuring both durability and an opulent texture. Measuring 8 feet 1 inch by 11 feet 9 inches, this brand-new creation radiates luxury, with its intricate patterns vividly highlighted by the shimmering silk. This adds a touch of exclusivity and sophistication, making it a true standout piece in any space. An extraordinary feature of this rug is its 80 Raj quality, a testament to its fineness and attention to detail. The term "Raj" refers to the number of knots in 7 linear centimeters, and with 80 knots per 7 centimeters, this rug exemplifies the pinnacle of Persian weaving. Such density not only showcases the incredible skill of the artisans but also enhances the clarity and precision of the intricate design. This 80 Raj Tabriz...
Category

Early 2000s Persian Tabriz Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Silk

Persian Black Tabriz Rug
Persian Black Tabriz Rug
$28,700 Sale Price
30% Off
Late 19th Century Antique Red Allover Persian Serapi Carpet, 15'11 x 25'11
Located in Dallas, TX
78845 Late 19th Century Antique Red Allover Persian Serapi Rug, 15'11 x 25'11. Discover the unparalleled elegance of this nearly 16 x 26 hand-knotted wool antique Persian Serapi rug,...
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Serapi Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Persian Malayer Small Rug - Wool Navy Blue Red Design - 92116
Located in Dallas, TX
Discover the elegance of Persian Malayer featuring Small Rug in Circa 1880. Designed with Wool and Navy BlueRed, this exclusive design is perfect for enhancing your space.
Category

20th Century Asian Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian Sultanabad Rug. 13 ft 4 in x 18 ft 9 in
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful Large Ivory background Antique Persian Sultanabad Carpet, Country of Origin / Rug Type: Persian Rugs, Circa Date: 1880. Size: 13 ft 4 in x 18 ft 9 in (4.0 m x 5.71 m)
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Sultanabad Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Zabihi Collection Narrow Persian Neutral Heriz Runner
Located in New York, NY
A narrow Persian Heriz Karadja runner from the 2nd quarter of the 20th century. Measures: 1 '10” x 6'.
Category

20th Century Persian Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

20th Century Antique Persian Sultanabad 10x14 Brown & Rust Handmade Area Rug
Located in Houston, TX
Ashly fine rugs presents a 20th century Antique Persian Sultanabad 10'5"x13'9" Brown and Rust Handmade Area Rug. Persian Sultanabads are perhaps the most desired rugs by both connois...
Category

Early 1900s Persian Sultanabad Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Rose Blue Green Ivory Beige Floral Persian Kirman Rug
Located in New York, NY
Kirman is an ancient city, with an incredible history going back over a thousand years. Marco Polo was one of the first westerners to view Kirman rugs. The city is located in the cen...
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Kirman Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian Kerman Rug. Size: 10 ft 6 in x 19 ft
Located in New York, NY
Large Light Blue Persian Kerman Rug 48869, Country of Origin / Rug Type: Persian Rugs, Circa Date: 1920 – Size: 10 ft 6 in x 19 ft (3.2 m x 5.79 m) The weavers of Kerman have been p...
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Kirman Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Oversize Antique Persian Floral Red Sarouk Rug c. 1880-1900 (12.6 x 22.9 ft)
Located in New York, NY
Mohajeran Persian carpets are prized for their clarity of design. They characteristically use allover patterns with a subtle central axis, and consist of a series of finely drawn blo...
Category

1880s Persian Sarouk Farahan Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

21st Century Persian Sultanabad 10x14 Ivory and Slate Blue Wool Rug
Located in Houston, TX
Ashly Fine Rugs presents a 21st-century hand-woven Recreation of an antique Persian Sultanabad wool living room or great room rug. Created by our in-hou...
Category

2010s Persian Other 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

Antique Sarouk Persian Wool Area Rug C1930
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique Sarouk Persian Wool Area Rug C1930. Measures - 79"H x 46.25"W. This antique Sarouk Persian area rug, dating to circa 1930, showcases the traditional floral patterns char...
Category

20th Century Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Vintage Persian Isfahan Rug with Silk Foundation
Located in Canterbury, GB
Mid Century Hand Knotted Persian Rug Made in the region of Isfahan Wool with Silk highlights Good vintage condition minor wear to one corner (see photograph) SIZE 39 inches x 58 ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Silk

Antique Persian Mahal by Mehraban Rugs
Located in WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA
With enchanting elements of dainty botanicals and a muted color scheme, this Antique Persian Mahal rug embodies an all-over florid patterns dancing gracefully in the abrashed ecru fi...
Category

Early 1900s Persian Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Vase Design Large Size Antique Persian Tabriz Haji Jalili 14'6" x 19'10"
Located in New York, NY
A Magnificent Vase Design Light Blue Large Size Antique Persian Tabriz Haji Jalili Rug, Country of Origin: Persian Rug, Circa Date: Late 19th Century
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Tabriz Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian Sultanabad Rug. 13 ft 7 in x 16 ft 7 in
Located in New York, NY
Magnificent and impressive black and red antique Persian ziegler Sultanabad rug, origin: Persia, circa late 19th century - Ziegl...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Sultanabad Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Mid-20th Century Persian Malayer Throw Rug
Located in New York, NY
A vintage Persian Malayer throw rug handmade during the Mid-20th century. Measures: 2' 1" x 3' 2"
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Malayer Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Vintage Persian Tabriz Rug. Size: 12 ft 8 in x 19 ft 4 in
Located in New York, NY
Magnificent large jewel tone vintage Persian Tabriz rug, country of origin / rug type: vintage Persian rug, circa late 20th century. Size: 12 ft 8 in x 19 ft 4 in (3.86 m x 5.89 m) ...
Category

Late 20th Century Persian Tabriz 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

Vintage Gabbeh Persian Rug, Beige with Colorful Animal Pictorials - Rug & Kilim
Located in Long Island City, NY
This vintage 4x6 Persian Gabbeh rug is the latest entry to Rug & Kilim’s curation of iconic tribal pieces. Hand-knotted in wool circa 1950-1960. On the Design: A celebration of wh...
Category

1950s Persian Vintage Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Early 20th Century Sumak Bag Face Rug
Located in Chicago, IL
A wonderful early 20th century Uzbek Sumak bag face rug with a wonderful pattern containing an all-over geometric form woven in indigo, yellow, and white,...
Category

1930s Uzbek Sumak Vintage Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Early 20th Century Persian Kirman Rug
Located in Chicago, IL
A stunning and rare early 20th century Persian Kirman rug with the most elaborately woven pattern with myriad swirling trees and flowering vines culminating with two birds sitting on...
Category

1940s Persian Kirman Vintage Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Red Persian Sarouk Rug with Traditional Style
Located in Dallas, TX
79225 Antique Red Persian Sarouk Rug, 08'09 x 11'06. Woven in the twilight of the Early 20th Century, this hand-knotted Persian Sarouk rug is a masterpiece of enduring elegance, enca...
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Sarouk Farahan 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.

Recently Viewed

View All