A Persian Rug is a carpet hand-knotted in Iran. Due to their popularity, unique features, and prevalence, Persian rugs are generally placed in their own category under the umbrella of oriental rugs. The art of hand weaving was invented in Persia, and it remains highly traditional.

What is so special about a Persian rug?

Renowned for their rich colors and interesting designs, Persian rugs are made with all-natural wools, silk and vegetable dyes, rather than synthetic materials. … Because of their painstaking craftsmanship, Persian rugs are also highly regarded for their quality and durability.

Is a Persian rug worth it?

Persian rugs can not only hold their value but increase it because of their durability. “The hand-knotted rug, no matter where you put it, it is safe. Put an Oriental in your kitchen and no problem,” says Bahman Rais Dana. “The more they are washed, the more beautiful the colors are, the more beautifully soft it is.”

What is the difference between Oriental and Persian rugs?

So the simple answer is that Persian rugs are Oriental rugs. Oriental rugs simply refer to rugs made in oriental countries. Persian rugs are made in Iran and Iran is an oriental country. But not all oriental rugs are Persian rugs.

Why do Persian rugs cost so much?

The finest of these carpets can take months, and even years to be made. Finer yarns like silk and cotton yields light-weight and intricate designs and takes much longer to weave compared to wool yarns. Hence, the prices of the rugs made from finer yarns are higher than the ones made completely of wool.

Is a Pakistani rug a Persian rug?

Origin of Oriental Rugs Oriental rugs are composed of rugs made all over Asia, including India, China, Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkey and more. Persian rugs are specifically made in Persia, or modern day Iran. Just like Turkish rugs are made in Turkey. Persian rugs also have sub-types just like Oriental rugs do.

How can you tell if a rug is Persian?

Real Persian Rugs Always Have a Soft Backing For one thing, the presence or absence of imperfections in the knots can tell you a lot about whether it is hand-knotted or machine made. Secondly, the texture and type of backing can also be very revealing. Authentic Persian rugs are always hand-knotted.

Are Signed Persian rugs more valuable?

Does the presence of a sigature or inscription make a rug more valuable? Despite what the dealer is likely to tell you, probably not. A number of city rug types like Isfahan, Kashan, Nain, and Ghoum (from Iran), Hereke and Kayseri (from Turkey), and fine Bokharas and Kashans from Pakistan are signed.

How do I identify my Persian rug pattern?

1. Look on the back of the rug at the weave. …
2. Look for unevenness in the colored knots on the back of the rug. …
3. Now look at the front of the rug. …
4. You may notice slight color changes making thick or thin stripes in the rug.

How can you tell if a rug is good quality?

1. Knots Per Square Inch (KPSI) The number of knots within a rug determines the density, durability, and clarity of pattern; the more knots, the higher the quality. …
2. Detail. …
3. Premium Wool. …
4. Color.

Article first time published on

What is the most expensive rug?

Sotheby’s $33 Million Dollar Rug: The Most Expensive Rug Ever Sold. The most expensive rug ever sold is the Sotheby’s ’17th Century Antique Persian Carpet’ which sold for $33 Million. Shattering all records and becoming the most expensive rug ever sold, the auction at Sotheby’s New York baffled everyone.

How much should I spend on a Persian rug?

The average cost of one Persian area rug ranges from $250 to $350 depending on size, material, and pattern type. Prices can increase based on factors such as age or rarity. For example, you will pay more for an antique than a contemporary piece.

How long do Persian rugs last?

With regular care and maintenance, an authentic Persian rug can last more than 100 years. The secret to their durability is in the materials that are used and the way that they are constructed. Some of the hardier rugs can last for generations even if they are placed in high traffic areas.

Why are Persian rugs red?

The red colors most frequently seen in natural dyed Oriental rugs are taken from the roots of the Madder plant (rubia tinctorium). … The different colors of red depend on the variety of Madder plant that was used, when it was harvested, the dye bath recipe, and what mordants were used.

Are Persian rugs out of style?

Traditional oriental rugs will never go out of style. Currently, they accentuate mid-century modern themes. Dark red Bokhara rugs or Peshawar Ziegler rugs have bold patterns that date back centuries.

What does a Persian rug feel like?

What does the bottom of the rug look and feel like? Authentic Persian rugs are also called “hand knotted,” and so the back of the rug will show the millions of little knots that were made in the creation of the pattern. The back of the rug is soft to the touch and actually quite flexible.

Are Afghan rugs Persian?

They’re made up of Persian knots and feature vegetable-dyed hand spun Afghan wool. … Most Afghan weavers make rugs that are about the same as those they have woven for decades. They are therefore considered a very important aspect of their culture.

Why are Persian rugs called Oriental?

Oriental rugs are primarily made in China, India, and Pakistan. Persian rug on the other hand is a term that refers to an art form originating from Iran or adjacent countries of the Middle East while some oriental rug styles come from regions near Persia.

Are Persian rugs made in China?

FactsTypical Knot Density100.000 – 250.000 knots / sqmCharacteristicsChinese flower or dragon motifs

How can you tell if a rug is tribal?

Tribal rugs are recognizable by their more geometric motifs as opposed to the curvilinear and floral motifs of city rugs.

What does a signature in a rug mean?

When you see a Persian rug that has a signature on it, you know you are looking at something truly special. … There is no mistaking the superiority of these rugs, whether it is in their flawless craftsmanship, the fine quality of the materials used or the outstanding design and color combinations.

Which Persian rugs are the most valuable?

1. Silk Isfahan Rug. The world’s most expensive rug is this silk Isfahan rug measuring 7 ft.

Are wayfair rugs good quality?

Based on reviews, it’s fair to say that Wayfair rugs are of good quality, particularly when you choose those made of the synthetic material polypropylene, which is virtually stain-proof.

How many knots should be in a Persian rug?

Indian rugs are measured in terms of warps per inch by wefts per 10 cm.: 5/40, 9/54, 12/60, 14/70. Most others are described in terms of knots per square inch. You’ll find Persian rugs from Tabrizes at 400 knots (very fine) to Herizes at 50 knots (coarse) and Tibetans from 60 to 120 knots per square inch.

Do Persian rugs fade?

When exposed to the sun, your vibrantly colored Oriental rug will soon start to look dull and patchy. The extent of the fading and the time it takes to fade depends on the intensity of sunlight that area receives.

Which country makes best rugs?

• India. Indian rugs are well-known around the world due to the large number of gifted weaving experts, high level of production and diverse mix of traditional and modern styles. …
• Pakistan. Pakistan is specifically known for its production of two distinct styles of rugs. …
• Turkey. …
• Nepal.

What is the oldest rug in the world?

The Pazyryk Carpet is the oldest known carpet on earth and it has been dated back to the 5th Century B.C. It was discovered in the tomb of a Scythian prince in the Pazyryk Valley of Siberia by Russian archaeologist Sergei Rudenko in the late 1940s.

Where do Caucasian rugs come from?

Areas for manufacturing Caucasian carpets. The Caucasian carpets are from the areas south, east and north of the mountain chain of the Caucasus. Carpets, made before 1925, can be divided into five groups namely; Kazak, Karabach, Sjirvan, Kuba and Dagestan carpets.

How can you tell if a rug is handmade?

The fringe on a rug is generally made from the warp threads of handmade rugs but on a machine made it is usually sewn onto the rug at the end of the making to make it appear that is is handmade. On a hand knotted rug the edges are overcast by hand whereas on a machine made rug the edges are stitched with a machine.

How do you tell if a rug is wool or synthetic?

Take them outdoors and clamp them with a pair of tweezers. Light the fibers with a lighter. If they melt and smell like burning plastic, you have a synthetic rug. If they crumble and smell like burning hair, you have a wool rug.

What are Persian colors?

There are six separate colors, black, blue, cream, cameo (red), smoke tortoiseshell and blue-cream smoke. In repose, the smoke appears to be a solid color cat. In motion, the coat will break open, giving glimpses of a startling white undercoat. All should have the characteristic white ruff and ear tufts.