Silk Persian Rugs
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Material: Silk
Very Fine Large Persian Silk Qum Rug 11.1' x 14.8'
Located in Newmanstown, PA
Magnificent Persian pure silk Qum with silk foundation. This rug has approximately 700 knots per sq inch with a total of 16,000,000 knots tied by hand one by one. It took 9 years to ...
Category
1990s Persian Silk Persian Rugs
Materials
Silk
Hand-Knotted Vintage Persian Qum Rug Floral Medallion Pattern by Rug & Kilim
Located in Long Island City, NY
A 7x11 vintage Qum rug in regal medallion style, enjoying hues of beige-brown atop black with comfortable blue accents. Hand knotted in silk circa 1910-1920 from one of the most vene...
Category
1910s Persian Other Vintage Silk Persian Rugs
Materials
Silk
Part Silk Persian Prisma Rug 202x174cm
Located in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire
This production is based on algebraic patterns. It is of high quality handspun Persian wool and has a large percentage of silk in dying, of which natural dyes have been used. The res...
Category
2010s Persian Silk Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool, Silk
Modern Persian Sfera Part Silk Rug 227x169cm
Located in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire
Sumptuous Part Silk Persian Sfera CarpetThis production is based on algebraic patterns. It is of high quality handspun Persian wool and has a large percentage of silk in dying, of wh...
Category
2010s Persian Silk Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool, Silk
Hand-knotted Vintage Persian Qum Rug in Beige Medallion Pattern by Rug & Kilim
Located in Long Island City, NY
Originating from Persia circa 1950-1960, this vintage Persian rug is a distinct piece of its Qum design lineage with fabulous aesthetics and natural silk composition. The vision of t...
Category
1950s Persian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Silk Persian Rugs
Materials
Silk
Persian Fish Design Tabriz Runner Rug
Located in San Diego, CA
Tabriz rugs are well known for their excellent weaving and design. One of the very famous patterns of Tabriz rugs are Fish Design known as Mahi (repeated medallion) which is one of t...
Category
Early 2000s Persian Tabriz Silk Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool, Cotton, Silk
Persian Tabriz Rug in Wool and Silk
By Nasiri
Located in New York, NY
This rug resembles the rare and collectible antique Hadji Jalili Tabriz rugs that were produced in the 19th century and earlier. Due to their limited availability, NASIRI revived the...
Category
2010s Persian Tabriz Silk Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool, Silk
Hand-Knotted Antique Persian Kashan Rug Floral Medallion Pattern by Rug & Kilim
Located in Long Island City, NY
A 7x10 antique Persian rug of Kashan design in floral medallion style, hand knotted in silk originating circa 1910-1920.
The marriage of color and pattern in this particular anti...
Category
1910s Persian Kashan Vintage Silk Persian Rugs
Materials
Silk
Qom Silk Rug (silk on cotton) depicting the Hunting Scene // Kashmir 1950s
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a beautiful silk rug hand knotted on silk. It depicts a hunting scene including human figures and animals. Made in Kashmir around 1950s.
Good vintage c...
Category
1950s Nepalese Tribal Vintage Silk Persian Rugs
Materials
Cotton, Silk
Amazing Small Fine Floral Luxurious Vintage Persian Silk Qum Rug 3'6" x 5'2"
Located in New York, NY
Amazing Small Fine Floral Luxurious Vintage Persian Silk Qum Rug, Country of origin: Persian Rugs, Circa date: Vintage
Category
20th Century Persian Tabriz Silk Persian Rugs
Materials
Silk
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Minimalist Tribal Flat-Weave Rug
Located in New York, NY
The Mid-Century Modern collection is skillfully sourced by N A S I R I and exclusive to our showroom. These flat-weaves embody the Minimalist sophistication that emerged in the mid-2...
Category
1960s Persian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Silk Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool, Silk
Vintage Persian Tabriz Rug
Located in Chicago, IL
A gorgeous vintage Persian Tabriz rug with a large central floral and scrolling vine medallion living amidst a field of more intricately woven flowers, surrounded by a complex border...
Category
1970s Persian Tabriz Vintage Silk Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool, Silk
Persian Red Qum Rug
Located in San Diego, CA
This authentic Persian Qum rug has silk pile and silk foundation. The color combination in this rug is outstanding. The base color is cream and the border is black. The design in thi...
Category
1970s Persian Vintage Silk Persian Rugs
Materials
Silk
Tibetan Silk Flowers Rug
Located in Milano, IT
A wonderful rug with a nostalgic and romantic design, this beautiful piece of furniture combines a Tibetan wool background with delicate silk flowers in a ...
Category
Early 19th Century Tibetan Romantic Antique Silk Persian Rugs
Materials
Silk
Vintage Persian Silk Qum Rug. 3 ft 3 in x 5 ft 7 in
Located in New York, NY
Fine Floral Medallion Vintage Silk Persian Qum Rug , Country of Origin / Rug Type: Vintage Persian Rug, Circa Date: Late 20th Century - Size: 3 ft 3 in x 5 ft 7 in (0.99 m x 1.7 m).
Category
Late 20th Century Persian Tabriz Silk Persian Rugs
Materials
Silk
Extremely Fine and Rare Antique Persian Wool on Silk Senneh Rug 4’5" x 6’9"
Located in New York, NY
Extremely Fine and Rare Antique Persian Wool on Silk Senneh Rug 4’5" x 6’9". Senneh (or Sanandaj) is the seat of Kurdistan Province and weaves single-...
Category
Late 19th Century Persian Antique Silk Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool, Silk
Antique Persian Silk Tabriz Carpet, Handmade Oriental Rug, Red, Ivory, Gold
Located in Port Washington, NY
Finely woven silk Tabriz carpet. Tabriz, the capital of the northwestern Iranian province of Azerbaijan, has for centuries enjoyed a great reputatio...
Category
Late 19th Century Persian Tabriz Antique Silk Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool, Silk
Hand-Knotted Antique Tabriz Persian Rug in Red Medallion Pattern
Located in Long Island City, NY
A hand-knotted antique Tabriz rug originating circa 1920-1930 relishing a sumptuous floral medallion in a luscious red and beige-brown hues The striking tones of rich red are set off...
Category
1920s Persian Tabriz Vintage Silk Persian Rugs
Materials
Silk
Persian Isfahan All-Over Rug
Located in San Diego, CA
This authentic Persian Isfahan rug has wool and silk pile on silk foundation with an excellent condition. The design and color combination are absolutely magnificent and unique. This...
Category
Early 2000s Persian Silk Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool, Silk
Skillfully Embroidered Late 20th Century Indian Suzani Textile
Located in Chicago, IL
An expertly embroidered late 20th century Indian Suzani textile with green, gold, pink, and blue silk thread comprising a diamond form with stylized flowers across the black cotton g...
Category
Late 20th Century Indian Suzani Silk Persian Rugs
Materials
Cotton, Silk
Fine Persian Qum Silk Rug 26894
Located in WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA
Rug Number
26894
Size
2' 7" X 3' 11"
Design
Qum
Collection
Fine Persian
Material
Silk
Texture
Pile Weave
Origin
Iran
Age
New
Category
2010s Persian Silk Persian Rugs
Materials
Silk
Vintage Persian Qum Rug
Located in WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA
Rug Number
25999
Size
4' 10" X 7' 3"
Design
Qum
Collection
Antique/Vintage
Material
Wool & Silk
Texture
Pile Weave
Origin
Iran
Age
Antique/Vintage
Category
1940s Persian Vintage Silk Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool, Silk
Late 19th Century Persian Silk Kashan Carpet ( 3' x 3'6" - 92 x 108 )
Located in New York, NY
Late 19th Century Persian Silk Kashan Carpet ( 3' x 3'6" - 92 x 108 )
Category
1890s Persian Kashan Antique Silk Persian Rugs
Materials
Silk
Early 20th Century Persian Silk & Wool Kashan Carpet ( 4'4" x 6'6' - 132 x 198 )
Located in New York, NY
Early 20th Century Persian Silk & Wool Kashan Carpet ( 4'4" x 6'6' - 132 x 198 )
Category
1920s Persian Vintage Silk Persian Rugs
Materials
Silk, Wool
Late 19th Century Persian Silk Kashan by Kazan ( 3'2" x 4' - 98 x 122 )
Located in New York, NY
Late 19th Century Persian Silk Kashan by Kazan ( 3'2" x 4' - 98 x 122 )
Category
1890s Persian Kashan Antique Silk Persian Rugs
Materials
Silk
Extremely Fine Antique Turkish Silk Hereke Rug 2'0" x 3’5”
Located in New York, NY
Extremely Fine Antique Turkish Silk Hereke Rug 2'0" x 3’5”. The post-WWII, finely woven (or better), primarily silk scatters and larger rugs woven in Persian styles, often in niche ...
Category
Early 20th Century Persian Silk Persian Rugs
Materials
Silk
Hand-Knotted 100% Silk Persian Qum Rug
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This vintage, circa 1970s, pure silk Qum rug has an ivory field with a dense angular polychrome floral vine around a column of gold panels terminating in paired indigo-blue octogen p...
Category
Mid-20th Century Persian Silk Persian Rugs
Materials
Silk
Hand Knotted Vintage Persian Rug in Red Striped Floral Pattern by Rug & Kilim
Located in Long Island City, NY
Hand knotted in brilliant silk originating circa 1950-1960, this vintage Persian rug connotes a rare midcentury Qum rug design, one of an exceptional pair able to be sold individuall...
Category
1950s Persian Islamic Vintage Silk Persian Rugs
Materials
Silk
Near-Square Vintage Persian Tabriz Mahi in Navy, Burgundy, Ivory
Located in Barrington, IL
Exuding sophistication and exceptional craftsmanship, this near-square vintage Persian Tabriz Mahi rug is a rare find—both in its coveted proportions and its masterful execution. Woven in the late 20th century in the renowned weaving city of Tabriz, located in Persia's Azerbaijan province, this rug is a shining example of the classic Herati (Mahi) pattern, executed with extraordinary finesse.
The rug features a deep midnight navy field adorned with a central medallion and corner spandrels in elegant tones of ivory, green, and burgundy. The harmonious layout is a hallmark of traditional Tabriz artistry, showcasing the time-honored Mahi (Herati) motif—a pattern of stylized fish and rosettes symbolizing abundance and protection.
This piece stands out for its extremely fine weave and high knot density, attributes that place it among the finest works produced in elite artisan workshops of Tabriz. The burgundy border, detailed with palmette and vine scroll motifs, frames the central design with striking definition and timeless elegance.
The near-square dimensions make it a highly sought-after piece, especially suitable for balanced, symmetrical spaces such as formal sitting rooms, libraries, or under square dining tables.
Dimensions: 11’ 10” x 14’ 10”
Date of Manufacture: 4th Quarter of the 1900s
Place of Origin: Persia
Material: Wool pile on a cotton foundation with silk highlights
Condition: Excellent
The Persian Knot Gallery, SKU 2068
Tabriz Mahi, Tabriz Fish Design Rugs, Vintage Persian Mahi...
Category
Late 20th Century Persian Silk Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool, Silk, Cotton
Fine Persian Tabriz Rug 29324
Located in WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA
Rug Number
29324
Size
9' 11" X 13' 0"
Design
Tabriz
Collection
Fine Persian
Material
Wool & Silk
Texture
Pile Weave
Origin
Iran
Age
New
Category
2010s Persian Silk Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool, Silk
Nazmiyal Collection Fine Vintage Isfahan Persian Silk & Wool Rug 7' x 10'6"
Located in New York, NY
Luxurious Fine Animal Design Vintage Isfahan Persian Silk & Wool Rug, Country of origin: Persia, Circa date: Vintage
Category
20th Century Persian Other Silk Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool, Silk
Antique Silk Kashan Rug
Located in Katonah, NY
:: Beautiful fine antique silk Persian Kashan area rug conservative weaving date 1915, likely closer to 1900. An interesting and unusual fusion for rugs o...
Category
Early 20th Century Persian Kashan Silk Persian Rugs
Materials
Silk
Extremely Fine Persian Habibian Wool and Silk Rug 5'4'' x 9'6''
Located in New York, NY
Nain rugs are constructed using the Persian knot and typically have between 300 and 700 knots per square inch. The pile is usually very high quality wool, clipped short, and silk is ...
Category
1950s Persian Vintage Silk Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool, Cotton, Silk
Persian Fish Design Tabriz Rug
Located in San Diego, CA
Tabriz rugs are well known for their excellent weaving and design. One of the very famous patterns of Tabriz rugs are Fish Design known is Mahi. This beautiful piece has wool and sil...
Category
Early 2000s Persian Tabriz Silk Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool, Cotton, Silk
Persian carpet, Ghom, c. 1910/20, silk
Located in Münster, DE
Persian carpet, Ghom, c. 1910/20, silk, warm natural colors, signature in the picture field, very good condition, 300 x 200 cm
These kind of carpets come from the holy Persian city...
Category
Early 20th Century Persian Other Silk Persian Rugs
Materials
Silk
Vintage Square Octagon Luxurious Persian Silk Qum Gonbad Design Rug 8' x 8'
Located in New York, NY
Intricate Vintage Square Octagon Shape Luxurious Persian Silk Qum Gonbad Design Rug, country of origin: Persian Rugs, Circa date: Vintage
Category
20th Century Persian Tabriz Silk Persian Rugs
Materials
Silk
Silk Early 20th Century Handmade Persian Kashan Small Room Size Carpet
Located in New York, NY
An antique Persian Silk Kashan carpet from the first quarter of the 20th century with an intricately woven arabesque vine scrolls design.
Measure...
Category
Early 20th Century Persian Kashan Silk Persian Rugs
Materials
Silk
Finely Woven Small Scatter Size Antique Turkish Silk Rug 4' x 6'2"
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful and Finely Woven Small Scatter Size Antique Turkish Silk Rug, Country Of Origin: Turkey, Circa Date: Turn of the 20th Century
Category
Early 20th Century Turkish Tabriz Silk Persian Rugs
Materials
Silk
Persian Vintage Isfahan Wool and Silk Rug 11'2''x16'5''
By Amara Rugs
Located in Torrance, CA
Add a touch of timeless luxury to your home with this exquisite hand-knotted rug, expertly crafted from a blend of premium wool and silk. This stunning piece features a meticulously ...
Category
Early 20th Century Persian Early Victorian Silk Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool, Silk
Vintage Persian Nain Rug
Located in New York, NY
A vintage Persian Nain carpet from the mid-20th century with silk highlights.
Category
Mid-20th Century Persian Silk Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool, Silk
Extremely Fine Vintage Persian Tabriz Wool and Silk Rug 9’6” x 13’0"
Located in New York, NY
Extremely Fine Vintage Persian Tabriz Wool and Silk Rug 9’6” x 13’. The enormous output of carpets and scatters in virtually every style: medallion, centralized, directional or allov...
Category
Late 20th Century Persian Silk Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool, Cotton, Silk
Extremely Fine Persian Silk Qum Rug Hunting Design
Located in Gainesville, VA
Truly a breathtaking masterpiece, this Persian rug is a rare and magnificent example of the art of rug weaving, particularly revered for its intricate hunting scene—an emblematic mot...
Category
Late 20th Century Persian Tabriz Silk Persian Rugs
Materials
Silk
Extremely Fine Persian Nain Habibian Area Rug in Navy Blue, French Blue, Ivory
Located in Barrington, IL
This exceptionally fine handwoven Persian Nain rug, signed by the renowned Habibian workshop, was crafted in the 4th quarter of the 1900s and stands as a testament to the exquisite artistry of Nain’s master weavers. Known for their ultra-high knot density and intricate floral designs, Habibian rugs are among the most sought-after in the world of Persian textiles.
Set in a rich navy blue field with a cream border, this rug features a refined floral medallion pattern, highlighted by elegant tones of French blue, pale yellow, burgundy, caramel, and brown. The corner spandrels, woven in French blue with cream detailing, mirror the central motifs and balance the overall composition beautifully.
Inspired by the aesthetics of Isfahan rugs, the design includes circular branching patterns that create movement and harmony throughout the field. Woven with a wool pile on a cotton foundation, the rug is further elevated by luminous silk highlights, which shimmer in the light and bring remarkable three-dimensional depth, especially within the central medallion.
A rare and distinguished piece, this Habibian Nain rug is a timeless addition to any elegant interior—blending cultural legacy with exceptional craftsmanship.
Dimensions: 4’ 10” x 7’ 5”
Date of Manufacture: 4th Quarter of the 1900s
Place of Origin: Persia
Material: Wool pile on a cotton foundation with silk highlights
Condition: Excellent
The Persian Knot Gallery, SKU 1873
Nain Floral Carpets, Nain Habibian, Habibian Nain Carpets...
Category
Late 20th Century Persian Silk Persian Rugs
Materials
Silk, Wool, Cotton
Persian Animal Print Tabriz Rug
Located in San Diego, CA
This hand-knotted master piece Persian Tabriz rug has wool and silk pile with silk foundation. The design of this piece is medallion floral with a combination of archeological or Zir...
Category
1970s Persian Tabriz Vintage Silk Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool, Silk
Extremely Fine Antique Persian Silk Mohtasham Kashan Rug 4'2" x 6’9"
Located in New York, NY
Extremely Fine Antique Persian Silk Mohtasham Kashan Rug 4'2" x 6’9". The Revival Period rugs woven by two generations of Mohtashams, from 1880 to WWI, with imported Manchester-spun,...
Category
Late 19th Century Persian Antique Silk Persian Rugs
Materials
Silk
Hand-Knotted Antique Persian Tabriz Rug All Over Floral Pattern by Rug & Kilim
Located in Long Island City, NY
A 4x5 antique Tabriz Persian rug in beige-brown colors, hand knotted in all pile silk originating circa 1890-1900. In pristine condition with soothing decorative elements seldom seen...
Category
1890s Persian Tabriz Antique Silk Persian Rugs
Materials
Silk
Persian Isfahan Silk Field & Foundation Signed Shahbazi, Circa 1970
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
Hand-Knotted wool and silk pile on silk foundation.
Circa 1970
Signed
Dimensions: 6'6" x 8'3"
Origin: Iran
Condition: Excellent
Field Color: Black
Border Color: Ivory
Accent ...
Category
1970s Persian Sarouk Farahan Vintage Silk Persian Rugs
Materials
Silk
Persian Silk Tabriz Rug
Located in San Diego, CA
This rug is a hand-knotted master piece Persian Tabriz rug with an extremely fine quality. This rug features an allover paisley pattern and design. The pile is wool and silk on silk ...
Category
1980s Persian Tabriz Vintage Silk Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool, Silk
Persian Tabriz Rug
Located in San Diego, CA
Introducing a stunning hand knotted Persian Tabriz rug that epitomizes quality craftsmanship and timeless beauty. Featuring an enchanting medallion floral design, this rug captivates...
Category
1990s Persian Tabriz Silk Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool, Cotton, Silk
Tabriz Persian Rug, Wool and Silk, Pink, Teal, Red, and Blue, 5' x 7'
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in the timeless elegance of this Persian Tabriz 5' x 7' area rug, a masterpiece of craftsmanship and artistry in pink, teal, red, and blue. Skillfully hand knotted, this rug'...
Category
Early 2000s Persian Tabriz Silk Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool, Silk
Persian Tabriz Rug Runner
Located in San Diego, CA
This Persian Tabriz runner has wool & silk pile and cotton foundation. Tabriz rugs are well known for their excellent weaving and design. This rug features a beautiful floral rug pat...
Category
Early 2000s Persian Tabriz Silk Persian Rugs
Materials
Silk, Cotton, Wool
Persian Nain Rug
Located in San Diego, CA
This authentic Persian round handmade Nain (9 LA) rug has wool and silk pile with cotton foundation. Nain is a city in Iran that is well known for producing Fine handmade rug. This r...
Category
Early 2000s Persian Silk Persian Rugs
Materials
Silk, Cotton, Wool
Antique Extremely Fine Wool and Silk Tabriz Rug
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This vintage, circa 1980, extremely fine wool and silk Tabriz rug has an ivory field with a delicate polychrome scrolling palmette and floral leafy vine around a central medallion wi...
Category
Late 20th Century Persian Silk Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool, Silk
Fine Small Artistic Gold Color Luxurious Vintage Persian Silk Qum Rug 3'4" x 5'
Located in New York, NY
Fine Small Artistic Gold Color Luxurious Vintage Persian Silk Qum Rug, country of origin: Persian Rugs, Circa date: Vintage
Category
20th Century Persian Tabriz Silk Persian Rugs
Materials
Silk
Persian Silk Ghom Rug
Located in Barueri, SP, BR
Silk Ghom Rug with Hunting Motifs – A Story of Art and Conflict
Step into the world of Persian royalty with this splendid silk Ghom rug, depicting an intricate hunting scene with ru...
Category
20th Century Persian Silk Persian Rugs
Materials
Silk
Mehraban Vintage Fine Persian Tabriz Rug Wool and Silk 18594
Located in WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA
Rug Number
18594
Size
9' 11" X 12' 11"
Design
Tabriz
Collection
Antique/Vintage, Fine Persian
Material
Wool & Silk
Texture
Pile Weave
Origin
Iran
Age
Antique/Vintage
Category
1970s Persian Vintage Silk Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool, Silk
Fine Persian Tabriz by Mehraban Rugs
Located in WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA
A breathtaking traditional Tabriz rug that gracefully establishes superior sophistication through botanical patterns of the blooming palmettes, leafy tendrils connected by graceful v...
Category
1960s Persian Vintage Silk Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool, Silk
Vintage Persian Tabriz in Allover Floral Pattern in Ivory, Terracotta, Blue, Tan
Located in Barrington, IL
Graceful and exquisitely detailed, this vintage Persian Tabriz rug presents a rare and sought-after allover floral pattern, woven with masterful precision in a fine Tabriz workshop in Northwest Persia. Featuring an elegant ivory field and a delicate pale pink border, this room-size rug is crafted with a wool pile on a cotton foundation, accented by silk highlights that add a subtle luster to the intricate design. The floral motifs are rendered in soft shades of green, blue, pink, red, and yellow, creating a refined and harmonious palette. A unique example among Tabriz floral rugs, this piece’s rare allover layout and fine weave make it an exceptional choice for sophisticated interiors, ideal for collectors, decorators, and connoisseurs of Persian artistry.
Dimensions: 6’ 8” x 10’
Date of Manufacture: 4th Quarter 20th Century
Place of Origin: Persia
Material: Wool pile on a cotton foundation with silk highlights
Condition: Excellent
The Persian Knot, SKU 2046
Tabriz Floral Carpets, Floral Persian Tabriz Rug, Vintage Tabriz Carpet, Vintage Persian Carpets, Vintage Oriental Rugs, Persian Room Size Rugs, Handwoven Rugs, Fine Handmade Rugs, Tabriz Workshop Rugs, Vintage Persian Tabriz Carpets, Vintage Medallion Rugs, Silk and Wool Tabriz Carpet, Vintage Floral Design Rugs, Hand Knotted Rugs, Tabriz Floral Carpet, Pale Pink Tabriz Rug...
Category
Late 20th Century Persian Silk Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool, Cotton, Silk
Vintage Handmade Silk Persian Rugs for Sale on 1stDibs
Make a bold statement in a living room or bedroom by incorporating vintage silk Persian rugs in your home decor.
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, authentic 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. Although this 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. 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.
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 older 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.
When shopping for vintage silk 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, Persian tribal rugs and other antique and vintage rugs for sale on 1stDibs.