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Persian Rugs

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Persian Rugs For Sale
Early 20th Century Persian Kirman Rug
Located in Chicago, IL
A stunning and rare early 20th century Persian Kirman rug with the most elaborately woven pattern with myriad swirling trees and flowering vines culminating with two birds sitting on...
Category

1940s Persian Kirman Vintage Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Early 20th Century Persian Malayer Carpet ( 4 x 6 6" - 122 x 198 )
Located in New York, NY
Early 20th Century Persian Malayer Carpet ( 4' x 6'6" - 122 x 198 )
Category

1910s Persian Malayer Vintage Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Peach Persian Heriz Antique Wool Rug Featuring a Medallion Motif From The 1920s
Located in Norwalk, CT
This antique Persian Heriz rug features a captivating allover pattern with shades of blue, rust, brown, and ivory on a peach field. It is hand-knotted using wool. This rug measures ...
Category

1920s Persian Heriz Serapi Vintage Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Oversized Late 19th Century Antique Persian Serapi Rug, 16 04 x 22 05
Located in Dallas, TX
74044 Oversized Late 19th Century Antique Persian Serapi Rug, 16'04 x 22'05. This magnificent hand-knotted wool antique Persian Serapi rug epitomizes the grandeur and elegance of 19th-century Persian artistry. Its breathtakingly abrashed red field serves as the perfect backdrop for a concentric octofoil medallion, exuding an air of regal sophistication. The central medallion is anchored by graceful palmette pendants at each end, evoking a sense of symmetry and refinement that is characteristic of classic Serapi designs. As the medallion blooms outward, the richly detailed pattern draws the viewer's eye to the interplay of vibrant colors and meticulous details that unfold throughout the field. Surrounding the medallion is an enchanting array of geometric floral motifs, delicately arranged in a rhythmic pattern. Each element—serrated leaves, stylized florals, rectilinear vinery, buds, and rosettes—adds to the complexity of the design, while the use of bold and contrasting hues creates a visually captivating tapestry. The corner spandrels, reflecting the motifs within the main field, are outlined with elegant cloudband accents, adding a touch of ethereal beauty to the composition. The interplay of colors, from the deep indigo blues to the rich reds and beige highlights, showcases the weaver’s mastery of natural dyes and nuanced color gradations. Framing this harmonious design is a classic samovar turtle scroll border, a hallmark of fine Serapi rugs. This traditional border, with its stylized florals and curling vinery, is flanked by a double inner and outer carnation meander guard band that unifies the composition. The elegant framing not only defines the central field but also draws the colors and motifs from within, creating a seamless transition that enhances the overall sense of balance and harmony. The meticulous detailing and proportionate layout reflect the influence of both tribal and courtly weaving traditions, making this oversized antique Serapi rug a rare blend of sophistication and rustic charm. Steeped in history, this exquisite Serapi rug is more than just a decorative piece—it is a testament to the rich weaving heritage of Northwest Persia. Such oversized Serapi rugs were woven for grand interiors, gracing the floors of opulent residences and state buildings with their majestic presence. The rug’s exceptional artistry and luxurious appeal make it a true collector’s item, capturing the essence of Persian elegance and timeless beauty. Whether displayed as the focal point of a grand living space or as a statement piece in a hospitality setting, this masterpiece exudes an undeniable sense of history and artistic mastery. Rendered in variegated shades of brick red, ruby red, crimson, in +blue, navy blue, cerulean, royal blue, beige, sand, tan, ecru, taupe, dark rose, and sky blue with other accent colors. Abrash. Hand-knotted wool. Made in Iran (Persia). Hotel Lobby Size Carpet 16 x 22 Rug...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Serapi Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Sarouk Persian Room Sized Wool Carpet C1930
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique Sarouk Persian Room Sized Wool Carpet C1930. Measures - 146"L x 106.5"W. A fine antique Sarouk Persian carpet from circa 1930, featuring wool construction, intricate flor...
Category

20th Century Persian Sarouk Farahan Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian Serapi Oversize Rug
Located in New York, NY
An antique Persian Serapi 15' x 22 oversize rug handmade during the early 20th century. Measures: 15' 2" x 22' 0".
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Heriz Serapi 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 Gold Floral Kirman Lavar Rug, circa 1880s-1900s
Located in New York, NY
The carpets produced in Lavar are often included in the general category of Kerman rugs (as Lavar is a small village located 80 miles north of Kerman), yet the reputation of this sma...
Category

1880s Persian Kirman Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Oversize Antique Persian Ivory and Blue Floral Kirman Rug, circa 1920s
Located in New York, NY
Kirman is an ancient city, with an incredible history going back over a thousand years. Marco Polo was one of the first westerners to view Kirman rugs. The city is located in the cen...
Category

1920s Persian Kirman Vintage Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Rug Kilim’s Contemporary Kilim in Aubergine and Chartreuse Green Stripes
Located in Long Island City, NY
This contemporary 7x10 kilim rug is from an exciting new collection in Rug & Kilim's modern flat weaves. On the Design: Handwoven in wool, this new style of our “Rez” Collect...
Category

2010s Persian Kilim Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Wonderful Red and Blue Color with Geometric Design Antique Serapi Rug
Located in New York, NY
19th Century N.W. Persian Serapi Carpet ( 12'6" x 14'6" - 382 x 442 )
Category

1880s Persian Serapi Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Rare Light Blue and Jewel Tones Antique 19th Century Persian Heriz Serapi Carpet
Located in New York, NY
19th Century N.W. Persian Serapi Carpet ( 10'2" x 15'2" - 310 x 462 )
Category

1880s Persian Serapi Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Garden Box Design Antique Persian Tabriz Room Size Rug
Located in New York, NY
A room size antique Persian Tabriz Oriental rug woven early 20th century with a garden box all over design in earth tones Measures: 10' 12'11''.    
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Romantic Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

8 x11 1" Terracotta Red Vintage Persian Joshagan Hand Knotted Wool Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Terracotta Red, Vintage Persian Joshagan with Geometric Medallion, Worn Down, Sheared Low, Zero Pile, Evenly Worn, Sides and Ends Professionally Secured, Hand Knotted, 100% Wool, Ori...
Category

1960s Persian Bohemian Vintage Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Hadji Jalili Tabriz Animal Pictorial Prayer Rug
Located in New York, NY
A remarkable late 19th-century pictorial tree of life Tabriz rug woven by Hadji Jalili workshop in the city of Tabriz. Predominant colors in salmon orange and blues The weave, crafts...
Category

19th Century Persian Tabriz Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Modern Sultanabad Handmade Floral Beige and Gray Square Wool Rug
Located in Norwalk, CT
Beautiful modern Sultanabad hand-knotted wool rug with a beige field. This Sultanabad rug has brown, gray, and blue accents in a gorgeous all-over classic floral pattern design. T...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Persian Oushak Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Early 20th Century Handmade Persian Malayer Throw Rug
Located in New York, NY
An antique Persian Malayer throw rug handmade during the early 20th century. Measures: 3' 9" x 4' 10".
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Rustic Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Early 20th Century Handmade Persian Tabriz Accent Rug
Located in New York, NY
An antique Persian Tabriz accent rug handmade during the early 20th century. Measures: 4' 0" x 5' 5" Persian rugs carpets: Persia (Iran) is a moderately large country with a ...
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Rustic Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Art Deco Wool and Silk, Black and Cream, Persian Carpet, Orley Shabahang, 10x14
Located in New York, NY
This wool and silk, black and cream Persian carpet inspired by Art Deco traditions measures 10' x 14.' Simple and elegant, "Agora" utilizes contrasting black and cream tones to creat...
Category

2010s Persian Art Deco Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Silk

Vintage Persian Heriz Rug with Modern English Manor House Style
Located in Dallas, TX
76194 Vintage Persian Heriz rug with Modern English Manor House style. Full of character and stately presence, this vintage Persian Heriz rug features classical elements of Persian r...
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Heriz Serapi Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Large Oversize Persian Red Floral Sarouk Rug, c. 1920s
Located in New York, NY
Sarouk is a small village and its neighboring villages in Northwestern Iran. Most Sarouk carpets follow a very distinctive design and is depended on floral sprays and bouquets. T...
Category

1920s Persian Sarouk Farahan Vintage Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Vintage Gabbeh Persian Rug in Brown with Diamond Medallions - Rug Kilim
Located in Long Island City, NY
This vintage 4x7 Persian Gabbeh rug is the latest grand entry to Rug & Kilim’s curation of rare tribal pieces. Hand-knotted in wool circa 1950-1960. On the Design: A compelling ex...
Category

1950s Persian Tribal Vintage Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Early 20th Century Persian Sarouk Rug
Located in Chicago, IL
A petite early 20th century Persian Sarouk rug with a floral pattern woven in light and dark indigo, green, pink, and cream, set against a coral background, and surrounded by a petit...
Category

1930s Persian Sarouk Farahan Vintage Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Persia Sultanabad Wool 8x10 Ivory, Tan, Green Red Handmade Area Rug
Located in Houston, TX
Condition: New Origin: Persia Design: Sultanabad Actual Size: 8 x 10.1 Color: Ivory, Rust, Light Blue, Brown, Tan, Red Content: Wool  RN: 1143039
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Persian Sultanabad Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Late 19th Century N.W. Persian Serapi Carpet ( 9 6" x 13 - 290 x 396 )
Located in New York, NY
Late 19th Century N.W. Persian Serapi Carpet ( 9'6" x 13' - 290 x 396 )
Category

1890s Persian Serapi Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Elegant Terracotta Antique Mohajeran Persian Sarouk Rug
Located in New York, NY
Stunning early 20th century Persian Sarouk Mohajeran Rug with a terracotta field, accents in robin egg blue, green, the border is navy. circa 1910. Measures: 3'5" x 4'7" Before...
Category

Early 20th Century Persian British Colonial Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Early 20th Century Handmade Persian Malayer Throw Rug
Located in New York, NY
An antique Persian Malayer throw rug handmade during the early 20th century. Measures: 3' 6" x 6' 6".
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Rustic Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Late 19th Century N.W. Persian Carpet ( 11 8" x 18 10" - 356 x 574 )
Located in New York, NY
Late 19th Century N.W. Persian Carpet ( 11'8" x 18'10" - 356 x 574 )
Category

Early 1900s Persian Serapi Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Vintage Gabbeh Persian Rug, Beige with Brown Animal Pictorials - Rug Kilim
Located in Long Island City, NY
This vintage 3x6 Persian Gabbeh rug is the latest grand entry to Rug & Kilim’s curation of rare tribal pieces. Hand-knotted in wool circa 1950-1960. On the Design: This vintage Ga...
Category

1950s Persian Tribal Vintage Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Vintage Persian Wool Rug with Stylized Animal Motif, Green and Ivory, 2x3
Located in New York, NY
Playful yet sophisticated, this small Persian carpet from the 1990s features a stylized animal at its center, framed by trees, floral motifs, and a patterned border in earthy tones. ...
Category

1990s Persian Primitive Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Heriz Carpet 3.44m x 2.63m
Located in St. Albans, GB
A beautiful antique Heriz carpet, handwoven circa 1910 with a traditional geometrical design on a terracotta field and deep indigo border. A particularly well balanced design with la...
Category

1910s Vintage Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Refined Sand Background Allover Floral Design Century Sultanabad Persian Rug
Located in New York, NY
Late 19th Century Persian Sultanabad Carpet ( 8'6" x 8'10" - 260 x 270 )
Category

Early 1900s Persian Sultanabad Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Early 20th Century 26 X42 Palace Sized Antique Laristan Wool Handmade Rug
Located in Houston, TX
Ashly Fine Rugs presents an original 26'X42" Antique Laristan Palace Rug circa 1910. This rug was custom-made for the Penn Mutual Life Insurance Corp. in 1910 the construction of the...
Category

1910s Indian Agra Vintage Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian Bidjar Rug
Located in New York, NY
An antique Persian Bidjar carpet from the turn of the 20th century.
Category

Early 1900s Persian Tribal Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian Gold Navy Blue Ivory Floral Millefleur Kirman Rug
Located in New York, NY
Kirman is an ancient city, with an incredible history going back over a thousand years. Marco Polo was one of the first westerners to view Kirman rugs. The city is located in the central south-eastern section of Iran, in the province that bears its name. Kirman carpets are perhaps one of the most recognizable within the antique Persian rug category. A typical pattern for Kerman rugs and carpets is a floral or architectural theme in the main border with a central medallion in the field. Other patterns include the finer Kirman Lavar style with garden, tree-of-life, vase, and all-over millefleur designs, or the many pictorials which tell the story of a significant figure or event in history. The vase design carpets originated during the Safavid dynasty, and are among the greatest masterpieces of Persian weaving. A stunning pattern of vines and palmettes derived from classical Persian Kirman unfolds elegantly across the rich ground of this sumptuous antique Persian Kirman carpet. This carpet has a full pile and measures 9.10 x 12.8 ft and is from circa 1940s. This rug can be used on the floor or as a wall hanging antique tapestry rug...
Category

1940s Persian Kirman Vintage Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Wonderful Early 20th Century Oushak Rug
Located in Chicago, IL
A wonderful early 20th century Turkish Oushak rug with an incredible brilliant pea green vegetable dyed wool field, surrounded by a wide crimson border with an amazing large-scale fl...
Category

1910s Turkish Oushak Vintage Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Nazmiyal Collection Antique Persian Serapi Rug 11 ft 10 in x 18 ft
Located in New York, NY
Large Intricate Warm Tone Antique Persian Serapi Rug, Country of Origin: Persia, Circa Date: 1890
Category

19th Century Persian Heriz Serapi Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Early 20th Century Persian Malayer Rug
Located in Chicago, IL
A beautiful early 20th century Persian Malayer rug with a bold tribal pattern woven with stylized floral forms woven in varying shades of crimson, light and dark indigo, natural undy...
Category

1930s Persian Malayer Vintage Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Zabihi Collection Persian Bakhtiari Accent Rug
Located in New York, NY
an accent size 1920s Earth-toned Persian Baktiari Rug Details rug no. j4636 size 4' 1" x 6' 6" (124 x 198 cm)
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

12 2"x14 7" Antique Persian Bidjar Brown Wool on Wool Hand Knotted 1880s 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

1880s Persian Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Zabihi Collection Red Persian Antique Bidjar Accent Square Small Rug
Located in New York, NY
an early 20th Century Persian Bidjar Rug with a classic medallion and border design on a red field Details rug no. j2571 size 3' 9" x 4' 9" (114 x 145 cm)
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Adirondack Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Excellent Navy Background Color with Geometric Design Antique Persian Serapi Rug
Located in New York, NY
Late 19th Century N.W. Persian Serapi Carpet ( 12'6" x 18'9" - 382 x 572 )
Category

1890s Persian Serapi Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Early 20th Century Handmade Persian Malayer Accent Rug
Located in New York, NY
An antique Persian Malayer accent rug handmade during the early 20th century. Measures: 3' 11" x 6' 1".
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Rustic Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Rug Kilim’s Contemporary Kilim in Beige, Blue Gold Stripes
Located in Long Island City, NY
Handwoven in wool, this 7x9 Kilim os from a bold new line of contemporary flatweaves by Rug & Kilim. On the Design: Connoting a modern take on Classic panel-weaving, our latest “R...
Category

2010s Persian Modern Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Handmade Vintage Persian Gashkai Flatweave Runner Rug 3.4 x 11 , 1970s - 1N66
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Immerse yourself in the timeless artistry of this vintage Persian Gashkai kilim rug, a 1970s masterpiece handcrafted with exceptional skill. Measuring 104 cm x 337 cm (3.4 ft x 11 ft...
Category

1970s Vintage Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Emerald Green Botanical Antique Persian Kashan Rug
Located in New York, NY
An early 20th century Beautiful Persian Kashan rug Measures: 4'5'' x 6'9''. .
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Romantic Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Zabihi Collcetion Persian Malayer Tribal Accent Rug
Located in New York, NY
An antique Persian Malayer scatter size rug from the 2nd quarter of the 20th century in blue, brown, sand, gray, and camel tones Measures: 4'7” x 7'3''.
Category

Early 20th Century Persian American Classical Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Allover Designed Handmade Mahal Wool Rug In Gray From The 1900s
Located in Norwalk, CT
A Persian Mahal from the 20th century, this handwoven wool rug exemplifies the refined village weaving traditions of the Mahallat region. The spacious field is adorned with an allove...
Category

20th Century Persian Islamic Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Malayer Persian Wool Runner Rug
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique Malayer Persian Wool Runner Rug. It is beautifully worn and thread baring. Edge wear illustrated.
Category

1890s Persian Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Mid-20th Century Handmade Persian Pictorial Tabriz Hunting Ground Carpet
Located in New York, NY
A vintage Persian Tabriz pictorial hunting ground room size carpet handmade during the mid-20th century. Measures: 9' 11" x 12' 7".
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Folk Art Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Ararat Rugs Palmettes and Flowers Lattice Rug Bidjar Revival Carpet Natural Dyed
Located in Tokyo, JP
This offset pattern is composed of palmettes and flowers, one has the impression that it is only part of a larger scheme designed for 19th-century rugs from the Bidjar region, Easter...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Revival Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Natural Fiber, Organic Material

Mid-20th Century Persian Tabriz Carpet with Silk Highlights
Located in New York, NY
Mid-20th Century Persian Tabriz Carpet with Silk Highlights 4' x 6'9''.
Category

1940s Persian Vintage Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Silk

Antique Khotan Rug with Lattice Design
Located in New York, NY
This luminous antique Khotan rug from East Turkestan features a mesmerizing lattice pattern rendered in soft shades of apricot, silver-blue, and ochre. Measuring 4 feet by 6 feet, t...
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Antique Persian Serapi Carpet, Handmade Wool Oriental Rug Ivory, Rust
Located in Port Washington, NY
Extremely Rare size, which leads us to believe this carpet originally was a custom order for a Nobel Family. Antique Serapi carpets are one of the most sought after rugs particularly in America and England for many years. Antique Serapi rugs are a major draw particularly in big city America. Serapi carpets were woven on the level of small workshop with multiple weavers working several years to complete each rug. Highly skilled artisans, they continually reinterpreted the design as they wove, creating highly spontaneous and inventive artistry. Measures: 16'2" x 18'2". Serapi is a term that is a mystery in the Persian antique carpet market. There is no location or tribe of this name. Sarab, also spelled Saab, a town in northwestern Persia, is known for weaving only runners with a camel hair pile during the nineteenth century. "Serapi" may be a nickname given by American dealers...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Serapi Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Early 20th Century Chinese Art Deco Rug
Located in Chicago, IL
A charming early 20th century Chinese Art Deco rug with a sweet colors palette with a mint green field surrounded by a wide gold border, and all overlaid with myriad flowers includin...
Category

1920s Chinese Art Deco Vintage Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Zabihi Collection Antique Persian Senneh Accent Rug
Located in New York, NY
early 20th century Persian Senneh Accent Size Antique Rug Details rug no. j3195 size 4' 6" x 6' 6" (137 x 198 cm) Antique Senneh rugs are one of the most distinctive of all Persian...
Category

20th Century Persian American Colonial Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Early 20th Century Persian Lavar Kirman Rug
Located in Chicago, IL
One of the best early 20th century Persian Lavar Kirman rugs we've ever seen! The patten is extraordinary with an all-over floral cluster pattern woven in traditional Kirman colors o...
Category

1910s Persian Kirman Vintage Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian Tabriz Brown Wool Rug Handmade with Floral Pattern
Located in Norwalk, CT
Discover the charm of an oversized, hand-knotted wool antique Tabriz rug. This rug features a stunning all-over design enriched with blue and rust accents, beautifully set against a ...
Category

19th Century Persian Islamic Antique Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Vintage Distressed Persian Tabriz Rug in Light Blue and Earth Tones
Located in Atlanta, GA
Vintage Muted Persian Tabriz Rug With Large Tribal Medallion in Earthy Tones. Vintage Distressed Persian Rug. Keivan Woven Arts / rug CR...
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Tabriz Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Tribal Persian Shiraz Red Rug
Located in San Diego, CA
This beautiful rug is an authentic piece originating from Shiraz, Iran, a region celebrated for its rich tradition of hand woven rugs. Crafted entirely from wool, both the pile and f...
Category

1960s Persian Tribal 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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