The Handcrafted Persian Area Rug

The handmade Persian area rug – an introduction

Without a doubt, when people talk about the different types of area rugs, especially the finer, more luxurious and high end rugs and even expensive area rugs, most people will automatically think of the handcrafted Persian area rug. But what is a Persian rug and what makes it to ionic? In this article we shall explore the main aspects of the iconic handmade area rugs from Persia.

Shop Antique Persian Rugs | Shop Modern and Vintage Persian Rugs

Learn: What’s so special about Persian rugs | What are the most popular Persian rugs | Persian rug colors and their meanings | Interior decorating with antique Persian rugs | The Complete History and Timeline of Persian Rugs

For starters, what is a Persian rug?

By definition, a “Persian rug” is any area rug that was woven and made in the territories of Persia which is known these days as the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Is an Iranian rug the same as a Persian rug?

Yes, the both Iran and Persia are considered to be the same. That said, since Persia was the old name of the empire that sat where the modern day country of Iran is today, many will call modern Persian rugs “Iranian rugs” and will reserve the term “Persian rug” for the older rugs of the same origin.

View rugs by their place of origin

How can you tell if a Persian rug is real?

In all honesty, unless you actually saw the rug being woven in Iran or you are an actual rug expert, it would be close to impossible for you to know if a Persian rug is truly Persian / Iranian or not.

What is a modern vs vintage vs antique Persian area rug?

The terms “modern”, “vintage” and “antique” all denote a period of time.

• A modern Persian rug – is a newly made contemporary area rug that was never used and woven in the modern day country of Iran.
• A vintage Persian rug – is a rug that was woven in the modern day country of Iran between 20 years ago and 60 years ago.
• An antique Persian rug – is a rug that is at least 80 years or older and was woven in the modern day country of Iran.

Shop All Antique Rugs | Shop All Vintage Rugs | Shop All Modern Area Rugs

Is an Oriental rug and a Persian rug the same thing?

Not exactly. An “Oriental rug” is a rug that was woven anywhere in continent of Asia while a “Persian rug” is an area rug that was woven specifically in what is the country of Iran today. So while all “Persian rugs” are also “Oriental rugs”, not all “Oriental rugs” are “Persian rugs”.

Learn: Oriental Rug History |  Oriental Rugs Explained | Shop Modern Oriental Area Rugs

What is the difference between a Persian rug and a Persian carpet?

A Persian carpet is larger size Persian rug but we are splitting hairs here since the terms “carpet” and “rug” refer to a rug size but really, they can be and are being used interchangeably.

Learn more about the difference between a rug and a carpet

Do Persian rugs have labels on?

Some do and some don’t. But regardless, a tag is just something that anyone could attach so anything that you see written on a tag should be taken with some skepticism.

How do you know if a handcrafted Persian area rug is made of silk or wool?

Conducing a “burn test” is the quickest, easiest and best way of knowing if a fiber is wool or silk would be.

The silk vs wool burn test:

• • Snip a small sample of the fiber and carefully burn it with a flame.
    • Wool will smell like burning hair, and the ash will be brittle and crumble easily.
    • Silk will smell like burning paper or charred meat, and the ash will be smooth and crushable.

Shop All Silk Persian Rugs | Shop All Silk Area Rugs | Shop All Wool Rugs

What is most common material used in making a Persian rug?

Wool is by far the most common material used when weaving a Persian rug.

Learn: What Kind of Material is Best for a Rug?

Is a “signed” Persian area rug more valuable?

For the most part, no, a signature on a Persian rug will rarely impact the value of the rug.

Learn more about how carpet and rug prices, costs and values are determined

Can I bring a Persian rug into the USA?

Currently there is an embargo on the importation of any Persian / Iranian made goods. So you can’t import or export a Persian rug without prior authorization and a license obtained from the Office Of Foreign Assets Control.

How can you tell if a Persian rug is good quality?

To know is a Persian rug is of “good quality” it would be best to have the Persian rug evaluated by an expert.

But if you want to try and figure out if a Persian rug is a good quality on your own:

• Examine the craftsmanship:
  • Check the tightness and consistency of the weaving. A high-quality rug will have evenly spaced and tightly woven knots.
  • Look for fine, intricate designs and patterns. The more detailed and complex the patterns, the more skilled the weaver’s work is likely to be.
• Check the knot density:
  • Knot density refers to the number of knots per square inch. Generally, higher knot density indicates better craftsmanship and finer detail.

Learn: Different Types Of Rug Knots and Knots Per Square Inch / KPSI | How Rugs and Carpets are Woven | Weaving Rugs and How Area Rugs Are Made

*Keep in mind that knot density can vary based on the specific area rug style and its intended use. For instance, finely woven area rugs from silk might have much higher rug knot density than the more tribal rugs made from wool.

• Design and Pattern Clarity:
  • Examine the design and patterns on the rug. A finely woven high-quality rug will usually features well-defined, curvilinear and intricate patterns with smooth transitions between colors.

Learn: Area Rug Patterns And Motifs Explained | View Area Rugs By Designs and Carpet Patterns | Guide to Rug Symbols and Their Meanings

Is a handmade Persian area rug considered a good investment?

Just like investing in stocks or art, investing in a Persian rug can be a complex decision that depends on several factors. While some Persian rugs have historically appreciated in value, there are risks and considerations to take into account when viewing any rug as an investment. That is why we tell people not to think “investment” when they are shopping for rugs top buy for their home.

Learn: Are Old Rugs Worth Money? | Investing In Rugs

How long does Persian rug last?

With proper care and maintenance, a good Persian rug can last well over 200 years.

Learn: What Makes Area Rugs Durable

Should you put a pad under a Persian rug?

Yes, mostly for the safety of the people in the house, you should place a pad under any rug you buy to keep it from sliding.

Learn more about why is it important to have a rug pad under your area rugs

How do you clean a Persian rug?

If you happened to have a substantial spill on a Persian rug then you should probably reach out to professional rug cleaning company. But if it is small and you want to try on your own then  make sure to test a small area first and use only watered down basic cleaning solutions like simple dishwashing soap. Use a toothbrush to apply and rub a small amount of the solution on the stain. Then use a clean fabric to blot the area and hopefully “lift” the stain out. If that fails, or if you see that colors in the rug start to bleed and run, then you should stop and call a professional.

Learn: How To Maintain And Clean A Rug At Home | How To Care For Your Area Rug | How To Care For Your Modern Rugs | How To Handle Moth Infested Rugs

What is the best brand of Persian rug?

There is no one brand that is considered the best Persian rug maker or Persian rug seller. When it comes to area rugs, even Persian, each rug should be assessed individually to see if it is truly one of the best area rugs of its kind or not.

Why do people look for a handcrafted Persian area rug specifically when they shop for rugs?

People often seek out a Persian rug for several reasons. Each reason stems from the unique quality and characteristic that a Persian rug has to offer.

Some of the reasons why a person would seek out and buy a handcrafted Persian area rug specifically are:

• Status and Prestige: Owning a genuine Persian rug can convey a sense of status and prestige. These rugs have been associated with luxury and opulence for centuries, and owning one can be a symbol of refined taste and appreciation for artistry.
• Cultural Heritage and Artistry: The Persian rug has a rich cultural heritage and is considered a work of art. The intricate designs, patterns, and weaving techniques reflect the artistic traditions and craftsmanship of various regions in Iran. Many buyers are drawn to the historical significance and cultural value of these beautiful area rugs.
• Unique Aesthetic Appeal: The combination of vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and meticulous craftsmanship creates a visual appeal that’s hard to replicate. A good Persian rug often serves as focal points in a room, enhancing its overall aesthetic.
• Investment Potential: As mentioned earlier, some Persian rugs have historically appreciated in value, making them appealing to rug buyers who view them as potential investments.
• Quality Craftsmanship: The better Persian rugs are known for their exceptional quality and attention to detail. Skilled artisans handcraft each rug using traditional methods that have been passed down through generations. The meticulous knotting, color blending, and design intricacies set these rugs apart.

Learn: Shopping For Area Rugs Online vs Buying Rugs In Person | In-Depth and Comprehensive Rug Buying Guide | Rug Mistakes – Know What To Avoid When Buying An Area Rug | Top 7 Shopping Tips For Buying Area Rugs | How To Find The Best Rug Dealers & Stores

This rug blog about the handcrafted Persian area rug was published by Nazmiyal Rugs