Expert Reviewed by Jason Nazmiyal • Founder of Nazmiyal Collection, with more than 45 years of experience evaluating, buying and selling antique Persian rugs • Last reviewed: July 2026
Why Buyers Choose Tabriz Rugs
Tabriz rugs offer one of the widest design ranges in Persian weaving. Some are formal and finely detailed, while others are softer, more decorative and easy to place in contemporary interiors.
Buyers often choose Tabriz rugs for:
• Refined floral drawing
• Fine knotting measured in raj
• Central medallion and allover designs
• Large and palace-size formats
• Elegant wool and silk examples
• A broad range of colors and decorative styles
A well-chosen Tabriz rug can work beautifully in a formal dining room, traditional living room, contemporary interior or large architectural space.
Tabriz Rugs at a Glance
• Origin: Tabriz and the surrounding weaving region of East Azerbaijan in northwest Iran.
• Construction: Hand-knotted workshop weaving.
• Common knot: The symmetrical knot, also called the Turkish or Ghiordes knot, is common in Tabriz weaving.
• Fineness: Traditionally measured in raj.
• Foundation: Often cotton, depending on the age and type of rug.
• Pile: Usually wool, with silk or silk highlights in finer examples.
• Common designs: Mahi, Herati, medallion, allover floral, garden, vase, pictorial, hunting and Ardabil-inspired patterns.
• Common sizes: Small rugs, room-size carpets, large rugs and palace-size examples.
• Notable workshop name: Haji Jalili.
What Makes a Fine Tabriz Rug?
A high knot count does not automatically make a Tabriz rug valuable or beautiful. Fineness allows a weaver to create greater detail, but the rug must also have strong drawing, good materials, balanced proportions and attractive color.
When we evaluate a Tabriz rug, we consider:
• The clarity and confidence of the drawing
• The quality of the wool or silk
• The depth and harmony of the colors
• The regularity of the weave
• The scale of the design
• The condition of the pile, ends, sides and foundation
• The quality of any previous restoration
A beautifully designed 50-raj rug may be more desirable than a technically finer rug with stiff drawing, weak color or serious condition problems.
Understanding Raj
Raj is the traditional measurement used to describe the fineness of a Tabriz rug. It refers to the number of knots counted across approximately seven centimeters of the rug’s width when viewed from the back.
Commonly referenced grades include 40, 50, 60 and 70 raj.
A higher raj count generally allows smaller curves and finer detail. However, raj should never be used alone to judge quality or value. The best Tabriz rugs combine technical precision with artistic balance.
Popular Tabriz Rug Designs
Mahi and Herati Tabriz Rugs
The Mahi or Herati pattern usually consists of a small rosette inside a diamond, surrounded by curving leaves that may resemble fish.
Mahi is the Persian word for fish. Herati refers to Herat, the city generally associated with the historical origin of the pattern.
It is one of the most recognizable designs used in Tabriz weaving.
Central Medallion Tabriz Rugs
Many formal Tabriz carpets feature a central medallion with pendants, corner spandrels and coordinated borders.
The strongest examples maintain balance between the medallion, surrounding field and overall scale of the rug.
Allover Floral Tabriz Rugs
Allover Tabriz rugs use repeating floral patterns without one dominant central medallion.
These designs are especially practical in large rooms because the pattern continues beneath furniture and remains balanced from different viewpoints.
Garden and Vase Tabriz Rugs
Garden designs may divide the rug into compartments representing trees, flowers, water channels and enclosed gardens.
Vase designs use flowering vessels and scrolling vines to organize the field.
Silk Tabriz Rugs
Silk may be used for the entire pile or as highlights within a wool rug.
A sheen and finer detail can be achieved through silk, but it alone does not determine age, quality or value.
Haji Jalili Tabriz Rugs
Haji Jalili is one of the best-known names associated with fine nineteenth-century Tabriz workshop weaving.
Rugs attributed to the workshop are admired for refined drawing, elegant proportions and sophisticated colors that may include ivory, rose, copper, pale blue and soft earth tones.
Attribution should be based on the entire rug, not on color alone.
How Experts Identify a Tabriz Rug
Experts do not identify a Tabriz rug from one feature alone. They examine the knot structure, foundation, wool or silk, drawing, dyes, ends, sides, handle and overall construction.
Common characteristics include symmetrical knotting, fine workshop drawing, cotton foundations, carefully organized borders and knot density expressed in raj.
Some workshop rugs also include a woven cartouche, inscription, date or signature.
A signature alone is not proof of origin. It must be evaluated in the context of the entire rug.
Indo-Tabriz rugs are woven in India using Tabriz-inspired designs. They may be attractive and well made, but they should be represented and valued according to their actual origin.
What Is a Tabriz Rug Worth?
The name Tabriz establishes a category, not a fixed price. Two Tabriz rugs of similar age and size may have very different values.
Decorative vintage Tabriz rugs may begin in the several-thousand-dollar range. Exceptional antique, silk, Haji Jalili, palace-size or historically important examples may command substantial five-figure or, in rare cases, six-figure prices.
The value of a Tabriz rug depends on:
• Age
• Raj and knot density
• Quality of drawing
• Wool and silk
• Dyes and color
• Condition
• Restoration
• Size and scale
• Workshop attribution
• Provenance
Condition is often misunderstood. A very finely knotted rug with serious structural damage may be worth less than a slightly coarser example with excellent drawing, beautiful color and strong original structure.
For a documented opinion, use our rug appraisal and antique carpet valuation service.
To offer a rug for sale, visit our sell your rug page.
Tabriz Rug Sizes
Tabriz is one of the Persian weaving traditions known for producing exceptionally large carpets.
During the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Tabriz workshops created rugs for grand Persian interiors and Western export markets.
Common formats include:
• 9 by 12 rugs for living rooms and dining rooms
• Large rugs for substantial living, dining and reception spaces
• Oversized and palace-size rugs for grand rooms and architectural interiors
Runner rugs are less typical but may also be available.
When choosing size, begin with the furniture arrangement and architecture of the room. The rug should support the space while allowing enough of the design to remain visible. Check our rug size guide for more information.
Tabriz Rugs vs Heriz Rugs
Tabriz and Heriz rugs both come from northwest Iran, but they have different visual personalities.
Tabriz rugs are generally finer, more formal and more detailed. They often feature curved floral drawing, medallions and carefully organized borders.
Heriz rugs are usually bolder, more angular and more architectural. Their larger geometric designs create a stronger and more monumental presence.
Choose Tabriz when you want refinement, fine drawing and composed elegance, and choose Heriz when you want bold geometry and a powerful visual anchor.
Why Buy a Tabriz Rug From Nazmiyal?
Nazmiyal Collection has specialized in antique Persian rugs for more than four decades.
Our experience allows us to distinguish between decorative, fine and exceptional Tabriz rugs and to represent origin, age, quality, condition and restoration accurately.
Clients rely on Nazmiyal for:
• A deep selection of antique and vintage Tabriz rugs
• Unusual large and palace-size examples
• Experienced evaluation and accurate descriptions
• Assistance with size, placement, value and care
• Worldwide service for collectors, designers and institutions
Nazmiyal Services
Nazmiyal provides professional rug cleaning, restoration, appraisals and assistance for owners considering selling a Tabriz rug.
• Nazmiyal White-Glove Service
• Certificate of authenticity
• Three-day return policy
• Worldwide shipping and international home approval
• Interior designer trade program
• White-glove delivery service
For assistance selecting, evaluating or placing a Tabriz rug, contact a Nazmiyal specialist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a raj in a Tabriz rug?
Raj is the traditional measurement used to describe the fineness of a Tabriz rug. It refers to the number of knots counted across approximately seven centimeters of the rug’s width. A higher raj count allows finer detail, but it does not determine quality or value by itself.
What defines an antique Tabriz rug?
An antique Tabriz rug is generally approximately 100 years old or older and was woven in Tabriz or its surrounding weaving region. Age should be evaluated together with construction, materials, dyes, wear and condition.
How do I tell a Tabriz rug from an Indo-Tabriz rug?
Indo-Tabriz rugs are woven in India using Tabriz-inspired designs. Experts examine knot structure, foundation materials, wefting, ends, sides, handle and overall construction to determine origin.
What determines the value of a Tabriz rug?
Value depends on age, raj, materials, drawing, dyes, condition, scale, restoration, workshop attribution and provenance. Age or knot count alone does not establish value.
Luxury Antique Oversized Persian Tabriz Rug with Sophisticated Floral Pattern and Coral Border 73648Size: 13 ft 7 in x 21 ft 7 in (4.14 m x 6.58 m)
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