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.
Doris Leslie Blau Antique Kirman Medallion Light Blue Hand-Knotted Rug - c. 1900
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite early 20th-century Persian Kirman rug (circa 1900) embodies the delicate refinement and painterly precision that define the best examples from the Kirman weaving tradi...
Wool
Doris Leslie Blau Kirman Antique Allover Floral Light Beige Carpet - c. 1920
Located in New York, NY
This Vintage 1920s Persian Kirman rug is a breathtaking example of classical Persian artistry at its finest-both regal and intricately expressive. Woven around the 1920s, this hand-k...
Wool
Doris Leslie Blau Antique Kirman Floral Warm Tan With Dark Gray Rug - c. 1920
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite Antique Persian Kirman rug, dating to circa 1920, is a superb example of the region's celebrated artistry-marked by delicacy of line, lyrical flora, and an unmistakabl...
Wool
Doris Leslie Blau Antique Kirman Allover Floral Soft Beige Rug - c. 1900
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite 1900's antique Persian Kirman carpet exemplifies the masterful artistry and refined elegance for which Kirman weavers are celebrated. It boasts a rich composition of i...
Wool
Doris Leslie Blau Kirman Antique Allover Floral Warm Tan Rug - c. 1900
Located in New York, NY
This stately Antique Persian Kirman rug, dating from the early 20th century, showcases the opulent artistry for which the weaving centers of Kerman are renowned. The expansive field ...
Wool
Doris Leslie Blau Antique Kirman Allover Light Gray Hand-Knotted Rug - c. 1900
Located in New York, NY
This extraordinary antique Persian Kirman rug, dating from circa 1900, is a masterful example of the region's celebrated weaving tradition. Woven on a monumental scale of 19 by 17 fe...
Wool
Doris Leslie Blau Antique Kirman Medallion - Light Beige Rug - c. 1900
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite antique Persian Kirman rug, woven circa 1900, showcases the masterful artistry and refined craftsmanship that have made Kirman carpets some of the most admired in the ...
Wool
Doris Leslie Blau Antique Kirman Allover Sand Hand-Knotted Wool Rug - c. 1880
Located in New York, NY
This late-19th-century Persian Kerman carpet is a testament to refined craftsmanship and botanical elegance. Its field, originally described as a "camel" tone, in closer detail revea...
Wool
Doris Leslie Blau Antique Kirman Allover Floral Slate Gray Rug - c. 1900
Located in New York, NY
This 1900's antique Persian Kirman rug exemplifies the grandeur, refinement, and intricate artistry for which Kirman weavings are renowned. Measuring approximately 17 by 11 feet, it ...
Wool
Antique Kirman Oversized Pale Sand Rug - c. 1900 (Size Adjusted)
Located in New York, NY
This magnificent antique Persian Kirman rug, dating to the early 20th century (circa 1900), exemplifies the refined artistry and technical mastery associated with one of Persia's mos...
Wool
Doris Leslie Blau Antique Kirman Allover Light Beige Hand-Knotted Rug - c. 1900
Located in New York, NY
This early 20th-century Persian Kirman rug exemplifies the refined artistry and subtle elegance for which Kirman weavings are renowned. The composition features an allover floral lat...
Wool
Doris Leslie Blau Antique Kirman Floral Light Blue Hand-Knotted Wool Rug
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite antique Persian Kirman rug from the 1920s showcases the refined elegance and exceptional craftsmanship for which Kirman weavings are renowned. The composition features...
Wool
Exquisite Aqua Green Antique Laver Kirman Millefleurs Rug
Located in Milan, IT
An extremely finely knotted Lavar Kirman rug of early vintage, distinguished by a rather unique aqua green background. The directional design is known as 'millefleurs' and consists o...
Wool
Doris Leslie Blau Kirman Antique Floral Allover Cream Beige Carpet - c. 1900
Located in New York, NY
A masterful example of Persian textile artistry, this antique Kirman rug from circa 1900 showcases the exceptional craftsmanship and aesthetic sensibility for which the Kirman weavin...
Wool
Doris Leslie Blau Antique Kirman Floral Allover Warm Tan Rug - c. 1910
Located in New York, NY
A stately early 20th-century Persian Kirman rug, hand-knotted in luminous wool and distinguished by a highly decorative and sophisticated floral design. The composition centers aroun...
Wool
Antique Soft Red Anatolian Sivas Rug with Botanical Pattern
Located in Milan, IT
A very finely knotted antique Sivas rug distinguished by an all-over pattern of generously drawn botanical motifs, elegantly spaced over a soft red background. The overall palette is...
Wool
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
Fine Oversize Vintage Cream Ground Kirman Rug with Paisley Pattern
Located in Milan, IT
Very finely knotted with lustrous wool, this exquisite cream ground Kirman workshop carpet is decorated by an infinite repeat pattern of stylised boteh palmettes, a botanical motif o...
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
Vintage Teal Colored Sivas Room Sized Rug
Located in Milan, IT
A highly refined and sophisticated Sivas carpet, distinguished by an elegant teal color and framed by an arabesque border floating on a soft aubergine background. The delicately draw...
Wool
$1,836Sale Price|25% 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 Persian Kerman Evenly Worn Pure 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
$1,929Sale Price|25% Off
Ivory Wool Hand Knotted Vintage Persian Kerman Washed Out Even Wear 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
$1,757Sale Price|25% Off
Blue Vintage Persian Kerman Erased Medallion Worn 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
Bobyrug’s Nice Large Antique Dorokhsh Rug
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
A stunning early 20th-century Dorokhsh rug, boasting a large size and exquisite features. This masterpiece showcases a captivating floral design with a rich array of natural colors. ...
Wool, Cotton
$10,912Sale Price|25% Off
Late 19th Century Antique Lavar Kerman Rug Squarish Ivory 10'9"x12' Medallion
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a genuine hand knotted oriental rug. It is not hand tufted or machine made rug. Our entire inventory is made of either hand knotted or handwoven rugs. Bring life to your hom...
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
Antique Kirman Rug, Handwoven Wool, Indigo-Blue, Persian Design, 1920
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This antique, circa 1920, Kirman rug has a deep indigo-blue field with an overall design of horizontal bands of ivory cusped palmettes issuing smaller palmettes containing a scrollin...
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
Fine Antique Lavar Kirman Rug with Palmettes and Cypresses
Located in Milan, IT
An extremely fine Lavar Kirman rug of early vintage, the cream background being embellished by a profusion of leafy tendrils and palmettes arranged around a delicately drawn central ...
Wool
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
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
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
Vintage Persian Kerman Rug, circa 1940
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Vintage Persian Kerman rug, circa 1940. This beautiful 1940s Kerman has all the elements that make rugs from this area of Persia so popular. The color combinations combined with the ...
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
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
Traditional Handwoven Antique Red Area Rug
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Traditional Handwoven Antique Red Area Rug, Size: 2'-1" X 2'-8"
Wool