Persian Rugs
to
4,038
Width
to
Length
to
23,911
2,751
268
850
351
127
107
99
90
64
57
35
12
12
12
12
8
5
3
3
84
4,534
19,293
3,019
8,962
6,707
1,563
1,051
635
1,449
820
716
957
627
321
132
101
26,880
26,072
3,692
1,304
139
25,193
1,526
26,930
26,553
26,572
25,376
23,006
21,913
1,063
997
422
259
178
169
143
Persian Rugs For Sale
Late 19th Century Distressed Antique Persian Kerman Rug
Located in Dallas, TX
60828 Distressed Antique Persian Kerman Rug, 09'11 x 13'11. A poetic reverie in woven form, this hand-knotted wool antique Persian Kerman rug, dating to the Late 19th Century, invite...
Category
Late 19th Century Persian Kirman Antique Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Antique Heriz Rug with Red Field and blue Medallion
Located in New York, NY
Although showing spot wear, this village piece still has the natural colours, red field and pendanted dark blue octogramme medallion of its larger sisters. Yellow inner corners and p...
Category
Early 20th Century Persian Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Antique Ivory Navy Light Blue Persian Tribal Malayer Rug, circa 1900s-1910s
Located in New York, NY
This is a lovely hand knotted antique ivory navy blue Persian Malayer rug from the 1900-1910s measuring 3.3 x 6 ft.
Antique Malayer rugs were woven in the small town of Malayer, l...
Category
Early 1900s Persian Tribal Antique Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Handmade Antique Collecitble Bashir Bagface Rug 1.6
x 1.8
1870s - 2B40
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This handmade antique Bashir bagface rug, dating back to the 1870s, is a remarkable collectible piece, embodying the intricate artistry of Bashir weaving traditions. Its compact size...
Category
1870s Antique Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Antique 1930s Persian Tabriz 9x13 Light Green
Light Clay Handmade Area Rug
Located in Houston, TX
Ashly Fine Rugs presents a 1930s Antique Persian Tabriz 9x13 Wool Handmade Rug. Tabriz is a northern city in modern-day Iran and has forever been famous for the fineness and craftsm...
Category
1930s Persian Tabriz Vintage Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Persian Blue Sarouk Rug
Located in San Diego, CA
Introducing an exquisite piece of artistry, this authentic hand-knotted Persian Sarouk rug embodies the timeless beauty and fine craftsmanship that define Persian rug-making traditio...
Category
1950s Persian Vintage Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool, Cotton
$5,800
1950
s Persian Hamadan Rug with Modern Style
Located in Dallas, TX
75776 Vintage Persian Hamadan Rug, 10'04 x 13'05. This exceptional hand-knotted wool vintage Persian Hamadan rug radiates a quiet grandeur that transcends fleeting trends—an heirloom...
Category
Mid-20th Century Persian Malayer Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Vintage Turkish Overdyed Rug, Modern Industrial Meets Maximalist Bohemian
Located in Dallas, TX
60767 Vintage Turkish Overdyed Rug, 09’02 x 12’03.
Get ready to embark on a design adventure where Modern Industrial locks horns with Maximalist Bohemian in this hand-knotted wool vintage Turkish overdyed rug. It's like a design manifesto with a cheeky twist, a little bit of everything thrown into the mix. The gossamery eclectic design and lively color palette are like a symphony of chaos, capturing the essence of Boho Chic and Maximalism, but with a historical twist that's as intriguing as a good mystery novel. It's the rug equivalent of an art party.
Imagine a composition so lavishly appointed it makes Versailles look modest. There's a prominent quatrefoil medallion outlined with intricate acanthus scrollwork and adorned with ogival pendants at each end. And that's just the beginning. In the center, there's an enchanting medallion, richly ornamented with barely-there stylized florals and foliage, like a hidden treasure amidst a bold field of abstract botanicals.
But what truly makes this rug pop is the color scheme. The allure of hot pink is balanced by the cool tranquility of gray hues, all while harmonizing with the warm greige undertones. It's a party where everyone's invited, and the result is an esoteric juxtaposition that's as bold as it is beguiling. And let's not forget the pronounced spandrels, like classic motifs that got the memo to party. They radiate from the corners, adding their own touch of charm to this riot of design.
But it's not just a rug; it's a lifestyle. Reflecting avant-garde style and a no-fuss design aesthetic, this vintage overdyed rug has masterfully fused the realms of Maximalist Boho and Industrial Glam...
Category
Mid-20th Century Turkish Industrial Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Tribal Mid-20th Century Handmade Persian Bakhtiari Pictorial Square Accent Rug
Located in New York, NY
A vintage Persian Pictorial accent rug in square format handmade by the Bakhtiari nomadic tribe during the mid-20th century with a pictorial design of an androgynous figure...
Category
Mid-20th Century Persian Tribal Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
$2,900 Sale Price
20% Off
1920
s Persian Malayer Carpet with Modern Style
Located in Dallas, TX
60984 Distressed Antique Persian Malayer Rug Runner, 03'06 x 10'02. Woven with poetic restraint and aged elegance, this hand-knotted wool antique Persian Malayer runner reveals the q...
Category
Early 20th Century Persian Malayer Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Early 20th Century Handmade Persian Afshar Throw Rug
Located in New York, NY
An antique Persian Afshar throw rug handmade during the early 20th century.
Measures: 3' 11" x 5' 1".
Category
Early 20th Century Persian Tribal Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Antique Persian Serapi Rug - Size: 12
6 X 9
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Antique Serapi Rug in Wool and Cotton 12'6 X 9'
Key Details:
Pile:Wool
Foundation:Cotton
Origin: Serapi
Design: Center medallion
Approximate Age: 100 years
Quality (KPI): 175
Condit...
Category
Early 20th Century Persian Serapi Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool, Cotton
19th Century Persian Bahshaeish Rug
Located in Norwalk, CT
Antique Persian Bahshaeish rug (1890's) with a traditional medallion design in blue and cream on a red field. Measures approximately 11 feet 4 inches by 18 feet 5 inches.
Rug #10212224
Category
1890s Persian Bakshaish Antique Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Early 20th Century Persian Kerman Pictorial Nomadic Pastoralism Accent Rug
Located in New York, NY
An antique Persian Kerman accent rug handmade during the early 20th century. The urban workshop weavers of Kerman considered the lifestyle of their t...
Category
Early 20th Century Persian Folk Art Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Early 20th Century Handmade Persian Malayer Runner
Located in New York, NY
An antique Persian Malayer runner handmade during the early 20th century.
Category
Early 20th Century Persian Rustic Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Antique Persian Bakshaish Rug. Size: 8
6" x 10
8"
Located in New York, NY
Tribal gold background antique Persian Bakshaish rug, country of origin / rug type: Persian rug, circa late 19th century. Size: 8 ft 6 in x 10 ft 8 in (2.59 m x 3.25 m)
Category
Late 19th Century Persian Bakshaish Antique Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Antique Persian Tabriz Oriental Carpet in Small Size with Rosettes and Flowers
Located in New York, NY
Antique Perisan Tabriz Oriental carpet, circa 1900, Small Sized
An antique Persian Tabriz oriental carpet, circa 1900. Size: 7'2" x 5'6". This large sized antique decorative rug...
Category
Early 1900s Persian Antique Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
$5,756 Sale Price
20% Off
9x13 Hand-Knotted Old Persian Tabriz Area Rug
Located in Dallas, TX
Bring timeless beauty and cultural depth into your home with this stunning Old Persian Tabriz Rug, a masterpiece of traditional craftsmanship. Hand-knotted in Persia from premium-qua...
Category
1980s Persian Tabriz Vintage Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Persian Hand Knotted Tabriz Rug
Located in San Diego, CA
Introducing a hand knotted Persian Tabriz rug that is well known for design and quality. Featuring an open filed medallion floral design, this rug has wool pile with cotton foundatio...
Category
1960s Asian Tabriz Vintage Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Vintage Persian Mashhad Rug with Islamic Quatrefoil Tile Geometric Pattern
Located in Dallas, TX
76305, vintage Persian Mashhad Area rug with Islamic Art Design. Elegant and captivating, this hand knotted wool vintage Persian Mashhad rug features an Islamic Quatrefoil Tile Artwork design composed of an all-over geometric pattern of interlocking motifs. Large-scale columns of stacked quatrefoil lobes are filled with navy blue four petal florals, serrated leaves while navy blue cruciform motifs are anchored by complementary colored palmettes. The quatrefoil medallions alternate with octofoil amulets composed of angular vines and Chinese cloud-collars made from trefoils. Crosses, eight-pointed stars, and lobed medallions of quatrefoil, trefoil and Chinese cloud-collars interlock and flow into one another, each replete with unique floral ornament. It is enclosed with an alternating quatrefoil and trefoil border flanked with meandering guard borders and thin diamond guard bands. Stately with a dazzling array of florals and undulating linear elements, this vintage Persian rug emanates grace and style. Invite the beauty of Persian weavings into your home with this beautiful vintage Mashhad rug...
Category
Mid-20th Century Persian Art Deco Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
PERSIAN nice MAHAL oriental Rug - RR5299 SALE 50% OFF
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
Antique Persian Mahal Rug - RR5299
This is an antique Persian Mahal Rug in very good condition made c. 1930s/1940s. 100% wool pile.
A Mahal rug is a large, hand-woven Persian rug ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Persian Arts and Crafts Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
$1,770 Sale Price
70% Off
Moroccan Design Rug
Located in New York, NY
As close to monochrome as you can get, but with a verrrry discreet large lozenge pattern on a natural sand ground. No borders, natch. Narrow tassels ba...
Category
2010s Moroccan Modern Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
$6,250
Antique Persian Mahal Rug
Located in Dallas, TX
61168 Antique Persian Mahal rug 09'00 x 11'07. ?With timeless appeal, ornate decorative detailing, and effortless beauty, this hand knotted w...
Category
Early 20th Century Persian Tabriz Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
$11,234
Early 20th Century Sarouk Rug
Located in Chicago, IL
An early 20th century Persian Sarouk rug with an amazing all-over pattern of myriad flowering branches and trees woven in indigo and natural undyed wool, on a rich light cranberry...
Category
1920s Asian Sarouk Farahan Vintage Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Vintage Indian Agra Oriental Carpet, in Small Size with Fine Weave
Soft Colors
Located in New York, NY
A vintage Indian Agra oriental carpet, size 7'0" x 4'4", circa 1940. This finely woven wool carpet features a central medallion within the floral reserve at center, with corner spand...
Category
1940s Indian Vintage Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
$3,196 Sale Price
20% Off
Vintage Persian rug with Beige-Brown Transitional Patterns by Rug
Kilim
Located in Long Island City, NY
Hand knotted in wool, a 9x11 Persian rug circa 1970-1980 - latest to join Rug & Kilim’s vintage selections.
On the Design:
The rug is overdyed and antique washed for gorgeous satur...
Category
1970s Persian Vintage Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Remarkable Antique Persian Ziegler Sultanabad Carpet
Located in Atlanta, GA
Antique Persian Sultanabad Ziegler Carpet with Rich Palmettes in Ivory Field and red border. Keivan Woven Arts / rug 17-0302, country of origin / type: Iran / Ziegler Sultanabad, circa 1900.
Measures: 10'8 x 16'6.
This exceptional antique Ziegler Sultanabad showcases a marvelous all over design design with large Palmettes and exquisite colors. Set on an Ivory background and red border, the fine trellis of richly colored palmettes and small flowers sprawl across field with contrasting reds, browns, blues, greens, gray blue, and ivories. The interaction between its captivating design and superb colors places this carpet among the exemplary and very best of antique Ziegler carpets...
Category
1880s Persian Sultanabad Antique Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Distressed Antique Persian Malayer Runner with Rustic Style
Located in Dallas, TX
60934 Distressed Antique Persian Malayer Runner with Rustic Style 03'04 x 11'06. Cleverly composed and poised to impress with its rustic sensibility, this hand knotted wool distresse...
Category
Early 20th Century Persian Malayer Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Early 19th Century N.W. Persian Gallery Carpet Dated 1822 (7
4" x 15
10" - 224)
Located in New York, NY
Early 19th Century N.W. Persian Gallery Carpet Dated 1822
7'4" x 15'10" - 224
Category
1820s Persian Antique Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Late 19th Century Distressed Antique Persian Lilihan Carpet Traditional Style
Located in Dallas, TX
72824 Distressed Antique Persian Lilihan Rug, 09'10 X 12'07. This hand-knotted wool antique Persian Lilihan rug exudes the romantic patina of time, blending refined artistry with the...
Category
Late 19th Century Persian Spanish Colonial Antique Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Colorful Vintage Gabbeh Rug with Mosaic Grid Design
Located in New York, NY
This charming vintage Gabbeh rug showcases a whimsical, irregular checkerboard design in a vivid rainbow of jewel-toned colors—burnt orange, ochre, teal, cobalt, and warm neutrals. ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Persian Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Antique Sultanabad Persian Rug. Size: 10 ft 4 in x 14 ft
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful Room Size Antique Sultanabad Persian Rug, Country of Origin / Rug Type: Persian Rug, Circa Date: 1880. Size: 10 ft 4 in x 14 ft (3.15 m x 4.27 m).
Category
Late 19th Century Persian Sultanabad Antique Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Antique Persian Kashan Dabir Rug - Size: 15
4 X 10
9
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Antique Kashan Dabir Rug in Wool and Cotton 15'4 X 10'9
Key Details:
Pile: Wool
Foundation: Cotton
Origin: Kashan Dabir
Design: Center Medallion
Approximate Age: 90 years
Qu...
Category
Early 20th Century Persian Kashan Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool, Cotton
The Ruby Sapphire Garden: A Vintage Persian Khorassan Masterpiece of Eternity
Located in Dallas, TX
61431 Vintage Persian Khorassan Rug Runner, 02'11 x 08'10. Woven in the historic northeastern region, this hand knotted wool vintage Persian Khorassan runner is a study in refinement...
Category
Mid-20th Century Persian Khorassan Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Antique Persian Malayer Rug
Located in Dallas, TX
75362 Antique Persian Malayer Runner 03'03 X 13'00. This hand knotted wool antique Persian Malayer runner features a lively all-over floral lattice pattern composed of Mina Khani des...
Category
Early 20th Century Persian Malayer Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
The Sentinel Path: A Vintage Persian Karaja Heriz Masterpiece of Tribal Power
Located in Dallas, TX
61438 Vintage Persian Heriz Rug Runner, 02'04 x 06'04. Woven in the storied weaving villages of northwest Persia, this hand knotted wool vintage Karaja Heriz runner embodies authorit...
Category
Mid-20th Century Persian Heriz Serapi Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
The Iron Garden Path: A Vintage Persian Bijar Masterpiece of Tribal Mysticism
Located in Dallas, TX
61439 Vintage Persian Bijar Rug Runner, 02'07 x 07'06. Woven in the legendary Kurdistan workshops—often called the Iron Rugs of Persia—this hand knotted wool vintage Persian Bijar ru...
Category
Mid-20th Century Persian Bakshaish Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
The Aviary Oracle: A Vintage Persian Gabbeh Masterpiece of Sacred Lore Symbolism
Located in Dallas, TX
61440 Vintage Persian Gabbeh Rug, 02'09 x 04'04. Woven from the highland traditions of southern Persia, this hand knotted wool vintage Persian Gabbeh rug is a rare expression of noma...
Category
Late 20th Century Persian Modern Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Vintage Persian Saraband Oriental Rug, in Room size, W/ Paisley Design
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Persian Saraband Rug, Room size, circa 1940
A one-of-a-kind vintage Persian Saraband Oriental Carpet, hand-knotted with thick and lustrous wool pile. This classic carpet...
Category
1940s Persian Vintage Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
$7,676 Sale Price
20% Off
The Eternal Midnight Garden: A Late 19th Century Persian Malayer Masterpiece
Located in Dallas, TX
61442 Late 19th Century Antique Persian Malayer Rug, 01'10 x 02'03. Woven in the closing decades of the 19th century, this hand knotted wool antique Persian Malayer rug stands as a r...
Category
Late 19th Century Persian Aesthetic Movement Antique Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Antique Northwest Persian Rug. Size: 5 ft 5 in x 14 ft
Located in New York, NY
Tribal Antique Northwest Persian Rug, Country of Origin / Rug Type: Persian Rugs, Circa Date: 1880 – Size: 5 ft 5 in x 14 ft (1.65 m x 4.27 m)
This Northwest Persian rug is unique...
Category
19th Century Persian Tribal Antique Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Silk Tabriz Prayer Rug, 19th Century
Located in San Francisco, CA
Silk Tabriz Prayer Rug, 19th C (4th Quarter)
This lustrous silk Persian prayer rug blends traditional Persian aesthetics with Neoclassical style. Prominent architectural columns fla...
Category
Late 19th Century Persian Antique Persian Rugs
Materials
Silk
Early 20th Century Sarouk Rug
Located in Chicago, IL
A early 20th century Persian Sarouk rug with a traditional pattern containing myriad clusters of flowers woven in light and dark indigo, cream, pink, and green, set against a crimson...
Category
1930s Persian Sarouk Farahan Vintage Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Antique Persian Bakshaish Carpet, 11
04 x 15
00
Located in Dallas, TX
78085 antique Persian Bakshaish rug 11'04 x 15'00. Imbued with austere elegance, earthy hues and rustic sensibility, this hand-knotted w...
Category
Early 20th Century Persian Jacobean Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Rustic Early 20th Century Handmade Persian Serab Runner
Located in New York, NY
An antique Persian Serab rug in runner format with a rustic appeal handmade during the early 20th century.
Measures: 2' 1" x 12' 1"
Persian Rugs
Carpets:
Persia (Iran) i...
Category
Early 20th Century Persian Rustic Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Antique Camel Hair Serab Rug Runner
Located in Katonah, NY
:: Triple center medallion in single column with sharp serrated contour all in diamond shaped contour with field overlays in an intricate checkered concentric layered reciprocating m...
Category
1910s Persian Other Vintage Persian Rugs
Materials
Other
Persian Antique Tribal Rug
Located in San Diego, CA
This stunning piece is from Northwest in Iran. Northwest refers to a diverse group of antique Persian rugs from west of Tehran, north of Bijar and south of Tabriz. The colors in this...
Category
1930s Persian Vintage Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
1910
s Persian Kashan Vase Carpet with Traditional Style
Located in Dallas, TX
76886 Antique Persian Kashan Vase Rug with Traditional Style 04'04 x 06'05. Vibrant colors with beguiling ambiance, this hand knotted wool antique Pers...
Category
Early 20th Century Persian Kashan Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Antique Persian Ghashghaei Runner
Located in WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA
Rug Number
32050
Size
3' 5" x 15' 0"
Design
Antique Persian Ghashghaei Runner
Collection
Antique/Vintage
Material
Wool
Texture
Pile Weave
Origin
Iran
Age
Antique/Vintage
Category
1910s Persian Vintage Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Antique Persian Tabriz Rug
Located in New York, NY
Antique Persian Tabriz rug, size: 12'6" x 18'6".
Category
1890s Persian Antique Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
$72,000
Distressed Antique Persian Mahal Runner with Modern Rustic Shaker Style
Located in Dallas, TX
60877 Distressed Antique Persian Mahal runner with Modern Rustic Shaker style 03'04 x 10'02. With its timeless design and moder...
Category
Early 20th Century Persian Malayer Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Antique Persian Khorassan Rug Doris Leslie Blau
Located in New York, NY
Antique Persian Khorassan Rug
Size: 15'10" × 24'9" (482 × 754 cm)
This majestic antique Persian Khorassan rug, dating back to the early 20th century, embodies the refined elegance an...
Category
Early 20th Century Persian Khorassan Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Vintage Persian Heriz 5
0
x 6
10
Located in New York, NY
Looks like a room size, but this uncommon scatter format NW Persian village scatter shows a vivid natural dye palette with a tomato madder red field centred by a partially stepped na...
Category
1940s Persian Heriz Serapi Vintage Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool, Cotton
$3,960 Sale Price
74% Off
Beautiful Small Vintage Persian Kilim Rug 6
2" x 7
7"
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful Small Vintage Persian Kilim Rug. Country of Origin: Vintage Persian / Circa Date: Mid 20th Century
Category
Mid-20th Century Persian Kilim Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Antique Persian Tabriz Rug
Located in New York, NY
An early 20th century Persian Tabriz. Since the 19th century, Iran started exporting artisan carpets around the world, especially to Europe. Artists used one of the three versions of...
Category
20th Century Persian Tabriz Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
$37,000 Sale Price
20% Off
1940’s Persian Azerbaijan Carpet with Modern Style
Located in Dallas, TX
75380 Vintage Red Persian Azerbaijan Rug Runner, 03'07 x 11'06. Persian Azerbaijan rugs, originating from the Azerbaijan region in northwestern Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan, a...
Category
Mid-20th Century Persian Kazak Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Late 19th Century Antique Persian Tabriz Carpet with Traditional Style
Located in Dallas, TX
77178 Late 19th Century Antique Persian Tabriz Rug, 14'07 x 21'07. Woven with reverence for a golden age of Persian artistry, this hand-knotted wool antique Tabriz rug from the Late 19th Century echoes the grandeur of the legendary Ardabil Carpet...
Category
Late 19th Century Persian Tabriz Antique Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Persian Tehran Antique Rug in Beautiful Persian Blue and Saffron Yellow Border
Located in Atlanta, GA
Antique Persian Tehran rug in beautiful Persian blue and saffron yellow. Keivan Woven Arts / rug EMA-7515, country of origin / type: Iran / Tehran, circa 1920. Unique Persian Tehran ...
Category
Early 20th Century Persian Tabriz Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Distressed Antique Turkish Oushak Rug with Rustic Arts
Crafts Style
Located in Dallas, TX
53390, distressed antique Turkish Oushak rug with Rustic Arts & Crafts style. With rustic charm and timeless appeal in an earthy-inspired colorway, this distressed antique Turkish Ou...
Category
Early 20th Century Persian Modern Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Antique Caucasian Kazak Oriental Rug in Runner Size with Paisley Design
Located in New York, NY
Antique Caucasian Kazak Oriental Carpet, Runner size, circa 1890.
A one-of-a-kind antique Caucasian Kazak Oriental Carpet, hand-knotted with soft wool pile. This lovely hand-knott...
Category
1890s Caucasian Antique Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
$5,116 Sale Price
20% Off
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.
Still Thinking About These?
All Recently ViewedMore Ways To Browse
Porcelain Black Cat
Porcelain Bronze Bird
Porcelain Heron
Porcelain Japanese Statues
Pot A Feu
Pottery Mexican Animal
Powell Antique Furniture
Queen Victoria Of England
Rabbit 1930
Rabbit Bowl
Red Chinoiserie Chest
Red Marble Clock
Religious Church Statue Of Jesus
Resin Sculpture 1960s
Restraint Furniture
Rhino Ceramic
Rob Roy
Robert Lorimer