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Tribal Persian Rugs

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Style: Tribal
1980s Vintage Sofreh Kilim Rug in Maroon, Green Geometric Pattern by Rug & Kilim
Located in Long Island City, NY
Handwoven in wool circa 1980-1990, from a rare vintage curation of small-sized Kilim rugs new to our classic collections. Called Sofreh rugs, distinguished among Persian flat weaves ...
Category

1980s Persian Vintage Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Kurdish Long Rug
Located in New York, NY
Antique Kurdish long runner rug. A beautiful antique rug attributed to the Kurdish tribes in the vicinity of the city of mosul in Northern Iraq, ...
Category

19th Century Iraqi Antique Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

nice distressed antique tribal Shiraz rug
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Beautiful early 20th century distressed Shiraz rug with nice geometrical and tribal design with nice natural colours with blue, green, orange, purple and brown, entirely hand knotted...
Category

Early 20th Century Asian Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Unique Early 20th Century Abstract Persian Tribal Accent Rug
Located in New York, NY
An antique Persian Kurdish accent rug from the early 20th century with an abstract multicolored pattern. The size, design, and colors are all very unique and rare characteristics for...
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Vintage Sofreh Kilim Rug in Camel, Red Medallions Tribal Borders by Rug & Kilim
Located in Long Island City, NY
Originating circa 1980-1990, a rare vintage curation of small-sized Sofreh Kilim rugs our principal has newly unveiled. Distinguished for its 3x4 size, progressive colorways, and unc...
Category

1980s Persian Vintage Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Zabihi Collection 19th Century Gold Persian Soumac Flatweave
Located in New York, NY
Late-19th century Persian flat-weave Soumak rug with a tribal all-over geometric design in rustic colors on an usual gold field Measures: 7' x 10'.
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Antique Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Persian Tabriz Rug - Circa 1930 - Omar Khayyam - Size: 2.04x1.73 - N° 1161
Located in Paris, FR
Located a stone's throw from the Eiffel Tower in Paris, we are a French family business specializing in the purchase, sale, expertise, cleaning, restoration and conservation of tapes...
Category

1930s Persian Vintage Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Vintage Persian Tribal Runner Rug, with Geometric Patterns, from Rug & Kilim
Located in Long Island City, NY
Hand-knotted in wool, this 3x10 vintage Persian tribal runner rug has mosaic-like geometric patterns in gold, beige/brown, blue and pink, all over the field. On the design: Conno...
Category

1950s Iraqi Vintage Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Vintage Persian Shiraz Kilim Rug, Southwest Boho Meets Luxury Lodge
Located in Dallas, TX
77975 Vintage Persian Shiraz Kilim rug with Tribal Style 03'00 x 04'01. Full of tiny details and a bold expressive design combined with warm colors and tribal style, this hand-woven ...
Category

Late 20th Century Persian Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Early 20th Century Persian Mazlaghan Rug
Located in Chicago, IL
A beautify early 20th century Persian Mazlaghan rug with a tribal pattern containing stylized flowers and scrolling vines, living in a field of more flowers, and all surrounded by a ...
Category

1940s Persian Vintage Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Tribal Flatweave 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 flatweaves embody the minimalist sophistication that emerged in the mid-20...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Afghanistan Sultanabad Area Rugs Circa 1990 - Wool Ivory Light Blue - 95560
Located in Dallas, TX
Add a touch of elegance to your living space with this stunning Turkish Sultanabad rug. Handmade with care, this rug features a beautiful design in shades of blue grey and green, mak...
Category

20th Century Afghan Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Blue and Red Antique Persian Mahal Carpet
Located in New York, NY
The tiny lobed slate cartouche medallion is embedded in a swirling palmette, leaf and flower field, framed by an abrashed palmette and flowering curled leaf border. Overall worn low ...
Category

1920s Persian Vintage Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Bobyrug’s Beautiful Vintage Turkmen Baluch Rug
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Baluch Afghan rug mid-20th century with a prayer design and nice colors, entirely hand knotted with wool velvet on cotton foundation. ✨✨✨ "Experience the epitome of luxury and craft...
Category

Mid-20th Century Afghan Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Zabihi Collection Tribal Brown Orange Color Persian Balouch Rug
Located in New York, NY
A tribal balouch rug from the early 20th century in brown and orange accents, circa 1930 Measures: 2'6” x 3'10”.
Category

Early 20th Century Afghan Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Pretty antique tribal Shiraz rug
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Nice early 20th century Shiraz rug with beautiful geometrical and tribal design and beautiful natural colours with a blue field and red, orange, brown and green in design, entirely h...
Category

Early 20th Century Asian Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Pretty antique tribal Shiraz rug
Pretty antique tribal Shiraz rug
$1,201 Sale Price
20% Off
Distressed Antique Persian Shiraz Rug with Modern Rustic Tribal Style
Located in Dallas, TX
60897, distressed antique Persian Shiraz rug with Modern Rustic Tribal style. Emanating sophistication and nomadic charm with rustic sensibility, this hand knotted wool distressed an...
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

10 x 13 ft Oversized Rug Ersari Tribal Turkoman Hand Knotted Semi Antique Carpet
Located in Lohr, Bavaria, DE
Large oversized tribal rug Afghan Ersari Turkoman or Turkmen rug - "one of a kind" decorative tribal Art. Ersari Rugs: Timeless Handcrafted Treasures from Central Asia Ersari rugs are iconic pieces of art, handwoven by the skilled artisans of the Ersari Turkoman tribes in Turkmenistan. Known for their exceptional craftsmanship and deep cultural significance, these rugs bring a touch of history, tradition, and vibrant color to any space. With their striking designs and durable quality, Ersari rugs are a perfect blend of artistry and functionality, making them a highly sought-after choice for rug collectors and interior design enthusiasts alike. Crafted with Tradition: Materials & Techniques Ersari rugs are made from the finest wool sourced from sheep grazing in the vast, rugged landscapes of Central Asia. The wool is carefully spun and dyed using natural, plant-based dyes, resulting in rich, earthy tones that remain vibrant over time. Many Ersari rugs also incorporate cotton to enhance their strength and longevity. The knots used in Ersari rugs are tight and intricate, a hallmark of their craftsmanship, making each piece not only a functional floor covering but also a durable and long-lasting work of art. Vibrant Colors & Patterns Ersari rugs are renowned for their bold color palettes and striking geometric designs. The rugs typically feature shades of deep red, rust, burgundy, and earthy brown, combined with accents of blue, yellow, and cream. These colors are derived from natural dyes, giving the rugs their unique, rich hues. The design motifs commonly include medallions, repeating patterns, and symbolic "gul" motifs, which hold deep cultural meaning within the Ersari tribe. These rugs are a visual representation of the tribe’s nomadic heritage, and the color combinations often symbolize nature, life, and spiritual beliefs. The Ersari Tribe: A Rich Cultural Legacy The Ersari Turkoman tribe, known for its nomadic lifestyle, has been weaving rugs for centuries. These rugs not only serve as practical items in everyday life, such as floor coverings in tents or yurts, but also represent the artistic expression of the tribe. The Ersari people take pride in their tradition of rug-making, with each design reflecting the environment, culture, and beliefs of the tribe. The geometric and floral patterns found in Ersari rugs often tell stories of the tribe’s past, their connection to nature, and the symbolism behind the designs. Why Choose an Ersari Rug? Ersari rugs are more than just floor coverings; they are timeless works of art that embody the history and craftsmanship of the Ersari tribe. With their exceptional durability and stunning aesthetic, these rugs make an ideal addition to any home. Whether you're looking for a piece that tells a story, adds warmth and character to your space, or enhances your collection of traditional textiles, an Ersari rug offers both beauty and history in one unique piece. The Turkmen or Turkoman people are settling in villages in Afghanistan an Turkmenistan near the Persian border. Their origin is tribal nomadic, but most members of the tribes have settled in villages in the last decades. Typical for most Turkoman carpets is their geometric design made of wide borders and a repeating inner field with symbols called "Gul" The design of the Gul and the borders tell a lot, which tribe of Turkoman made the rug. The rug listed has 36 octagonal main Guls (eight edged) in 3 rows divided by smaller minor Guls. The golden / beige copper color is very unusual since most Turkoman rugs are made in a bright tomato red. This one has a wool with silk-like shine, a color best defined as very light copper combined with ivory and brown motives. Since tribal people usually have smaller portable looms, it is normal that they make small rugs. Most Turkmen rugs found are between 4 x 6 ft and 8 x 11 ft. For this reason, this 13 x 10 ft rug...
Category

Mid-20th Century Afghan Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

1900s Antique Afshar Rug
Located in Los Angeles, US
1900s Antique Persian Afshar Rug, Tribal handmade Rug
Category

Early 1900s Persian Antique Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Original Persian Kurdish Wool Rug with a Navy Background
Located in New York, NY
This rug resembles the rare and collectible antique Kurdish rugs that were produced in the 19th century and earlier. Due to their limited availability, NASIRI revived the ancient dye...
Category

2010s Persian Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Mid-20th Century Handmade Persian Karajeh Accent Rug
Located in New York, NY
A vintage Persian Karajeh accent rug handmade during the Mid-20th Century. Measures: 4' 10" x 6' 6".
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Mid-Century Modern Minimalist Style Tribal Mazandaran Flatweave Rug
Located in New York, NY
Our Mazandaran Collection highlights the minimalist sophistication that existed long before the modern era. These rugs are inspired by the kilims that were woven by Persian women in ...
Category

2010s Persian Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

1900s Antique Gharabagh Rug
Located in Los Angeles, US
1900s Antique Gharabagh Rug, handmade and hand-knotted
Category

Early 1900s Persian Antique Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Antique Bidjar Kilim Rug in Red, Blue Tribal Geometric Pattern by Rug & Kilim
Located in Long Island City, NY
Handwoven in wool, a gracious 5x17 antique Bidjar kilim rug from our celebrated classic flatweave curations. Originating circa 1920-1930, the trib...
Category

1920s Persian Vintage Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Bobyrug’s pretty antique distressed Afshar rug
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Very beautiful and decorative mid century Afshar rug with nice tribal design and beautiful colours, entirely hand knotted with wool on cotton foundation. Wears due to age and use! ✨...
Category

Mid-20th Century Asian Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Colorful Persian Kurd Tribal Geometric Runner
Located in New York, NY
Early 20th century Persian Kurd runner with a bold geometric design on a navy ground Measures: 3'1' x 15'8".  
Category

1920s Persian Vintage Tribal 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

Vintage Persian Baluch Rug
Located in Dallas, TX
71756 Vintage Persian Baluch Rug Turkmen Tekke Turkoman Carpet 04'01 x 06'00. Warm and inviting with tribal style, this hand-knotted wool vintage Baluc...
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Vintage Persian Baluch Rug
Vintage Persian Baluch Rug
$1,596 Sale Price
20% Off
Vintage Kurdish Persian Kilim in Blue and Red Geometric Patterns by Rug & Kilim
Located in Long Island City, NY
This vintage 5x10 Persian Kilim is believed to be a Kurdish tribal runner of the 1950s. Handwoven in wool, its design enjoys geometric patterns in brick red and navy blue with te...
Category

1950s Persian Vintage Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Mid-20th Century Karadja Runner
Located in Chicago, IL
A wonderful mid-20th century Persian Karadja runner with several stylized floral medallions woven in myriad colors including indigo, pink, white, crimson, and green, amidst a field o...
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Bobyrug’s Nice Antique Hamadan Rug
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Beautiful early 20th century tribal Hamadan rug with pretty geometrical design and nice natural colors, entirely hand knotted with wool velvet on cotton foundation.   ✨✨✨ "Experience...
Category

Early 20th Century Asian Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Mid-20th Century Handmade Persian Shiraz Accent Rug
Located in New York, NY
A vintage Persian Shiraz accent rug handmade during the mid-20th century. Measures: 4' 5" x 7' 8".
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Vintage Persian Kilim in Black and Red with Geometric Patterns
Located in Long Island City, NY
This vintage 4x11 Persian Kilim is a midcentury tribal rug that we believe originates from Harsin in the Kermanshah province. On the Design: Handwoven in wool circa 1950-1960,...
Category

1950s Persian Vintage Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Earth Tone Persian Malayer Antique Rug
Located in New York, NY
One of a kind Persian Malayer rug. Measures: 4'4" x 6'8" Malayer is a large village located between the major weaving areas of Hamadan and Sarouk in Northwest Persia. In Malayer and the small villages surrounding it, production was almost exclusively small antique rugs...
Category

1920s Asian Vintage Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

1900s Antique Baloutch Rug
Located in Los Angeles, US
1900s Antique Persian Baloutch Rug, Handmade and hand-knotted
Category

Early 1900s Persian Antique Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton

1900s Antique Caucasian Rug
Located in Los Angeles, US
1900s Antique Caucasian Rug, tribal handmade and hand-knotted
Category

Early 1900s Persian Antique Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Early 20th Century Persian Yamout Rug
Located in Chicago, IL
An early 20th-century Persian Yamout rug, handwoven in a distinctive tribal vocabulary, with a series of stylized floral medallions arranged in a rhythmic grid across a warm brown fi...
Category

Early 1900s Persian Antique Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Qashqai Tribal Rug With Medallion in Blue and Red 5'7 x 8'10
Located in Atlanta, GA
Measures: 5'7 x 8'10 Antique Qashqai Tribal Rug With Medallion in Blue and Red 5'7 x 8'10 Keivan Woven Arts/ rug/EMB-22245, country of origin / type: Iran / Qashqai, circa 1900. T...
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Brown Tribal Persian Kurd Rug
Located in New York, NY
1930s Persian Tribal Kurd rug in predominant brown tones Measures: 4'9'' x 9'10'''.
Category

1930s Vintage Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Soft Toned Tribal Persian Afshar Rug, Blue & Beige Palette
Located in New York, NY
A bold zig-zag sets off the two cream octagons with central squares, on the straw open field. Greenish border with octofoil cartouches, rosettes and half ashiks. Medium tribal weave....
Category

1930s Persian Vintage Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Tribal Late 20th Century Handmade Persian Pictorial Bakhtiari Accent Rug
Located in New York, NY
A vintage Persian tribal pictorial rug handmade by the Bakhtiari tribe during the late 20th century. Measures: 4' 1" x 6' 4".
Category

Late 20th Century Persian Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Wonderful antique collectible north western rug
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Very pretty antique north western rug with nice decorative and stylized design and beautiful natural colours, entirely hand knotted with wool on wool foundation . ✨✨✨ "Experience th...
Category

Mid-19th Century Asian Antique Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Turkish Mohair Rug Tulu Runner in Orange, Lilac and Brown Vintage Carpet
Located in Lohr, Bavaria, DE
Turkish hand knotted mohair wool rug, hand-knotted in eastern Anatolia. Turkish rugs and carpets are mainly made iof fine, hand-spun wool, This wonderful and stunning example comes ...
Category

1970s Turkish Vintage Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Zabihi Collection Ivory Brown Heriz Scatter Rug
Located in New York, NY
Persian Heriz tribal scatter rug consisting of an ivory field with dominant accents in brown Measures: 3'3” x 5'11”.
Category

20th Century Persian Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

3'x13'10" Brown Northwest Persian All Over Design Hand Knotted Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Tan Brown, Northwest Persian All Over Design, Aryana Grade, Vegetable Dyes, Soft Pile, High Mountain Wool, Hand Knotted, Densely Woven, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool L...
Category

2010s Afghan Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Decorative Wide Traditional Persian Malayer Long Runner
Located in New York, NY
A decorative Persian Malayer wide runner from the 1930's Size: 3'9” x 15'3”.
Category

1930s Persian Vintage Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Vintage Persian Qashqai Gabbeh Rug with Zoomorphic Design
Located in Dallas, TX
61055 Vintage Persian Qashqai Gabbeh Rug with Zoomorphic Design 02'03 x 04'03. Reminiscences of an exotic journey and worldly sophistication, this hand-knotted wool vintage Persian Q...
Category

Late 20th Century Persian Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Zabihi Collection Tribal Chicken Motif Rustic Persian Afshar Accent Rug
Located in New York, NY
An early 20th century Persian Tribal Afshar Shiraz carpet with an all-over chicken motif on an ivory field, rustic accents Measures: 4'2” x 5'11”.
Category

20th Century Persian Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Afghanistan Sultanabad Area Rugs Circa 1990 - Wool Ivory Design - 95543
Located in Dallas, TX
Introducing the exquisite and timeless Elongated Turkish Sultanabad rug, measuring a grand 10'2" x 15'1". Crafted with the finest materials and traditional techniques, this rug is a ...
Category

20th Century Afghan Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Tribal Traditional Orange Brown Persian Rug Pillow
Located in New York, NY
Pillow made from a tribal 20th century Persian rug. Measures: 16" x 16".    
Category

20th Century Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton, Foam

Mid-20th Century Handmade Persian Tribal Style Tabriz Accent Rug in Maroon
Located in New York, NY
A vintage Persian Tabriz accent rug handmade during the mid-20th century with a tribal design in maroon. Measures: 6'7" x 9'9".
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

1960's Persian Shiraz Carpet
Located in Dallas, TX
79079 Vintage Persian Shiraz Rug, 04'05 x 09'05. This hand knotted wool vintage Persian Shiraz rug is a masterful display of tribal artistry, showcasing a vibrant design steeped in t...
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

1960's Persian Shiraz Carpet
1960's Persian Shiraz Carpet
$1,119 Sale Price
20% Off
Distressed Antique Persian Bijar Rug with Modern Rustic Tribal Style
Located in Dallas, TX
77611, distressed antique Persian Bijar rug with modern rustic tribal style 03'10 x 05'09. With timeless appeal and perfectly worn-in charm with rustic sensibility, this hand-knotted...
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Turkish Oushak Runner
Located in Chicago, IL
A wonderful vintage hand knotted Turkish Oushak runner with a muted woven pattern with stylized floral and vine patterns against a solid cream fi...
Category

20th Century Turkish Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Caucasian Soumac Rug
Located in New York, NY
Mid-19th century Persian flat-weave Soumak ‘soumac’ rug with an infamous kuba design found in 19th century Caucasian rugs. 3'10'' x 4'11''
Category

Mid-19th Century Persian Antique Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Caucasian Soumac Rug
Antique Caucasian Soumac Rug
$1,400 Sale Price
20% Off
Beautiful Antique Shirvan Prayer Rug
Located in Chicago, IL
A beautiful late 19th century antique Persian Shirvan prayer rug with an incredible stylized multicolored floral pattern field and woven with in crimson, indigo, white, gold, indigo,...
Category

1880s Azerbaijani Antique Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Bobyrug’s Wonderful Antique Distressed Ghashghai Bag Face Rug
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Very pretty and rare collectible 19th century bag face ghashghai rug with beautiful tribal geometrical design and nice natural colors, entirely and finely hand knotted with wool velv...
Category

Late 19th Century Asian Antique Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Vintage Persian Azerbaijan Kilim Rug
Located in Dallas, TX
77967 Vintage Persian Azerbaijan Kilim Rug, 04'09 x 13'08. Introducing a masterpiece of textile artistry, this handwoven wool Persian Azerbaijan kilim rug hails from the rich heritag...
Category

Late 20th Century Persian Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Vintage Persian Azerbaijan Kilim Rug
Vintage Persian Azerbaijan Kilim Rug
$2,744 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique Rust Ivory Navy Blue Tribal Persian Hamedan Area Rug, circa 1900-1910
Located in New York, NY
Hamadan is the capital of an eponymous province, and it’s one of the oldest cities in Persia. It’s also one of Persia’s most productive and diverse weaving centers. Like other cities...
Category

Early 1900s Persian Antique Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Mid-20th Century Handmade Persian Baluch Accent Rug
Located in New York, NY
A vintage Persian Baluch accent rug handmade during the mid-20th century with cotton highlights. Measures: 5' 3" x 9' 0".
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Authentic Antique and Vintage Persian Tribal Rugs for Sale on 1stDibs

Make a bold statement in a living room or bedroom by incorporating vintage Persian tribal 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, 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. 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 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.

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, silk Persian rugs and other antique and vintage rugs on 1stDibs.

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