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Antique Rugs From Persia

Persian Antique Rugs

Antique Carpets from Persia – Perhaps the most important contribution to the cultural art world given by the old Persians was the Persian carpet and the countless iterations that followed. Indeed, antique Persian carpets – that is, antique carpets from Persia (modern Iran) that are at least 80 years old – are some of the finest examples of art from the time and place from which they originate. The complex of techniques and high quality ingredients used by the rug craftsmen ensured that each piece was a beautiful and unique piece of art and an incomparable piece of craftsmanship. Natural dyes, silk and wool yarns, and hand-weaving all ensured that every piece was owned like no other and would last for decades, and in many cases centuries. Antique Persian rugs are works of art.

Search our entire Antique Carpet Collection

They infuse their surroundings with warmth and beauty in a unique and effective way. Today, the best antique carpetsfrom Persia are appreciated all over the world for their fine weaving, beautiful colors and supreme tradition. Just standing in the same room with an authentic antique Persian rug can be a powerful experience – these magnificent works of art have the unique ability to instantly transport us through time and space to take us on an exhilarating journey into exotic, distant lands of bygone eras that are things of some of the most colorful thousands of stories. Historically, nomads, priests and kings alike used antique Persian rugs as furniture and ornaments. Today, older carpets and rugs from Persia are prized as works of art as well as investment pieces. This trend is fueled by an ever expanding number of collectors and scholars. The inherent beauty of antique Persian rugs, their unique compositions and rarities make them extremely desirable. The sheer variety of these weaves expertly crafted over the centuries is a strong testament to the rich cultural tradition from which they emerged.

A Brief History of Antique Persian Carpets and Rugs

Persia, now modern Iran, was an ancient and powerful empire that stretched from Africa to India. The time period between 1500 and 1736 AD is considered by many to be the pinnacle of its artistic expression similar to the European Renaissance. The ruling class at the time, called the Safavid dynasty, encouraged the arts of many kinds, including painting, calligraphy, and intricate perms. During this period, the modern day cities of Tabriz, Kerman, Herat and Isfahan became the main producers of fine carpets. Handcrafted rugs carpets with intricate designs inspired by Persian culture have been so well crafted that many have survived for hundreds of years. Passed down from generation to generation, they have become a living history. A testament to the rich heritage and culture, each Antique Persian carpet has its own history. In the 16th century, these carpets were exported all over the world, and in the 1850’s, especially in European countries like England and Germany. These Europeans encouraged the development of additional carpet manufacturing factories in the major cities of Tabriz, Kerman, mash and Sultanabad. The ruler at the time, Reza Shah Pahlavi, built a royal carpet and carpet factories producing the highest quality carpets in the region. Persian carpets are an important part of modern Iranian culture. Passed down from ancestors and representing a dying art form, they are priceless relics to cherish more than any other possession. Today, the Persian carpet industry is currently undergoing a rebirth, with a production rivaled at every moment, its history. Although, the ship moved from large industrial factories to small work shops and houses, some believe that this is a way of producing much more detail and adds to the uniqueness of each handmade rug. This uniqueness is what separates Persian rugs and carpets from all others. Intricate designs and colors are exotic to say the least, representing a rich history and the origin of this art form has evolved from over the past two thousand years. Not only are each rug unique, but each region has its own palette of colors, recurring themes and weaves stemming from a mixture of its indigenous and nomadic ancestors. Representing the rich history and origins of this art form has evolved over the past two thousand years. Not only are each rug unique, but each region has its own palette of colors, recurring themes and weaves stemming from a mixture of its indigenous and nomadic ancestors. representing the rich history and origins of this art form has evolved over the past two thousand years. Not only are each rug unique, but each region has its own palette of colors, recurring themes and weaves stemming from a mixture of its indigenous and nomadic ancestors.

What is the Difference Between Antique Persian Rugs and Antique Oriental Rugs

“Oriental carpet” is a broad, all-encompassing term that describes many different types of art. As such, there is a good amount of confusion and misunderstanding among the general population as to what the term means. In general, “oriental rugs” or “oriental rugs” are almost always pieces that are handcrafted, either with pile knot or lint-free woven. In addition, oriental rugs and carpets were woven by master weavers who lived in a massive geographic area: oriental carpets and rugs are those that were made in an area that stretches from Cyprus and Iran in the West to Turkey, China and Vietnam in the East, to the Caucasus in the north, and to India in the south. Naturally, each of these regions has its own distinctive culture, religious traditions and aesthetic ideals, – but each carpets are produced which, in the Western world, are called “Oriental”, which is simply the Latin word for “Oriental”. Because the term is so broad, the distinctive types of oriental carpets made throughout the oriental world are often named after the specific region from which they came. So an “oriental carpet” can be called “Antique Persian carpet,” “Central Asian carpet”, “Turkestanian carpet,” Chinese carpet “, and so on, depending on the specific region where it was made. Thus, all antique Persian carpets are oriental carpets, but not all oriental carpets are Persian carpets. The distinctive types of Oriental carpets made around the world are often called oriental by the specific region from which they came. So an “oriental carpet” can be called “Antique Persian carpet,” “Central Asian carpet”, “Turkestanian carpet,” Chinese carpet “, and so on, depending on the specific region where it was made. Thus, all antique Persian carpets are oriental carpets, but not all oriental carpets are Persian carpets. The distinctive types of Oriental carpets made around the world are often called oriental by the specific region from which they came. So an “oriental carpet” can be called “Antique Persian carpet,” “Central Asian carpet”, “Turkestanian carpet,” Chinese carpet “, and so on, depending on the specific region where it was made. Thus, all antique Persian carpets are oriental carpets, but not all oriental carpets are Persian carpets.

What are the antique Persian rug

There are several different qualities that make carpet and antique Persian rugs. Firstly, an Antique rug must be at least 80 years old – otherwise it is not an Antique rug at all. Moreover, in order for a piece to be considered an authentic Antique Persian rug, it must have been a hand knot in Persia – which is adjacent to the modern Iranian nation. The construction of these rugs is also important: the traditional Persian rug is connected with one cycle knot (Persian or Senneh knot). The vertical thread strands in a Persian rug have one loop. This use of a single knot is essential in establishing the identity of the place where the carpet was made and the artisans who made it. The source of rug designs can be misleading, as some rugs may be referred to as possessing “Persian designs if woven in another country,” in traditional Persian style. An example of this convention would be Indo-Persian carpets: those woven in India with elements of Persian design. It is an amazing fact that despite the inter-tribal wars, migrations, and commercial influences and uprisings that have affected the Eastern world over the past two thousand years, the methods of construction of the rug used in different cultures have changed very little over time. Weaving patterns of antique rugs from Persia are recognizable to the trained eye and have existed for many generations. When comparing carpets, the way to identify a knot was to use beveled open piles by bending the carpet against oneself and looking at the base of the knot. Historically, the largest carpet production centers that flourished in Persia are in Tabriz (1500-1550), Herat (1525-1650), Kashan (1525-1650) and Kerman (1600-1650). Many of the old Persian rugs from Tabriz have a central medallion, quartered corner medallions appear above the scroll vine decorations, accented with single animals or birds, battle scenes and equestrian hunters. Territory carpets were red, blue and white, but sometimes the colors were usually muted, partly because the sheep in the Northwest have coarse wool, but mainly because of the salt quality of the water used in the dyeing process. As many authorities believe, the most famous of Tabriz’s works are two Ardabil rugs in the permanent collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Los Angeles Country Museum. Herat rugs are characterized by a wine red field. They also depict scroll vine ornaments and palmettes with dark or light green or deep blue borders. They are known for their large decorations located around the middle of the field. The Herat and Herat pattern and borders are associated with his palmettes, the contours of clear and precise symmetry indicate the work of skilled craftsmen. Kashan is famous for its production of silk carpets (heaps as well as ground weaves). But this is most famous for three silk carpets hunting. These carpets depict the classic pattern of medallions, corners and a green field through which hunters on horseback chase lions, leopards, wolves and other animals. (Currently in the collection of the Vienna Museum of Applied Arts, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and the Stockholm Museum). Both silk and wool carpets are in a classic style with medallion patterns with floral decor areas, and repeating wreath or vase patterns. Starting in the second half of the 19th century, the importer of merino wool conceived the concept of restarting the industry. The largest “ustadan”, or weaver, Mohtashem, is responsible for these finely woven carpets, made in both wool and silk. Mohtashem Kashan are characteristic known for their purple or less commonly ruby ​​red silk binding used for the edges. It is the most highly regarded of all Kashan weaves. Kerman rugs have a unique structure called the ‘goblet technique’. Garden rugs (decorated gardens and waterway) and lancet trellis rugs are examples of this technique. Structures of fantastic complexity were executed. The most popular design in recent years uses a rose medallion and dense floral borders that often flow in a straight line in a field that is rich in a single color, most often red. Kerman rugs are distinguished by their lightness in their shades. Overall, antique Persian carpets are among the most varied and most beautifully made of all antique oriental carpets. The rich history of the cultural and historical background of ancient Persian carpets is one of the most interesting in the whole history of art. shedding light on a truly wonderful art form. There is an old Persian carpet out there for those who are looking, and that quest will undoubtedly be one rich, interesting and instructive experience. The world of antique Persian carpets is dynamic and as interesting as any in the world of art and history is still written today.

What is the difference between “carpet” and “carpet”?

The terms “carpet” and “carpet” are used interchangeably to some extent. Each term refers to flooring, but “official”, a technical distinction that separates carpet from carpet size. “Carpet” is the term used when referring to large carpets that cover most or even all of the room. Anything larger than 6 “x 9” is considered a rug. Anything less is considered a carpet.

Hand Rugs Against Crested or Machine Made Rugs

As the term implies, the carpets are not hand-woven. They are made by machines, looming on the computer generated by the apparatus. There are no nodes. Rather, the threads are looped or glued onto a plastic solid support that cools and hardens. They usually use cheaper inorganic materials, acrylics, or chemical materials that are not easy to clean or breathe. Because they are looming in one continuous reel, they cannot be damaged or manually repaired. They don’t have intricate designs that can only be achieved by tying a hand, and they don’t get better with age, are not collectible or retain their value. Handmade carpets are made by hand on a loom and each knot is knotted and tied. Pile wool and silk materials. The warp and weft threads, usually cotton, wool or silk. These natural materials are easy to clean. There is no glue or support residue. Wool breathes and natural dyes soften and develop a patina that ages gracefully. These highly collectible carpets improve with age and over the course of decades. Tufted carpets are handcrafted using a stitching gun. The process is faster than manually tying nodes. In tufted rug, the bottom of the piece is flat and no knots are visible. An adhesive used to keep the tufts in place. A combination of inorganic and organic dyes, and the pile material is often poly, synthetic, or sometimes organic wool. The model of the carpet is printed on the fabric material used as a base, making it easy to reproduce on a machine and therefore not unique.

Antique Oriental carpets from Persia as works

Antique Persian rugs are considered to be one of the highest levels of artistic sophistication attained by humanity. Thus, designers, artists and collectors crave these masterpieces. Today, Iranian rugs, both modern and antique, have found an ever expanding home in the art world. As Jason Nazmiyal says, “Carpets seem to me to be most effective to focus on bringing color, texture and design together in perfect balance and harmony.”

How are Names attributed to antique Persian rugs and carpets?

Heriz Serapi Rug

With the advent of various cultures of goods and art (in all its different forms) on the market, came the inevitable copying and constant modification of designs and motives. The design of the carpet, and in its personality, does not necessarily determine where it was made. Nor did he tell us who the people who author it were. In general, antique rugs from Persia get their names from options:

  • The tribes or people who weaved them (for example: Kurdish carpets were woven by the Kurdish people and since they were mostly nomadic, they did not designate a specific city or region)
  • Region (city, district, city, village) in which they were developed. (Ex: Tabriz rugs were woven in the city of Tabriz.)

Note: There are exceptions to this general rule, as is the case with Serapi rugs. In the case of Serapi rugs, the term Serapi refers to older and “better” carpets that were made in the city of Heriz.

Design Antique Persian Rugs

Rug design styles vary from region to region. Motifs found in antique Persian rugs widely include sophisticated stylized floral patterns as well as larger geometric motifs. The finer fabrics and intricate “city made” carpets (usually the finer the pieces of fabric in actual factories located in cities and industrial areas) tend to include medallions and finely executed floral motifs. The larger geometric “village” rugs of the industry (fabrics mainly in people’s homes) usually include more primitive, bold and geometric patterns. Note: It is rare to find antique Persian rugs depicting human or animal forms. The reason is that it is forbidden by Muslim doctrine. When found, those parts were most likely made for European or Western markets by special order.

Designs of Antique Oriental Rugs from Persia as a Family Business

Family weaving persian rug

Design styles were passed down through long lines of craftsmen within a tribe or group. Family members weaved next to each other. Weaving first for the family, then for the market. For the overall designer, individual identity was not important. What was important was to follow the traditional style exactly. Thereby ascribing signature patterns and motifs “tribe” to each carpet.

Dyes are used to make antique oriental carpets and rugs

Dyeing wool for Persian rugs

The dyes used in weaving antique Persian rugs are usually natural. This served to create brilliant, animated work with great depth of field. Recipes for dyeing fibers usually consist of berries, insects, minerals and seeds. The combinations were unique to the tribes. The weaving they used and the recipes were guarded as precious tribal secrets. The first chemical dyes were introduced to carpet markets in the mid 1800’s. Thus, it is not uncommon to see such dyes in late 19th century pieces.

The yarn is used in carpet weaving

Carpets of the nomadic people consisted exclusively of wool. Persian carpet materials were later expanded to include cotton and silk as well. It is not uncommon to see a rug made from more than one material. For example, many carpets consisted of cotton and a pile of wool warp.

Wool is used for Persian silk carpets

Wool is used for Persian silk carpets

Cocoons used for Persian rugs

Cocoons used for Persian rugs

Yarn plays an important role in the cost of a rug or rug. However, knots themselves play a big role. Whether silk on silk or wool on cotton, it is the quality of the weave that really matters. When the threads are weaved in such a way that creates an organized symphony color and design, then this element will make a big difference. Note: Persian carpet weavers either use 2-ply single yarns or strands.

Weave carpets and rugs

Weave is a major factor in texture and basis for comparison among carpet types. Note: In 1913, Walter A. Hawley was the first among Western authors to describe the characteristics of a structure that would be visible in various rugs.

Tufted carpets and rugs

Most immediately, a bunch of carpets are decorative alternatives to hides and sheepskin. They are developed out of necessity by the nomadic tribes. The height of the yarn pile that is tied to the structural warp (warp and weft). This gives the carpet both its texture and design. Note: the oldest known carpet pile (Pazyryk carpet) dates back to 600 BC. Note that the craft is believed to have existed before.

Carpet Foundation i.e. warp and weft

Persian Ducks Rug

Persian rug duck pattern

The warp consists of tightly stretched vertical warp threads. Warps work throughout the entire carpet from edge to edge. The duck stretches from side to side. They stretch throughout the rug and lie between the warp threads. The warp is sometimes referred to as “filler” as it is used to fill in the weft when creating designs.

About Weaving Persian Rugs and Antique Persian Rugs: How Long Does It Take?

Typically, a single carpet can take months or even years to create. The actual time depends on the size and quality of the carpet. The thinner the carpet, the longer it takes to create. Often many people will work side by side on the same carpet. This is part of the deep appeal and timeless quality of antique Persian carpets: their construction is a real art in itself, an art that results in material and lasting beautiful composition.

Hand Knotting Piled Carpets
  • Antique Handmade rugs are the only Persian / Iranian rugs.
  • Handmade carpets are more valuable than hand-crocheted or machine-made. This is mainly due to the labor intensity and exceptional level of skills required to complete projects
  • Handmade carpets are denser than their counterparts. This makes them stronger and more durable.
What is knot density?

Knot density refers to how many knots agglomerate per square inch. Although some consumers appreciate the density of the nodes. The astute collector knows that knots per square inch does not have to translate into a higher value piece.

If the rugs are handmade, does it mean that the rug is hand-knotted?

Not all rugs are hand knotted. Handmade can also refer to rugs and rugs with a tufted hand-tufted machine. Hand-tufted rugs are of inferior quality than hand-knotted carpets because they lack the artisanal craftsmanship and attention to detail that are so important in hand-knotting.

Was My Carpet Hand Knotted?

The easiest way to check if the rug or rug is hand-knotted is to fold a piece of the rug and locate the actual knot. If you can see that the knot has been tied around the foundation, then it is a hand knot. No machine woven carpet has the ability to actually make a knot.

Knot types used in making Rugs and rugs

Knot types used in antique Persian rugs include: Persian carpet knot techniqueTurkish carpet knot techniqueJufti knots

The two most commonly used knots in Persian weaving are Turkish (used in the Caucasus, in some Turkish and Kurdish regions of Iran, Turkey and Eastern Turkmenistan) and Persian knots (Turkey, Pakistan, Egypt, China and India). The Persian knot is usually used when weaving is thin carpets.Simply because it is usually much smaller than its counterparts. The wrapping is around one warp and then positioned behind the adjacent warp so that it separates the two ends of the thread, making a knot. A Turkish knot is made by passing between two adjacent skews, looping under one, wrapped around both, then pulled through the center. Both ends will come out between two skews. (Turkish knot pattern) tied with a double: the second knot sits in front of the first knot. Double knot technique, the second knot is not visible from the back.

Antique Persian Rugs Vs. Antique Iranian Rugs n: Are They The Same?

  • Antique rugs  are carpets that were made at least 80 years ago.
  • The number of antique Persian carpets will only diminish over time. This is one of the reasons why they are so important.

As Western influences expanded into the Middle East in the 20th century, primary cultures began to lose their autonomy. In people, the desire to maintain the traditional elaborating methods has disappeared and the original motives are slowly lost. The gap between antique carpets, and all those that follow the show, over time, that the quality of these parts has diminished at all levels.

How old is my Persian carpet?

  • Of all the factors of importance, Age is the easiest to quantify.
  • When it comes to carpets, the term “antique” refers to a piece that is at least eighty years old.

Authenticity Antique Persian Rugs

Authenticity also plays an important role in the appreciation of an antique carpet. The more history and art of a particular culture is represented in the design, and the more aesthetically pleasing the carpet as a whole, the more valuable the carpet. For example, the 16th century named after Shah Humayun was found by two after the artists were exiled to Persia for 10 years. When he returned to India and came to power again, he sent weavers to translate the style of the plaid artists. These rugs can still be found today. Their unique beauty and inherent history paradigm are examples of what makes antique oriental rugs so valuable.

What do people mean when it comes to the origins of the carpet?

In simple terms, the origin is where the object is passed from. When it comes to the origins of carpets and carpets, one is usually referring to the people who made the carpet, the region it is and who previously owned the part. What gives antique rugs its value, to what extent it reflects the culture of the era in which it was created.

Antique Persian rugs in general versus individual Persian

The weaver’s signature and technique can help in determining where the carpet was made. She can also help with what the style of the carpet exhibits, and naturally, who the weaver was.

Urban cities have traditionally promoted Persian carpet weaving as a commercial industry. Certain types of manufactures’ products were strongly influenced by the market demands of the time. On the helmets of such manufactories, there were carpet weavers who chose colors and organized the weavers. These master weavers developed from a personal identity that replaced group identity and in such cases, folk crafts gave way to conscious visual art forms. Today, these masterpieces can be found in museum collections such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art.style=”vertical-align: inherit;”>They can also be found in fine antique carpet galleries.

Antique Persian rugs as an investment

In addition to being beautiful pieces of art, Persian carpets have been collected throughout history. They are also collectible today by individuals as investments. Historically, Persian carpets have been referred to as’ Iranian stocks and stocks. Iranian market places are full of dungeons where businessmen keep their precious pieces. True museum quality Persian carpets will provide an investment similar to a master painting. However, they are comparatively more expensive and more practical to use. Persian rugs remain a viable commodity today. Note: Compared to the market demand, if not damaged, antique Persian carpets do not fall in value, so it makes a valuable investment. Prices will reflect market demand.

Buying Persian rugs

Condition of the Persian rug

Normal wear and tear is a consequence of age. Carpet wear adds to the patina of time and charm, which is why the collector should look at some naively worn. Ideal carpet condition in which all pile is present, including fringe, side cords, and edges. A typical situation is where the carpet heap is worn evenly and also has a drop in height.

What is rug Abrasha?

  • Abrash refers to changing the color of the carpet. The change is due to the use of various dyes for a lot of wool.
  • Abrasha will follow the duck from left to right.
  • Rug connoisseurs favorably regard Abrash as a sign of authenticity.

Today it is not uncommon to find manufacturers of machine-made carpets copying this effect. This is done in an attempt to make the rugs appear hand knotted.

Renovated Antique Persian Carpets

Generally, carpets are not as valuable to repair as carpets in their original condition. However, some renovations are inevitable. Simple renovations or extensive restorations can serve to add value and support the use of an antique rug. To determine the cost of an antique carpet, it is important to know how much repairs have been made. Since not all repairs are obvious, some research needs to be done. As with any piece of art, poor renovation will diminish the value. Thus, it is important, when collecting antique rugs, to assess the condition of each piece. Unlike woven machine carpets, handcrafted carpets can be repaired! Search our entire collection of antique rugs