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Persian Rugs

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4,042
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Persian Rugs For Sale
Zabihi Collection Antique Persian Mahal Rug
Located in New York, NY
an early 20th Century Persian room size Mahal Rug rug no. j3756 size 10' 6" x 14' (320 x 427 cm)
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Sultanabad Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Vintage Persian Art Deco signed by Abdol Mohmmad Amoghli s workshop
Located in New York, NY
Handmade in Abdol Mohmmad Amoghli's workshop in Iran around 1950. Amoghli was renowned for the high quality of his rugs. His workshop in Mashhad employed master weavers who used the finest materials, such as wool and silk. these rugs were meticulously hand-knotted, ensuring durability and intricate detail. These rugs reflect a period in Iranian history when Western art movements, such as Art Deco, began influencing local artisans. The rugs are seen as functional pieces and works of art representing a cultural exchange between the East and West. Rugs from this period and workshop are rare, as they were often custom-made and produced in limited quantities. This scarcity adds to their allure and value in the collector’s market. These factors contribute to the special status of Amoghli’s 1950s Art Deco rugs...
Category

1960s Persian Art Deco Vintage Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Yellow Modern Gabbeh Persian Handmade Wool Rug
Located in Norwalk, CT
Beautiful contemporary Persian Gabbeh hand knotted wool rug with a goldenrod field. This Gabbeh rug has multi-color accents in a gorgeous geometric diamond pattern design. This ru...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Persian Modern Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian Heriz Rug with All-Over Sub-Geometric Design on a Blue Field
Located in Atlanta, GA
Antique Persian all-over Serapi-Heriz rug with all-over geometric design. Rug / W22-0208, country of origin / type: Iran /Serapi-Heriz, circa 1910. Antique Heriz, Antique Serapi, ant...
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Heriz Serapi Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

pretty antique small qashqai fragment rug
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Nice antique qashqai fragment rug with beautiful geometrical and tribal design and nice natural colours with navy blue, red, orange, blue, green and white, entirely hand knotted with...
Category

Late 19th Century Asian Tribal Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Galerie Shabab Collection Early 20th Century Persian Lavar Kerman Throw Rug
Located in New York, NY
An antique Persian Lavar Kerman rug. This beige-tan field Kerman displays a boteh, vase and winged palmette pattern within a buff border of flowers and Impressionistic leaves. A cart...
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Kirman Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Art Deco-Inspired Labyrinth Wool Persian Carpet in Taupe, Cream Brown, 9 x 12
Located in New York, NY
This 9' x 12' Persian carpet, titled "Labyrinth," offers a bold interpretation of art deco design through a maze-like pattern. Crafted in taupe, cream, and brown, the rug presents a ...
Category

2010s Persian Art Deco Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Zabihi Collection Persian Sultanabad Rug Pillow
Located in New York, NY
Pillow made from an early 20th century Persian Sultanabad rug. Measures: 20'' x 24''.
Category

20th Century Rustic Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Persian Shiraz Gabbeh Rug
Located in San Diego, CA
This stunning piece is a hand-knotted Persian Gabbeh rug. Gabbeh rugs are a variety of Persian hand knotted carpets which mostly are made by nomadic Qashqai tribes in southern Iran (...
Category

1990s Persian Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Zabihi Collection Antique Persian Heriz Runner
Located in New York, NY
an early 20th Century Persian Heriz Runner with a geometric Lenkoran pattern found in many 19th century Caucasian Kazak Rugs 3' x 10'7''
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Chippendale Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian Shiraz Runner with Rustic Tribal Style
Located in Dallas, TX
60890 distressed antique Persian Shiraz Runner 02'07 x 08'08. With its warm hues and rugged beauty, this hand-knotted wool antique Persian Shiraz runner will take on a curated lived-...
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Proto Kurdish Northwest Persian Circa 1700s
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Proto Kurdish Northwest Persian Rug, Circa 1700s — 3′8″ × 6′ The Proto Kurdish Northwest Persian Rug, circa 1700s, is a remarkable example of early tribal artistry from the Kurdish ...
Category

Early 18th Century Persian Tribal Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Late 19th Century Persian Kermanshah Masterpiece of Biophilic Elegance
Located in Dallas, TX
74298 Oversized Antique Persian Kermanshah Rug, 13'06 x 17'04. A rare confluence of heritage and harmony, this hand-knotted wool antique Persian Kermanshah rug exudes a grandeur that transcends time. Its warm, earthen field unfolds in a mesmerizing lattice of Mina Khani motifs, palmettes, and stylized florals—an eternal garden rendered in wool. Against this intricate backdrop, every detail blossoms with refined precision, echoing the elegance once reserved for Persian nobility. To encounter such a piece is to experience a textile symphony of nature, geometry, and artistry intertwined, a woven manuscript of beauty that elevates any interior to the realm of the extraordinary. The rug’s composition is framed by a stately Herati palmette border, itself a gallery of exceptional artistry. Encircled within are delicate guard bands, alive with flowers and rare cloudband motifs that hint at celestial order, balance, and eternity. This refined framing not only anchors the field but also magnifies its lush vitality, much like an ornate garden wall enclosing a timeless Persian masterpiece. Each design element whispers of grandeur, status, and cultivated taste—a symbol of belonging to a legacy of discerning collectors. Beyond its historical artistry, this one-of-a-kind Kermanshah rug speaks directly to the language of Biophilic Design. Its earth-toned palette and naturalistic forms—buds unfurling, vines curving, blossoms interlacing—bring the serenity of nature indoors, transforming space into sanctuary. It offers not mere decoration, but an atmosphere of wellbeing, grounding its owner in both cultural prestige and a timeless connection to the natural world. Such qualities have made rugs of this caliber coveted by connoisseurs who seek not just luxury, but luxury with soul. To possess this exquisite work of art is to hold an heirloom of rarity and significance—an artwork woven not only for the floor but for the legacy of its keeper. Its monumental scale, formal elegance, and sublime craftsmanship command a presence befitting the grandest of salons, yet its earthbound grace makes it equally resonant in contemporary spaces that honor organic modernity. More than an antique, this Persian Kermanshah is a distinguished treasure, destined to define its surroundings and elevate its owner into the ranks of cultural tastemakers. Rendered in variegated shades of brown, burgundy, blue, rose, tan, navy blue and taupe with other accent colors. Abrash. Desirable Age Wear. Hand-knotted wool. Made in Iran. Measures: 13'06 x 17'04. Hotel Lobby Size Carpet 14 x...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Arts and Crafts Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Zabihi Collection Persian Malayer Blue Small Room Size Rug
Located in New York, NY
Persian Malayer small room size Rug in earth tones from the 2nd quarter of the 20th century Details rug no. j3774 size 7' x 10'5"
Category

20th Century Persian Malayer Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Nazmiyal Collection Antique Persian Sultanabad Rug 13 ft x 20 ft 2 in
Located in New York, NY
Stunning floral piece Superior Craftsmanship Antique Persian Sultanabad Rug, Country of origin: Persia, Circa date: 1900
Category

20th Century Persian Sultanabad Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Twin Vintage Persian Kilim Runner Rugs with Geometric Patterns
Located in Long Island City, NY
These flatweaves are a pair of twin 3x17 vintage Persian Kilim runner rugs, handwoven in wool circa 1950-1960. These tribal runners are nearly identical in size and design, with geom...
Category

1950s Persian Tribal Vintage Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian Sarab Rug Runner, Laid-Back Luxury Meets Faded Glamour
Located in Dallas, TX
53660 Distressed Antique-Worn Persian Malayer Rug, 02'10 x 12'08. ​Step into a world of laid-back luxury and faded glamour with this hand knotted wool antique-worn Persian Malalyer ...
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Malayer Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian Hamadan Rug
Located in Dallas, TX
61016 Antique-Worn Persian Hamadan Rug, 04'02 x 07'00. Distressed antique-washed Hamadan rugs are authentic Persian rugs, originating from the Hamadan region in Iran, that have undergone a deliberate process to create a weathered or worn appearance, giving them a sense of age and history. This distressing technique involves washing the rug to fade the colors, soften the fibers, and create an overall worn-in look. The intentional wear and fading mimic the natural aging process of antique rugs, providing a sense of authenticity and character. In this hand-knotted wool distressed antique Persian Hamadan rug...
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Oversized Room Size Persian Kashan in All Over Pattern in Ivory, Tan, Blue
Located in Barrington, IL
Presenting an exquisite example of mid-20th century Persian artistry, this vintage hand-knotted oversized Kashan rug is a true masterpiece.  The rug features an all-over floral patte...
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Manchester Kashan Rug Antique Persian Kashan Rug 1890 66x92cm 2x3
Located in New York, NY
Rare Antique Manchester Rug Persian Fine Kork 2'2" x 3' 66cm x 92cm Circa 1890 "This is a one of a kind pre 1900's Manchester rug. It has a fine weave and striking design. This p...
Category

1890s Persian Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Handmade Persian Heriz Wool Rug in Beige - Room Size
Located in Norwalk, CT
An antique Persian Heriz hand-knotted wool rug features a blue and brown all-over pattern on a beige field. This rug measures 7'6' x 9'2". Our rugs are professionally cleaned befor...
Category

1920s Persian Heriz Serapi Vintage Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Handmade Antique Persian Style Karajeh Rug 2.9 x 4.6 , 1920s - 1C1136
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Handmade Antique Persian Style Karajeh Rug from the 1920s: Dimensions: Size: 2.9’ x 4.6’ (90cm x 143cm) Shape: Rectangular Material and Condition: Crafted from wool, this rug ensure...
Category

1920s Vintage Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

1880s Handmade Allover Floral Antique Persian Mashad Wool Rug In Light Brown
Located in Norwalk, CT
This beautiful oversized antique Mashad hand-knotted wool rug has a light brown field color. The Persian rug features a blue frame and accents, showcasing a stunning classic floral d...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Islamic Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Circa 1900 Red Malayer Gallery-Size Rug Runner, 6 x 12 10
Located in New York, NY
6' x 12'10. The town of Malayer, besides runners and scatter rugs, was a source of long and narrow carpets (kellehs or kellegis) for domestic Persian use throughout the 19th century....
Category

19th Century Persian Malayer Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Red Antique Heriz Handmade Room Size Persian Wool Rug with Medallion Motif
Located in Norwalk, CT
Beautiful antique Persian Heriz hand-knotted wool rug with a red field. This Heriz rug has a navy-blue frame and multi-color accents in an all-over gorgeous geometric medallion flora...
Category

1920s Persian Heriz Serapi Vintage Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Pictorial Bakshaish Animal Motif Rug
Located in New York, NY
Rare early 20th-century pictorial animal Bakshaish rug with various sheep and pigeons floating around a red field Measures: 9'9'' x 14' The best Bakshaish carpets offer a uniqu...
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Folk Art Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

9 5"x13 Red Hand Knotted Soft Wool Vintage Persian Kashan Clean Oriental 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...
Category

1960s Persian Medieval Vintage Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Early 20th Century Handmade Persian Heriz Room Size Carpet
Located in New York, NY
An antique Persian Heriz room size carpet handmade during the early 20th century. Measures: 8' 2" x 11' 2".
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Rustic Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Zabihi Collection Small Persian Antique Rug Pillow
Located in New York, NY
Pillow made from a sea foam-colored 20th-century Persian rug. Measures: 12" x 17".   
Category

20th Century Tabriz Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton, Foam

Galerie Shabab Collection Early 20th Century Persian Afshar Accent Rug
Located in New York, NY
A vintage Persian Malayer accent rug handmade during the Mid-20th century. Measures: 4' 6" x 6' 4"
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Zabihi Collection Antique Persian Mahal Sultanabad Rug
Located in New York, NY
An antique Persian Mahal Sultanabad room-size decorative rug from the 1st quarter of the 20th century. Measures: 10'4” x 13'8''.
Category

20th Century Persian Country Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique KirmanShah/Laver Kirman Persian carpet
Located in Gainesville, VA
A stunning and gorgeous antique Kermanshah/Laver Kirman carpet, originating from Iran in the late 19th century. This exceptional piece showcases the timeless elegance and intricate c...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Kirman Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Brown Antique Persian Malayer Handmade Allover Designed Wool Rug
Located in Norwalk, CT
Beautiful Antique Malayer hand-knotted wool rug with a brown field. This Malayer rug has a beige frame and blue accents in a gorgeous all-over geometric floral design. This rug meas...
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Heriz Serapi Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

8 4"x11 Barn Red Clean Tribal Weave Vintage Persian Heriz Hand Knotted Wool 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...
Category

1960s Persian Medieval Vintage Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Distressed Antique Persian Mahal Rug with Traditional English Rustic Style
Located in Dallas, TX
60681, distressed antique Persian Mahal rug with traditional English rustic style. With its perfectly worn-in charm and rustic sensibility, this hand knotted wool distressed antique ...
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Rustic Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Zabihi Collection Vintage Persian Mazlagan Malayer Rug
Located in New York, NY
1930s Accent Size neutral color Malayer Mazlagan accent size rug Details rug no. j4900 size 4'3'' x 6' 5"
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Malayer Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Early 20th Century Lilihan Rug
Located in Chicago, IL
A wonderful early 20th century Persian Lilihan rug with a dark indigo background, covered by a lacy, multicolored scrolling vine and floral pattern, surrounded by a wide crimson and ...
Category

1920s Asian Sarouk Farahan Vintage Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Vintage Silk Persian Tabriz Rug
Located in Dallas, TX
74399 Vintage Persian Silk Tabriz Rug, 04'11 X 06'06. From casual elegance to fresh and formal, this hand-knotted silk vintage Persian Tabriz rug is poised to impress. Its bold col...
Category

Late 20th Century Persian Tabriz Persian Rugs

Materials

Silk

Mid-20th Century Handmade Persian Tabriz Art Deco Style Throw Rug
Located in New York, NY
A vintage Persian Tabriz throw rug, with an Art Deco style geometric pattern, handmade during the mid-20th century. Measures: 3' 6" x 5' 8" Persian rugs carpets: Persia (Iran) is a moderately large country with a very long history and an enormous art/craft/industry built around the handmade carpet. Until the discovery of oil, carpets were the largest Persian export. The craft goes back to ancient times, although the history is more broken than one might expect or desire. The Pazyryk rug...
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Art Deco Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Early 20th Century Northwest Persian Hamadan Rug
Located in Closter, NJ
The geographical region of Northwest Persia with its’ cities and villages was at the forefront of the large-scale export of rugs and carpets in the late 19th century. The merchants ...
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Malayer Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Zabihi Collection Persian Antique Bidjar Rug Pillow
Located in New York, NY
Medium size pillow made from a Persian Bidjar rug. zipper closure and poly-fill insert provided. Measures: 17'' x 18''.
Category

20th Century Tabriz Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Nazmiyal Collection Antique Persian Tabriz Runner Rug 3 ft 3 in x 14 ft 5 in
Located in New York, NY
Antique Persian Tabriz Runner Rug, Country of Origin: Persia, Circa Date: 1920
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Tabriz Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Galerie Shabab Collection Mid-20th Century Persian Malayer Throw Rug
Located in New York, NY
This mid-20th century Persian Malayer rug, measuring 3' 5" x 5' 5", features a subtly luminous palette of pale sky blue, ivory, and soft beige. The design is distinguished by a delic...
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Malayer Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Striking Turkish Kilim Runner
Located in Chicago, IL
A striking vintage mid-20th century Turkish Konya Kilim runner with a gold and gray striped pattern on a cream colored background.
Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Kilim Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Mid-20th Century Handmade Persian Flatweave Kilim Gallery Rug
Located in New York, NY
A vintage Persian flatweave Kilim gallery rug handmade during the mid-20th century. Measures: 4' 6" x 8' 10".
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Modern Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique 1870s Persian Tabriz Rug Woven by Order of Prince Shahrukh Mirza, 13x21
Located in New York, NY
This Persian Tabriz carpet was woven by the order of Prince Shahrukh Mirza circa 1870, as stated by the signature in the carpet's border. It consists of a cotton warp and thread, hand-knotted pure wool pile and natural vegetable dyes. The level of detail is extraordinary, highlighted further by the carpet's rich gold, navy and red tones, and balanced by its soft pinks, greens and light blues. It features a Garden of Eden design...
Category

1870s Persian Tabriz Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Persian Sultanabad Masters Collection 12 x 15 Brown, Light Blue, Gold
Located in Houston, TX
Condition: New Origin: Persia Design: Sultanabad  Actual Size: 11'8" x 15'1" Color: Brown, light blue, Ivory, Gold Content: Wool RN: 1141349
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Persian Sultanabad Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Fine Antique Tabriz Rug
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Very beautiful late 19th century fine hand knotted rug with beautiful design and natural colors with orange, blue and a brown black colors, entirely and finely hand knotted with wool...
Category

Late 19th Century Central Asian Tabriz Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Sarab Runner, circa 1900s
Located in New York, NY
In the general Sarab manner, with three hexagonal ivory medallions set within longer, camel panels with stiff green vine patterns, and within two rosette borders and a central oyster...
Category

Early 1900s Persian Tribal Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Northwest Persian Large Bolster Rug Pillow
Located in New York, NY
Large Bolster size pillow made from an early 20th century Northwest Persian rug. Measures: 1'3'' x 2'11''
Category

Early 20th Century Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton, Foam

Late 19th Century Antique Persian Gashghaie Rug
Located in Dallas, TX
?78158 Antique Persian Gashghaie rug, 02'00 x 03'09. ?Rendered in variegated shades of beige, red, sky blue, black, brown, raspberry pink, cerulean, and verdigris with other accent ...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Tribal Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

7 x 10 Antique Persian Kashan Handmade Allover Wool Rug In Red
Located in Norwalk, CT
This Persian rug is made of wool and hand-knotted in the antique Kashan. The red field is complemented by a beautiful all-over medallion floral design with multicolor accents, which ...
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Kashan Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

1950 s Persian Khorassan Rug with Traditional Style
Located in Dallas, TX
76306 Vintage Persian Khorassan Rug, 08'08 x 13'04. An ode to refinement and botanical grandeur, this hand-knotted wool vintage Persian Khorassan rug is a timeless treasure woven fo...
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Tabriz Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Galerie Shabab Collection Mid-20th Century Persian Malayer Throw Rug
Located in New York, NY
This mid-20th century Persian Malayer rug, measuring 3' 3" x 5' 0", features an elegant allover design that emphasizes repetition and balance. The field is composed of a tightly stru...
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Malayer Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

1900s Antique Persian Heriz Hand Knotted Oriental Rug
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 h...
Category

Early 1900s Persian Heriz Serapi Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Authentic Persian Sarouk Hand Knotted Wool Green Area Rug 7 0" x 9 5"
Located in Norwalk, CT
Authentic Persian rugs are timeless works of art, hand-knotted by skilled artisans using techniques passed down through generations. Each rug tells a story through its intricate patt...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Persian Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Khotan Samarkand Superior Luxury Rug Hand-Knotted Silk Wool by Djoharian Design
Located in Lohr, Bavaria, DE
The Khotan Samarkand Superior Luxury Rug is a masterpiece of design and craftsmanship, hand-knotted from pure silk and premium wool. Designed in Lohr, Bavaria by the Djoharian Design...
Category

2010s Nepalese Khotan Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Silk

Antique Persian Heriz Peach Handmade Wool Rug with Medallion Design
Located in Norwalk, CT
Beautiful antique Heriz hand-knotted wool rug with a peach color field. This Persian rug has a blue frame with beige and rust accents in a gorgeous all-over geometric medallion desig...
Category

1920s Persian Heriz Serapi Vintage Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique 1920s Wool Persian Bakhtiari Rug, Traditional Lozenge Design, 5 x 7
Located in New York, NY
Woven in vibrant shades of red, blue, pink, cream, green, and gold wool, this Persian Bakhtiari carpet is hand-knotted in pure handspun wool and measures 4’6” x 7’0”. The hand-knotte...
Category

1920s Persian Tribal Vintage Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Handmade Vintage Persian Malayer Rug 3.4 x 4.9 (106cm x 151cm), 1970s - 1C1111
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Elevate your space with our Handmade Vintage Persian Malayer Rug, a captivating piece from the 1970s. Measuring at 3.4' x 4.9', this rug boasts a bright red color that adds a pop of ...
Category

1970s Vintage Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique and Vintage Persian Rugs for Sale on 1stDibs: Persian Tribal Rugs, Handmade Silk Persian Rugs and More

Make a bold statement in a living room or bedroom by incorporating vintage Persian rugs in your home decor.

A Persian carpet lends an aura of prestige to any room, even today. 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. 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.

Although the machine-aided 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.

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.

The different types of Persian rugs are named for the cities, villages and regions where they’re made. Kashan rugs, for example, woven in the north-central Iranian city of Kashan, are considered among the finest city rugs, distinguished by curvilinear motifs like palmettos, leaves and arabesques. Nains have high knot counts, an indication of high quality, and generally employ pink, blue and ivory hues, while Tabriz rugs — created by weavers in the northwestern Iranian city of Tabrīz (or Tabriz) — mostly have floral and garden patterns. 

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, handmade silk Persian rugs, Persian tribal rugs and other antique and vintage rugs from the world's best furniture dealers on 1stDibs.

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