Vintage persian rugs have become one of the most revered and highly sought after antique carpets for both neophyte and experienced rug collectors. With increasing accessibility to knowledge about the care of Persian rugs and Kilims, more and more homeowners are choosing to incorporate these antique carpets into their interior design schemes.
A well-made Persian rug is not only a beautiful decoration to the home, but it also has the power to transform the entire room into an oasis of culture, beauty and history. These rugs are inimitable, displaying extraordinary artistry and craftsmanship that elevate the rug weaving craft to an art form. They are imbued with meaning and tradition through the use of geometrical motifs and patterns that tell a story that spans time.
While most Persian rugs are made from wool, some are woven with silk, adding a luxurious touch to any room. Often, the silk will have a shimmering quality that enhances the light reflecting off of the rug. Additionally, the silk is more durable than the wool.
There are two main types of hand-knotted Persian rugs: city rugs and tribal or nomadic rugs. City rugs are typically woven in organized workshops, where weavers follow a paper blueprint of the rug’s design. On the other hand, tribal rugs are typically woven within the weaver’s own home or tent and based off of images in their head. This leads to more fluid, organic designs.
One of the most common ways to distinguish a genuine handmade Persian rug from a regular floral rug is by checking whether or not it has a fringe. An authentic Persian rug will have a fringe that is formed during the weaving process, as opposed to being sewn on afterwards like regular floral rugs.