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Persian Rugs

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Persian Rugs For Sale
Period: Mid-20th Century
Period: 1930s
Traditional rug classic vintage wool hand knotted semi antique carpet Midcentury
Located in Lohr, Bavaria, DE
Traditional classic vintage rug wool hand knotted semi antique carpet Midcentury. Rustic design, typical village production. Design: Medaillon Pile: Wool Warp: Cotton Style: Traditi...
Category

Mid-20th Century Azerbaijani Sarouk Farahan Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Incredible 1940s Khotan Rug
Located in Chicago, IL
An incredible early 1940s Central Asian Khotan rug with a unique all-over mirrored crimson tree-of-life and pomegranate pattern on a variegated brown background. The border is comple...
Category

1930s Central Asian Khotan Vintage Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Vintage Bakhtiari Rug
Located in Chicago, IL
A wonderful vintage Persian Bakhtiari rug with a wonderful geometric patchwork pattern of myriad flowers and vines arranged in a trellis pattern, surrounded by a wide border with a l...
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Early 20th Century Persian Meshkabad Rug
Located in Chicago, IL
A stunning early 20th century Persian Meshkabad rug with an incredible patter with a large central floral medallion living amidst a field of densely woven flowers and scrolling vines...
Category

1930s Persian Tribal Vintage Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Early 20th Century Persian Sarouk Rug
Located in Chicago, IL
A classic early 20th century Persian Sarouk rug with an all-over mirrored pattern containing myriad floral clusters, surrounded by a complex border with a wide central floral pattern...
Category

1930s Persian Sarouk Farahan Vintage Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Early 20th Century Persian Heriz Runner
Located in Chicago, IL
A beautiful MId-20th century Persian Heriz runner with several large stylized floral medallions living amidst a densely woven field of flowers, and surrounded by a complex floral and...
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Heriz Serapi Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Early 20th Century Persian Heriz Rug
Located in Chicago, IL
A beautiful early 20th century Persian Heriz rug with a traditional large central floral medallion living amidst a field of more flowers and leaves, surrounded by a repeated leaf and...
Category

1940s Persian Heriz Serapi Vintage Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Vintage Kerman Carpet
Located in Katonah, NY
:: Center medallion with Rococo stylized finishes and corner spandrel overlays reciprocating the contour of the main medallion with inwardly directed blossomed plant floral sprays in...
Category

1950s Persian Rococo Vintage Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Vintage Bibikabad Carpet
Located in Katonah, NY
:: Diamond shaped center medallion with small scale Herati design motif atop a large scale inverted coloration Herati design with book cover field overlays. Inner and outer minor bor...
Category

1930s Persian Other Vintage Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Vintage Hamadan Rug Runner
Located in Katonah, NY
:: Covered field in germinating plants bearing serrated leaves and blossoms. Wrapped by a floral top view and serrated leaf main border. Colors and shades include: Ivory, navy blue, ...
Category

1930s Persian Other Vintage Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Vintage Arak Carpet
Located in Katonah, NY
:: Center medallion in sharp serrated leaves largely defined by floral bouquet design density atop an open field with clusters of blossoms and floral top views encompassing around th...
Category

1950s Persian Other Vintage Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Vintage Fine Ardebil Rug Runner
Located in Katonah, NY
:: Allover covered field of floral palmettes in lattice orientation repeating across the field with delicate vinery in cartouche stylized relief. Colors and shades include: Cherry re...
Category

1960s Persian Other Vintage Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Sophisticated Vintage Shahsevan Runner
Located in Chicago, IL
A sophisticated vintage mid-20th century Persian Shahsevan Kilim runner woven of un-dyed natural brown wools, giving the rug a variegated color p...
Category

1950s Persian Kilim Vintage Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Midcentury Handmade Persian Yazd Large Carpet
Located in New York, NY
A vintage Persian Yazd large size carpet handmade during the mid-20th century. Measures: 10' 10" x 15' 3".
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Kirman Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Vintage Shiraz Rug
Located in Chicago, IL
A beautiful vintage Shiraz rug with three diamond-form medallions against a field of stylized flowers and surrounded by a geometric stylized floral ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Vintage Tehran Rug
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Tehran Rug 3'4'' x 5'6''. One of the relatively few pieces made in the capital between the Wars. The twelve flaming lobe medallion suspends garland ...
Category

1940s Vintage Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Silk

Vintage Isfahan Rug 4'10'' x 7'2''
Located in New York, NY
In the iconic Isfahan style, with a very fine weave of asymmetric knots on a cotton foundation, this attractive, good condition urban scatter from Central Persia shows the characteristic old ivory field with a red flaming octofoil almost round medallion and en suite pendants, with thick strapwork forked and barbed leaves and an underlayer of nearly spiraling vines and palmettes. Medium blue corners with gold cartouches...
Category

1940s Persian Vintage Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Silk

Mid-20th Century Handmade Persian Malayer Small Runner
Located in New York, NY
A vintage Persian Malayer small runner handmade during the mid-20th century.     
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Rustic Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Bold Early 20th Century Azari Rug
Located in Chicago, IL
A wonderful bold early 20th century Persian Azari rug with a fantastic pattern of alternating indigo and camel hair geometric medallions on a crimson background amidst a field of mul...
Category

1930s Asian Vintage Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Imperial Red Vintage Persian Hamadan 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

Vintage Baluch Persian rug in Red, Blue, White & Black Patterns from Rug & Kilim
Located in Long Island City, NY
Hand-knotted in wool, this 2x2 Baluch Persian rug of the 1950s is the latest to enter Rug & Kilim’s Antique & Vintage collection. On the Design: The vintage Baluch rug carries a st...
Category

1950s Persian Tribal Vintage Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Vintage Persian Kurd Rug
Located in New York, NY
A vintage Persian Kurd carpet from the second quarter of the 20th century.
Category

1940s Persian Tribal Vintage Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Green Overdyed Patchwork Vintage Persian 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

Earth Tones Vintage Persian Shiraz with Tribal Design and Neutral Colors
Located in Atlanta, GA
Vintage hand-knotted Persian Shiraz, rug H-1211-40, country of origin / type: Persian / Tribal, circa mid-20th century, This vintage Persian rug features a central medallion desi...
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Bisque Brown Vintage Persian Shiraz Worn Down Pure Wool Hand Knotted 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

Vintage Royal Ashan Persian Style Wilton Area Rug
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Royal Ashan Oriental style wool area rug USA, mid-20th century Beautiful floral design, with predominant colors in red, blue, and gold. Measures: 55" x 77" Goo...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Tabriz Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Vintage Hand Knotted Persian Wool Kashmar Prayer Rug Mat Red Orange Blue
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage hand knotted Persian wool Kashmar prayer rug mat red orange blue, measures: 56" Vintage hand knotted Persian wool Kashmar prayer or area rug. Features a medallion in the c...
Category

Mid-20th Century Islamic Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Red Vintage Persian Viss Full Pile Excellent Cond Wool Hand Knotted Runner 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

Vintage Persian Malayer Area Rug in Allover Pattern in Navy, Red, Blue, Brown
Located in Barrington, IL
Vintage Persian Malayer area rug in an allover “Herati” design from the mid 1900s. The Malayer rug is in a navy blue background with an ivory color border. There is a small central...
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Vintage Room Size Persian Isfahan in Allover Floral Pattern in Ivory, Red, Blue
Located in Barrington, IL
A room size Persian Isfahan in an allover floral pattern set in an ivory color field and a red border from the 2nd quarter of the 1900s. The rug has a Shah Abbas large format “Leaf...
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton

A Large Vintage Persian Sarouk Rug
Located in Point Richmond, CA
A Large Vintage Persian Sarouk Rug. A fine hand knotted wool pile in Persian knot tightly woven on a cotton foundation. A floral and foliate design consisting of a central 5 tiered r...
Category

1930s Persian Sarouk Farahan Vintage Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Pair of Vintage Persian Kerman Runners - Cream & Pastel Colors, Paisley Design
Located in Blacksburg, VA
Whimsical pair of vintage Kirman Runners Each 1' 8" x 7' Beautiful pair of runners woven in the famed city of Kirman. Kirman rugs have been popular since the early 20th century. ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Kirman Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian Lori - Geometric Nomadic Rug - Rust / Orange and Blue
Located in Blacksburg, VA
Radiant 1940's Lori Nomadic Persian Rug 5' 3" x 8' 2" Incredible antique tribal rug created by the legendary nomadic tribe of Persia, the Lores. The Lores are one of the most ancie...
Category

1940s Persian Tribal Vintage Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Victorian Style Hand Knotted Persian Prayer Wool Rug Depicting Two Parakeets
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a lovely hand woven prayer rug depiction two parakeets on a branch. It is Persian and vivid colors of wool. I believe it to be a mid-century piece but am not positive of the ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Victorian Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Mid-20th Century Handwoven Persian Rug Tabriz Design
Located in Dallas, TX
Mid-20th century hand-woven Persian area rug made from fine wool and all-natural vegetable dyes that are safe for people and pets. It features traditional Tabriz weaving depicting in...
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Tabriz Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Semi Antique Persian Hamadan, Tribal Style Runner, All-Over Design, Navy & Red
Located in Blacksburg, VA
Gorgeous 70+ Year Old Persian Hamadan Runner 4' 4" x 9' 6" Striking Mid 20th Century runner hand knotted in the ancient region of Hamadan. Due to Hamadan's lengthy history, it is h...
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Bobyrug’s pretty vintage Hamadan rug
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Pretty mid century rustic Hamadan rug with nice geometrical and stylized designs, and beautiful colours with pink , white , brown and grey, entirely hand knotted with wool on cotton...
Category

Mid-20th Century Asian Rustic Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Mid-20th Century Handmade Persian Malayer Accent Rug
Located in New York, NY
A vintage Persian Malayer accent rug handmade during the mid-20th century. Measures: 5' 0" x 6' 11"
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Rustic Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Mid-20th Century Handmade Persian Tribal Bakhtiari Accent Rug
Located in New York, NY
A vintage Persian Bakhtiari accent rug handmade during the mid-20th century. Measures: 4' 7" x 6' 8"
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Mid-20th Century Handmade Persian Malayer Accent Rug
Located in New York, NY
A vintage Persian Malayer accent rug handmade during the mid-20th century. Measures: 4' 5" x 6' 8"
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Rustic Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian Afshar Rug
Located in New York, NY
An antique Persian Afshar carpet from the second quarter of the 20th century.
Category

1930s Persian Tribal Vintage Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Bobyrug’s pretty vintage Hamadan rug
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Pretty mid century rustic Hamadan rug with nice geometrical and stylized designs, and beautiful colours with red , blue , brown, yellow and green, entirely hand knotted with wool on...
Category

Mid-20th Century Asian Rustic Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Vintage Turkish Kilim Rug
Located in Chicago, IL
A bold vintage mid-20th century Turkish Kilim runner with a repeated diamond pattern set against a crimson background with an asymmetrical fringe border, one side with a chevron patt...
Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Kilim Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Vintage Chinese Kerman Tree of Life Prayer Rug
Located in Dallas, TX
78697 Vintage Chinese Kerman Tree of Life Prayer Rug, 02'00 x 03'06. A Chinese Kerman Tree of Life Prayer rug is a type of hand knotted carpet that combines elements from both Chines...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Kirman Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Silk

Vintage Room Size Square Persian Hamadan in Red, French Blue, Green, Pink, Navy
Located in Barrington, IL
Very rare room size square Persian Hamadan from the mid 1900s in beautiful bright and cheerful colors. The field color is a brilliant red with the border and the central medallion i...
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Vintage Persian Heriz Runner
Located in Chicago, IL
A wonderful mid-20th century Persian Heriz runner with several large stylized floral medallions living amidst a field of more stylized flowers and scrolling vines, and surrounded by ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Heriz Serapi Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Vintage Persian Kashan in Medallion Pattern in Red, Navy, Blue, Ivory, Yellow
Located in Barrington, IL
Vintage Persian Kashan area rug in a classic medallion floral pattern from the mid 1900s. The rug comes in a beautiful rich red color field with a central medallion and a dark blue border. The simple uncluttered field design in this Kashan area rug shimmers similar to Manchester Kashan rugs which adds to the charm and the beauty of this small Persian jewel. Dimensions: 2’ 6” x 4’ 10” Date of Manufacture: 3rd Quarter of the 1900s Place of Origin: Persia Material: Wool pile on a cotton foundation Condition: Wear consistent with age and use Antique Persian Kashan, Antique Kashan Rugs, Antique Kashan Area Rug, Vintage Kashan Carpets...
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Vintage Turkmen Wedding Asmalyk
Located in Chicago, IL
A beautiful mid-20th century Persian Turkmen Asmalyk, a hand-woven wool textile used in wedding processions to cover the sides of a camel, and then ultimately used in the home. This...
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Early 20th Century Persian Lilihan Rug
Located in Chicago, IL
A beautiful early 20th century Persian Lilihan rug woven with a traditional mirrored floral pattern containing myriad flower and scrolling vines, surrounded by a wide repeated floral...
Category

1930s Persian Sarouk Farahan Vintage Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Vintage Persian Turkoman Rug, Dark and Moody Nomad Meets Tribal Enchantment
Located in Dallas, TX
78705 Vintage Persian Turkoman Rug, 02'11 x 03'08. Persian Turkoman rugs, originating from Turkmenistan, Iran, and Afghanistan, are renowned for their quality craftsmanship and intri...
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Bobyrug’s nice mid century mazlaghan rug
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Nice mid century mazlaghan rug with beautiful geometrical and tribal design and nice colours with red field, dark brown, white, blue and green, entirely hand knotted with wool on cot...
Category

Mid-20th Century Asian Rustic Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Antique Persian Tabriz Carpet
Located in Barueri, SP, BR
Tabriz – Northwest Persia This is a Tabriz rug inspired by the master of arts Hadji Jallili. Its design emphasizes subtle gradations of colour hue and precise, detailed work. Rather than the predominant medallion most commonly seen in Persian rugs, this magnificent rug displays a concentric series of extremely subtle hexagonal medallions with gently rounded borders. A finely woven geometric pattern called Herati (diamond and leaf pattern) forms the medallions, spreads across the field and continues to the corners of the carpet, adding to the atmosphere of quiet and understated splendour. An elegant rug that chooses those who want to reveal its subtle beauty. The carpet is clean and ready for use. Tabriz, a city located in northwestern Persia, is considered the city of masters of textile art. The ateliers in this influential city established a strong reputation for the quality of their carpets, which is still respected. The city of Tabriz’s fame as a carpet production centre began during the Safavid dynasty (1501 to 1722 AD). However, historical accounts indicate that carpets had been produced there since the Sasanian era (224 to 651 AD). Carpets from the Safavid period represent the pinnacle of Persian textile art, and Tabriz carpets continue this tradition. Shah Abbas (1587–1629), the great patron of the arts, established weaving centres throughout Persia, including a royal workshop in Tabriz. Some of the best Tabriz rugs, woven exclusively for carpet aficionados of the nobility, use techniques that have not yet been surpassed. After the dynasty's fall, carpet-making declined in quality and intensity throughout Persia. However, a renewed interest in 19th-century carpets revived this art, and Tabriz became an important production centre. Antique Tabriz carpets, produced in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, are distinguished by their excellent weaving technique and remarkable adherence to classical traditions and ancient Persian carpet designs. However, unlike other Persian rugs, they cannot be distinguished by any particular design pattern or use of colours. Antique Tabriz rugs come in various classic designs and are produced in every colour imaginable, from bold, bright tones to softer pastel tones. What sets them apart from other Persian rugs is their quality. Tabriz rugs are precisely designed and carefully executed, making them extremely popular with designers. A Tabriz rug adds elegance to any room in a home or office. Tabriz are known for their unsurpassed quality, strong weave and rich detail. For centuries, Tabriz carpets have been made with the highest quality since Tabriz was established as one of the first capitals of the carpet world. The artists of Tabriz boast of being the oldest in terms of production in all of Persia. Tabriz Persian carpets and their beauty not only depend on their rich cultural background but their limitless design is not surpassed by any other region. With an unsurpassed variety of colours, the Tabriz rug can be found in any tone, including bolder or softer pastel tones. Nothing beats antique...
Category

1930s Persian Vintage Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Shiraz Persian Rug
Located in Barueri, SP, BR
Shiraz – Southern Persia Splendid antique Persian carpet from the city of Shiraz. This carpet reflects the art of the nomads of southern Persia. The rug features two large central me...
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Persian Tabriz Carpet
Located in Barueri, SP, BR
Tabriz – Northwest Persia This is a fine Tabriz with a design inspired by the art of the Persian master Hadji Jallili. Except for the diminutive orange medallion in the centre, the entire rug is covered with a herati design—a repeating geometric shape consisting of a flower framed in a lozenge with curved leaves parallel side by side. The perfect colour combination of this Tabriz provides softness without sacrificing elegance. The carpet is clean and ready for use. Tabriz, a city located in northwestern Persia, is considered the city of masters of textile art. The ateliers in this influential city established a strong reputation for the quality of their carpets, which is still respected. The city of Tabriz’s fame as a carpet production centre began during the Safavid dynasty (1501 to 1722 AD). However, historical accounts indicate that carpets had been produced there since the Sasanian era (224 to 651 AD). Carpets from the Safavid period represent the pinnacle of Persian textile art, and Tabriz carpets continue this tradition. Shah Abbas (1587–1629), the great patron of the arts, established weaving centres throughout Persia, including a royal workshop in Tabriz. Some of the best Tabriz rugs, woven exclusively for carpet aficionados of the nobility, use techniques that have not yet been surpassed. After the dynasty's fall, carpet-making declined in quality and intensity throughout Persia. However, a renewed interest in 19th-century carpets revived this art, and Tabriz became an important production centre. Antique Tabriz carpets, produced in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, are distinguished by their excellent weaving technique and remarkable adherence to classical traditions and ancient Persian carpet designs. However, unlike other Persian rugs, they cannot be distinguished by any particular design pattern or use of colours. Antique Tabriz rugs come in various classic designs and are produced in every colour imaginable, from bold, bright tones to softer pastel tones. What sets them apart from other Persian rugs is their quality. Tabriz rugs are precisely designed and carefully executed, making them extremely popular with designers. A Tabriz rug adds elegance to any room in a home or office. Tabriz are known for their unsurpassed quality, strong weave and rich detail. For centuries, Tabriz carpets have been made with the highest quality since Tabriz was established as one of the first capitals of the carpet world. The artists of Tabriz boast of being the oldest in terms of production in all of Persia. Tabriz Persian carpets and their beauty not only depend on their rich cultural background but their limitless design is not surpassed by any other region. With an unsurpassed variety of colours, the Tabriz rug can be found in any tone, including bolder or softer pastel tones. Nothing beats antique...
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian Khorassan Rug
Located in New York, NY
Antique Persian Khorassan Rug Size: 6'8" × 9'10" (203 × 299 cm). An early 20th century handmade wool Persian Khorassan antique rug. The main field displays blooming florals, leaves a...
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Khorassan Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Silk Kashan Carpet
Located in Barueri, SP, BR
Silk Kashan - Central Persia This attractive Kashan silk rug, made in Central Persia, was woven around 1950-1960 with a floral design that covers all its area. The field in ivory wi...
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Persian Rugs

Materials

Silk

Silk Kashan Carpet
Silk Kashan Carpet
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Antique Lilihan Persian Rug
Located in Barueri, SP, BR
Lilihan – West Persia Offering a rare and captivating colour combination of red, blue, and gold, this exclusive antique rug presents fantastic home decorating possibilities. The lar...
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Kerman Carpet Palatial Size
Located in Barueri, SP, BR
Kerman – South Persia A magnificent Kerman rug with a paradise design of palatial proportions. It features infinite birds and animals among a profusion of trees, flowering plants, a...
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian 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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