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Silk Persian Rugs

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Material: Silk
New Persian Isfahan Rug in Kork and Silk - Size: 6'10 X 10'8
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Isfahan rugs are renowned for their exceptional quality, intricate designs, and rich cultural heritage. Handwoven in the historic city of Isfahan, these rugs feature a blend of luxurious wool and silk, creating a stunning contrast of texture and sheen. The intricate patterns are inspired by Persian art and architecture, with designs that showcase fine craftsmanship and attention to detail. Each rug is meticulously knotted by skilled artisans using natural dyes, resulting in vibrant, long-lasting colors. Perfect for adding elegance and sophistication to any space, they serve as both functional floor coverings and exquisite works of art. New Isfahan Rug...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Persian Silk Persian Rugs

Materials

Kork, Silk

Persian Pictorial Nain Rug
Located in New York, NY
Very finely woven Pictorial Persian Nain rug featuring a pictorial design on a crispy blue colored field. Nain is a small village located in central Iran that has relatively recen...
Category

20th Century British Colonial Silk Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Silk

Very Fine Large Persian Silk Qum Rug 14.7' x 21.4'
Located in Newmanstown, PA
This is a magnificent pure silk Qum rug. 700 Knots per inch, Size 14.7 x 21.4 Iran Qum Silk and Silk foundation. Around 31,000,000 knots tied by hand one by one. It takes 14 years to...
Category

Early 2000s Persian Silk Persian Rugs

Materials

Silk

Antique Persian Silk Prayer Rug with Tree of Life 18thC
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique Persian Silk Prayer Rug with Tree of Life 18thC Measures - 77" x 50 1/4"
Category

18th Century Asian Antique Silk Persian Rugs

Materials

Silk

9'1"x12' Pink Wool & Pure Silk Medallion Erased Persian Design Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Pink Wool and Pure Silk Medallion Erased Persian Design Hand Knotted Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-ol...
Category

2010s Indian Modern Silk Persian Rugs

Materials

Silk

1950s Oriental Rug with Floral Design in Pastel Tones and Geometric Medallions
Located in Marbella, ES
A refined hand-woven oriental rug featuring a diamond-shaped floral medallion design, harmoniously repeated on a pastel background. The soft color palette—pink, sky blue, sage green,...
Category

Mid-20th Century Asian Silk Persian Rugs

Materials

Silk

Persian Hand Knotted Silk Floor Area Rug - 7’ x 10’
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a hand knotted Persian silk rug. It dates to the 80s, and it is in very good condition. It has rich shades of moss green and burgundy. Shipping is running two to five weeks.
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Victorian Silk Persian Rugs

Materials

Silk

Handmade Vintage Persian Isfahan Silk Rug 4.1' x 6.1', 1970s - 1N31
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This handmade vintage Persian Isfahan rug from the 1970s is a stunning example of traditional craftsmanship. Measuring 4.1 feet (125 cm) in width and 6.1 feet (185 cm) in length, thi...
Category

1970s Vintage Silk Persian Rugs

Materials

Silk

Extremely Fine Persian Tabriz 70 Raj. Wool and Silk with a Silk foundation Rug
Located in New York, NY
Extremely Fine Persian Tabriz 70 Raj. Wool and Silk with a Silk foundation Rug 5'1'' x 7'3''.
Category

20th Century Asian Tabriz Silk Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Silk

Silk Tabriz Rug Wool Silk Handmade Tabriz Persian Tabriz Rug High KPSI 12x17
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional Tabrizz Rug Wool & Silk Authentic Rug High KPSI 50 Raj 12' x 17' 11'6" x 16'7" 351cm x 505cm "This is a magnificent Tabriz Mahi rug...
Category

1960s Persian Tabriz Vintage Silk Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Silk

Bobyrug’s Beautiful Vintage Silk Sino Hereke Rug
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Very nice little silk rug with beautiful floral design and nice colors with blue, orange, beige and brown, entirely and finely hand knotted with silk velvet on silk foundation. ✨✨✨ ...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Tabriz Silk Persian Rugs

Materials

Silk

8'x8' Round Broken Persian Design Wool and Pure Silk Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Round Broken Persian Design Wool and Pure Silk Hand Knotted Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-old Persian weaving ...
Category

2010s Indian Medieval Silk Persian Rugs

Materials

Silk

Persian Tabriz Rug 6'9'' x 9'10''
Located in New York, NY
Persian Tabriz Rug 6'9'' x 9'10''. The salmon sub-field is defined by swags creating a broadly scalloped pattern, with a near black medallion with doubled pendants and a cream sub-me...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Tabriz Silk Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Silk

Damoka Collection Pure Silk Persian Antique Farahan - Size: 7 ft 6 in x 4 ft 4in
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Pure Silk Antique Farahan is a masterpiece of enduring opulence and unparalleled craftsmanship. Originating from the esteemed Farahan region in Persia, these rugs are not just f...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Sarouk Farahan Antique Silk Persian Rugs

Materials

Silk

Very fine Persian Silk Ghom Rug - 7.1' x 5.2'
Located in Newmanstown, PA
Very fine Persian Rug Qum 700 Knots per inch, Size 7.10 x 5.2 Iran Qum Mahlosi Silk and Silk foundation. Around 4,000,000 knots tied by hand one by one. It takes 3 years to complete ...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Persian Antique Silk Persian Rugs

Materials

Silk

Extremely Fine Persian Silk Qum Rug 6'6'' x 9'5''
Located in New York, NY
The pearl-ecru field dis[plays a perfectly balanced version of the volute module lattice allover pattern. The spiral vo;lutes are created by barbed arabesques. Radiant rosettes join ...
Category

1970s Persian Vintage Silk Persian Rugs

Materials

Silk

Extreamly Fine Antique and Rare Persian 100% Silk Senneh Rug
Located in New York, NY
We attribute this silk-pile, finely woven scatter to the west Persian Kurdistan town of Senneh, although it may be more of a Senneh-baf (Senneh-weave) Tabriz from further to the nort...
Category

1890s Persian Antique Silk Persian Rugs

Materials

Silk

Vintage Kashan Silk Rug C1930
Located in Big Flats, NY
Vintage Kashan Silk Rug C1930 (54" x 31" x 1/4"). A finely crafted vintage Kashan silk rug from circa 1930. This piece features intricate floral and botanical motifs typical of...
Category

Early 20th Century Silk Persian Rugs

Materials

Silk

Extremely Fine Antique Persian Tehran Rug. Wool With all Design in Silk
Located in New York, NY
Extremely Fine Antique Persian Tehran Rug. Wool With all Design in Silk 3'4'' x 5'6''.. One of the relatively few pieces made in the capital between the War...
Category

1940s Persian Vintage Silk Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Silk

Pure Silk Hereke Original Turkish Rug Signed
Located in Lohr, Bavaria, DE
Very fine Turkish pure silk Hereke rug from the famous town of finest carpets. Hereke silk carpet / rug Turkey  3.0 x 2.2 ft 91 x 65 cm Rare fine...
Category

20th Century Turkish Islamic Silk Persian Rugs

Materials

Silk

Persian Esfahan Rug Wool & Silk Persian Rug Silk Foundation Black Handmade
Located in New York, NY
Exceptionally Fine Wool & Silk Esfahan rug Isfahan Silk Foundation Rug 8x11 244cm x 335 "Very fine wool & silk rug with an intricate weave and artisan ...
Category

1970s Persian Vintage Silk Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Silk

Tabriz Rug 10' x 12'9''
Located in New York, NY
Fine Persian Tabriz Area Rug  
Category

20th Century Asian Tabriz Silk Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton, Silk

Vintage Persian Qum Silk Rug with Rococo Manor House Style
Located in Dallas, TX
74314, vintage Persian Qum silk rug with traditional style. This vintage Persian Qum silk rug with traditional style features a centre medallion and elaborate spandrels with an all-o...
Category

Late 20th Century Persian Queen Anne Silk Persian Rugs

Materials

Silk

Handmade Vintage Chinese Qum Silk Rug 3' x 4.5', 1990s - 1D130
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Experience the fusion of elegance and craftsmanship with this Chinese Hereke silk rug, meticulously hand-knotted and inspired by the iconic Hereke weaving traditions. This luxurious ...
Category

1990s Silk Persian Rugs

Materials

Silk

Handmade Vintage Persian Qum Silk Rug 2.6' x 3.7', 1950s - 1N49
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This exquisite handmade vintage Persian Qum rug from the 1950s exemplifies the finest silk craftsmanship. Measuring 2.6 ft x 3.7 ft (78 cm x 114 cm), this rug is in good condition, r...
Category

1950s Vintage Silk Persian Rugs

Materials

Silk

Handmade Vintage Turkish Hereke Silk Rug 2.6' x 3.7', 1980s - 1D134
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Bring timeless elegance to your home with this authentic Turkish Hereke silk rug, a stunning example of artisanal craftsmanship. Renowned for its intricate patterns and luxurious sil...
Category

1980s Vintage Silk Persian Rugs

Materials

Silk

Hand Woven Sino Tabriz Geometric Medallion Red Wool Silk Area Rug Carpet 4 x 6'
Located in Dayton, OH
A genuine hand woven oriental Sino Tabriz area rug. Made from silk and wool with a red field showing beige and pink accents. The vibrant geometric medallion is surrounded by elegant...
Category

20th Century Chinoiserie Silk Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Silk

Art Nouveau Blue, Cream, Brown, and Green Wool and Silk Persian Rug, 4' x 6'
Located in New York, NY
This art nouveau blue, cream, brown, and green wool and silk Persian rug, sized 4' x 6', showcases a mesmerizing blend of colors and i...
Category

2010s Persian Art Nouveau Silk Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Silk

Vintage Silk Foundation Isfahan Pictorial Rug
Located in Closter, NJ
Designs found in contemporary rugs from Isfahan in central Iran are based on those seen during the Safavid period (1501 - 1736 AD). The most popular pattern has a central circular m...
Category

Late 20th Century Persian Islamic Silk Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Silk

Fine Tabriz Cork Wool with Silk, circa 1980
Located in Berlin, DE
Fine Tabriz cork wool with silk, circa 1980, 160 x 100 cm Finely woven Tabriz carpet with cork wool and silk. Symmetrically structured decors on a pastel colored background. A star-...
Category

20th Century Unknown Silk Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Silk

A Palatial Persian Hand Made Square Shaped Silk Nain Carpet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A palatial rare vintage Persian Nain hand knotted square 100% silk rug. At the center a complex circular medallion with arabesque detail spews forth a lush tangle of spiraling Fine v...
Category

20th Century Persian Silk Persian Rugs

Materials

Silk

Extremely Fine Weave Persian Nain Habibian in Floral Pattern with Silk Highlight
Located in Barrington, IL
This extremely fine hand knotted Persian Nain rug, crafted in the 4th quarter of the 1900s, is an exquisite example of the artistry and precision for which Habibian-signed Nain rugs are globally celebrated. Known for their exceptionally high knot count and elegant aesthetic, Habibian rugs are among the most collectible in Persian weaving. Set on a soft ivory background with a graceful pale tan border, this rug features a flowing floral design with accent colors in French blue, pale brown, and ivory. The field design—characterized by circular branching patterns—is reminiscent of the refined style found in Isfahan rugs, lending the piece a sense of symmetry and timeless beauty. The corner spandrels are woven in a stunning blue tone, filled with intricate cream motifs that enhance the overall harmony of the composition. At the heart of the rug lies a brilliant central medallion, enriched with generous silk highlights that shimmer under changing light—creating a subtle three-dimensional effect that brings the design to life. Made with a wool pile on a cotton foundation, and adorned with silk throughout, this rug is a rare and luxurious statement piece—a true masterwork from the legendary Habibian workshop in the city of Nain. Dimensions: 6’ 10” x 10’ 3” ” 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 1239 Nain Floral Carpets, Nain Habibian, Habibian Nain Carpets...
Category

Late 20th Century Persian Silk Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton, Silk

Handmade Vintage Persian Isfahan Rug 3.7' x 5.4', 1970s - 1N48
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This handmade vintage Persian Isfahan rug from the 1970s is a stunning representation of traditional craftsmanship and artistic elegance. Measuring 3.7 ft x 5.4 ft (114 cm x 165 cm),...
Category

1970s Vintage Silk Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Silk

8'8"x12'1" White Persian Design with Floral Motifs Hand Knotted Wool & Silk Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Chiffon White, Persian Design with Repetitive Floral Motifs, Light Tone on Tone, Wool and Plant Based Silk, Thick and Plush, 200 KPSI, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug Primary materials: W...
Category

2010s Indian Medieval Silk Persian Rugs

Materials

Silk

Very Fine Vintage Persian Tabriz Mahi Rug
Located in Gainesville, VA
An absolutely stunning vintage Persian Tabriz Mahi rug, originating from Iran in the mid-20th century. This remarkable piece is in excellent condition, a testament to its exceptional...
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Tabriz Silk Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton, Silk

Very fine Persian Silk Qum - 5' x 3.5
Located in Newmanstown, PA
Very fine Persian Rug Qum 700 Knots per inch, Size 5 x 3.5 Iran Qum Esmeili Silk and Silk foundation. Around 1,700,000 knots tied by hand one by one. It takes a year to complete this...
Category

Early 2000s Persian Silk Persian Rugs

Materials

Silk

Persian Floral Tabriz Round Rug
Located in San Diego, CA
Introducing a stunning hand knotted Persian Tabriz rug that epitomizes quality craftsmanship and timeless beauty. Featuring a stunning medallion floral design, this rug captivates wi...
Category

2010s Persian Tabriz Silk Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton, Silk

Persian Tabriz Area Rugs - Wool and Silk Blue Ivory Purpel - 98034
Located in Dallas, TX
n Exquisite Traditional Persian Tabriz Wool and Silk Area Rug This exceptional rug captures the vibrant essence of a flourishing garden, rendered with unparalleled precision. Its lu...
Category

20th Century Persian Tribal Silk Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Silk

Silk Persian Qum Rug. 9 ft 6 in x 13 ft 6 in
Located in New York, NY
Silk Room Size Persian Qum Rug, Country of Origin / Rug Type: Modern Persian Rug, Circa date: Late 20th Century. Size: 9 ft 6 in x 13 ft 6 in (2.9 m x 4.11 m)
Category

Late 20th Century Persian Tabriz Silk Persian Rugs

Materials

Silk

8'1"x8'1" Gray Hand Knotted Persian Influence Erased Design Silk-Wool Square Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Gray, Hand Knotted, Transitional Persian Influence Erased Medallion Design, Silk with Textured Wool, Oriental, Square Rug. It has been Knotted f...
Category

2010s Indian Medieval Silk Persian Rugs

Materials

Silk

Handmade Vintage Turkish Hereke Silk Rug 2.3' x 3.3', 1980s - 1D133
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Discover the unmatched elegance of this authentic Turkish Hereke silk rug, a true representation of traditional craftsmanship from Turkey. Renowned for its intricate designs and luxu...
Category

1980s Vintage Silk Persian Rugs

Materials

Silk

Gray Persian Inspired Design Wool and Silk Hand Knotted Oversized Rug 12' x 18'
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

2010s Indian Tribal Silk Persian Rugs

Materials

Silk

Pure Silk Rug with Panel Ghom Qum Persian Design
Located in Lohr, Bavaria, DE
Fine Kashmir pure silk pile rug with Persian Qum Ghom panel tile design. Rug making has a long tradition in the northern parts of India. Kashmir is a m...
Category

1980s Indian Islamic Vintage Silk Persian Rugs

Materials

Silk

Vintage Oval Shaped Persian Tabriz Rug in Floral Pattern in Ivory, Pink, Blue
Located in Barrington, IL
An exceptional and rare find, this vintage oval-shaped Persian Tabriz rug from the fourth quarter of the 20th century features a delicate floral pattern masterfully handwoven with s...
Category

Late 20th Century Persian Silk Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton, Silk

1960's Persian Silk Qum Carpet with Modern Style
Located in Dallas, TX
74689 Vintage Orange Persian Silk Qum Rug, 03'07 x 05'02. A blaze of luminous color and intricate refinement, this hand-knotted silk vintage Persian Qum rug radiates with the poetic ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Bohemian Silk Persian Rugs

Materials

Silk

Fine Persian Tabriz Rug with Floral Pattern in Black, Ivory, Yellow, Pink, Blue
Located in Barrington, IL
This exquisite hand-knotted Persian Tabriz rug showcases a rare and captivating floral pattern set against a deep, elegant black background, enriched by a brilliant and lively color ...
Category

Late 20th Century Persian Silk Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton, Silk

3'1"x5' Stone Gray Hand Knotted Persian Design Wool and Silk Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Stone Gray, Hand Knotted, Light Tone on Tone with Persian Design, Wool and Plant Based Silk, Thick and Plush, 200 KPSI, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool & Silk Latex: No Pile he...
Category

2010s Indian Medieval Silk Persian Rugs

Materials

Silk

Vintage Persian Tabriz Room Size Rug in Floral Pattern in Black, Red, Green
Located in Barrington, IL
A finely woven vintage Persian Tabriz rug in a distinctive near-square, room-size format, showcasing a richly detailed floral "Garden Design" with elegant silk highlights. Set on a d...
Category

Late 20th Century Persian Silk Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton, Silk

2'6"x8' Denim Blue Hand Knotted, Mosaic Design Wool and Silk Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Denim Blue Mosaic Design Wool and Silk with Mix of Gold, Hand Knotted Runner Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the cent...
Category

2010s Indian Medieval Silk Persian Rugs

Materials

Silk

21st Century Bamboo Silk Handknitted Rug, Gold, Beige
Located in PADOVA, Italy
Wonderfully handknotted persian style rug, bespoke production by Modenese Gastone Luxury Interiors guaranteeing best quality fibers. Bold border white stripes with roses pattern resu...
Category

2010s Italian Oushak Silk Persian Rugs

Materials

Cotton, Silk, Bamboo

Persian Fish Design Mahi 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

1970s Persian Tabriz Vintage Silk Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton, Silk

Persian Fish Design Mahi Tabriz Rug
Persian Fish Design Mahi Tabriz Rug
$9,450 Sale Price
30% Off
Vintage Persian Silk Qum Rug
Located in Chicago, IL
A stunning late 20th century Persian Qum 100% silk rug with a large central floral medallion floating amidst a field of more stylized flowers and scrolling vines, and surrounded by a...
Category

Late 20th Century Persian Silk Persian Rugs

Materials

Silk

Handmade Vintage Persian Tabriz Silk Rug 2.2' x 2.8', 1905s - 1N43
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This handmade vintage Persian Tabriz rug from the 1950s is a luxurious piece of traditional Middle Eastern craftsmanship. Measuring 2.2 feet (68 cm) in width and 2.8 feet (86 cm) in ...
Category

1950s Vintage Silk Persian Rugs

Materials

Silk

Vintage Silk Tabriz Rug Black Silk Rug Rare Fine Silk Rug 9x12 Handmade Silk Rug
Located in New York, NY
Exceptionally Fine Rare Natural Silk Rug Black. Measures: 9.4" X 12.2". "This is a spectacular and rare Exceptionally fine pure Natural silk rug with a silk foundation. It is a true work of art. It is an exceptionally fine piece with extraordinary artistic floral design- Collector quality!". Making a rug of this quality, takes about a year of intricate work and can only be done by a true master weaver. This rug can be used as a wall hanging or it can be used on the floor to be used in any traffic area". "True artisan work, Long term investment quality"-Antique Rug Collection...
Category

1970s Persian Vintage Silk Persian Rugs

Materials

Silk

Extremely Fine Persian Nain Signed Habibian Wool and Silk Rug 6’ x 9’
Located in New York, NY
Extremely Fine Persian Nain Signed Habibian Wool and Silk Rug 6’ x 9’. The navy ground is decorated with birds and running animals along with leafy stems and shrubs, and supports a t...
Category

Late 20th Century Asian Silk Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton, Silk

Antique Keshan Silk Rug - Late 19th Century Persian Keshan Silk Rug
Located in Sultanahmet, 34
This antique silk Keshan carpet is a rare and valuable artifact from the late 19th century. The carpet attracts attention with its rich and complex patterns. The carpet, dominated by...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Antique Silk Persian Rugs

Materials

Silk

3'x8' Gray with Gold Persian Medallion Wool and Silk Runner Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Nevada Gray with Gold, Persian Medallion Design, Wool and Pure Silk, Wide Runner, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool & Silk Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style:...
Category

2010s Indian Medieval Silk Persian Rugs

Materials

Silk

Handmade Vintage Turkish Hereke Silk Rug 2.2' x 3.3', 1970s - 1N53
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This exquisite handmade vintage Silk Turkish Hereke prayer rug from the 1970s is a timeless masterpiece of traditional craftsmanship. Measuring 2.26 ft x 3.31 ft (69 cm x 101 cm), th...
Category

1970s Vintage Silk Persian Rugs

Materials

Silk

Bobyrug’s Nice antique Rashti Douzi embroidery
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Nice 19th century Rashti Douzi embroidery. Discover a timeless work of art: a delicate embroidery dating back to the late 19th century. Handcrafted with silk threads that shimmer ele...
Category

Late 19th Century Asian Kirman Antique Silk Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Silk

Tabriz Carpet, Northwest Persia
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A Tabriz carpet, Northwest Persia approximately 304 by 203cm; 10ft., 6ft. 6in. mid-20th century Embargo On Importation Of Persian/Iranian Works Of ...
Category

20th Century Silk Persian Rugs

Materials

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.

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