Antique and vintage Kirman rugs and carpets are named for the southern Iranian city that has been a renowned major center of high-quality carpet production since the 16th century. These furnishings are considered works of art and are celebrated for their fine craftsmanship, sumptuous colors and durability.
This type of Persian carpet is sometimes spelled Kerman, like its place of origin, the capital of the Western Asian country’s Kerman Province. Iran encompasses different cultures, languages and dialects, and its exquisite rugs reflect this diversity.
The different types of Persian carpets are named for the towns, villages and regions where they’re made. Kirman rugs, carpets, wall hangings and other textiles have long been popular with international audiences, including in the early 20th century when they were marketed as Kermanshah carpets. Compared to other Persian rugs, Kirman examples are known for being vividly colored with natural dyes and characterized by a diverse variety of patterns, ranging from arabesques embedded with floral touches and details like deer and lions to overlapping cartouches in a broad palette of rich hues.
Others feature an ornate central medallion, vase shapes, rows of shrubs or a flourishing tree of life created through an asymmetrical knotting technique so that the wool pile on cotton is “double warped.” Some of the more elaborate carpets commissioned from the Kirman workshops in the 18th and 19th centuries included large-scale naturalistic scenes based on European paintings or Gobelin tapestries.
The major workshops of Kerman informed weaving in nearby rural areas such as those created by the Afshar tribe. The international popularity of Kirman carpets, meanwhile, inspired designers across the globe, such as William Morris in England. A leading designer of the Arts and Crafts movement, Morris revived historical techniques such as printed fabrics in the furnishings he created. He owned Kirman carpets and used them as a source for his work.
Both vintage and contemporary rugs influenced by Kirman designs remain in demand for their lavish palette and distinctive patterns. In 2013, a 17th-century Kirman carpet was sold at a Sotheby’s auction for an astounding $33.8 million.
Find a range of antique Kirman rugs and carpets, wall decorations and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Vintage Karistan Kirman-Style Runner
Located in Chicago, IL
A wonderful late-20th century American Kirastan Kirman-style runner with and all-over diamond floral pattern woven in myriad colors including pinks, golds, turquoise, greens, creams,...
Wool
Oriental Square Rug, Handmade Traditional Carpet, Arabesque Ivory Rugs
Located in Wembley, GB
This unique wool rug has been woven with a fantastic neutral colour pallet. Cream and beige are the predominant background colours in this piece, decorated with amazing floral patterns woven in accents of muted green, blue, pink and yellow colours. The symmetrical medallion design and the beautiful colour palette in this rug make it the perfect accent piece. This rug would make an ideal addition to any home. Suitable for both modern and traditional interiors. Handmade with the finest hand-spun wool and cotton. The fantastic colours come from natural dyeing techniques using organic vegetable dyes. Intricate hand-knotted designs tell stories through design and colour. Style this handwoven wool rug in any room for a tasteful, colourful addition.Oriental Square Rug, Handmade Traditional Carpet...
Wool, Cotton, Organic Material
Nazmiyal Collection Oversized Antique Persian Kerman Rug 10 ft x 20 ft 5 in
Located in New York, NY
Antique Persian Kerman, Country of Origin: Persia, Circa Date: Late nineteenth century
Wool
Gorgeous Early 20th Century Sivas Rug
Located in Chicago, IL
A gorgeous early 20th century Turkish Sivas rug with a central diamond medallion created from an intensely woven pattern of myriad flowering branches and vines woven in light and dar...
Wool
$1,958Sale Price|20% Off
Monochromatic Wool Worn and Distressed Overdyed Vintage Kerman 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...
Wool
$1,608Sale Price|25% Off
Alice Blue Vintage Zoroastrian Evenly Worn Pure Wool Hand Knotted Clean 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...
Wool
$2,058Sale Price|20% Off
Ivory Pure Wool Hand Knotted Vintage Zoroastrian Washed Out Even Wear Clean 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...
Wool
$1,874Sale Price|20% Off
Blue Vintage Zoroastrian Karman Erased Medallion Wool Hand Knotted Cleaned 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...
Wool
Nice Vintage Sinkiang Persian Design Rug
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Beautiful mid century rug with a floral Kirman design and beautiful colors with blue field, entirely hand knotted with wool velvet on cotton foundation.
Wool
Beautiful Vintage Indian Rug
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Very nice and beautiful late 20th century Indian Punjab rug with a floral Kerman design and beautiful colors, finely hand knotted with wool velvet on cotton foundation.
Wool
Vintage Chinese Kerman Rug, Timeless Style Meets Traditional Sensibility
Located in Dallas, TX
78300 Vintage Chinese Kerman Rug, 03'02 x 05'04. Sophisticated and refined with Victorian style, this hand knotted wool vintage Chinese Kerman rug charms with ease. Taking center st...
Wool
$10,000Sale Price|61% Off
Antique Persian Kerman 11'6" x 22'5"
Located in New York, NY
Kerman carpets (sometimes "Kirman") are one of the traditional classifications of Persian carpets. Kerman is both a city and a province located...
Wool, Cotton
Galerie Shabab Collection Mid-20th Century Indian Lahore Carpet
Located in New York, NY
A vintage Indian Lahore carpet from the mid-20th century.
Wool
Revival Kirman Handwoven Silk Rug, Sea-Blue Floral Design, Afghanistan
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This revival Kirman rug has a shaded ivory field with an overall design of shaded sea-blue delicate palmette and floral vine, in a sea-blue border of dense flowerhead vine between do...
Silk
$15,000
Antique Indo-Kerman Carpet
Located in Closter, NJ
The city of Amritsar, in the Punjab region in northwest India, began producing carpets in the 19th Century when Kashmir was annexed by Maharaja Ranjit Singh...
Wool, Cotton
Traditional Handwoven Antique Red Area Rug
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Traditional Handwoven Antique Red Area Rug, Size: 2'-1" X 2'-8"
Wool