There’s nothing quite like a hand-knotted Persian rug to add rich texture and dimension to any room. With their vibrant hues and elaborate patterns, vintage persian rugs are coveted by designers, artists and rug collectors across the globe. In fact, antique rugs often become the heart and soul of a space, providing inspiration and character all its own.
But not all Persian rugs are created equal. In fact, when it comes to antique carpets, there are many different kinds to choose from and each one has its own unique story behind it.
While some rugs were woven in the cities by individual weavers, others were produced by families that wove together within their own tribes and tribal groups. These tribal rugs are characterized by design styles that were passed down through generations and were meant to accurately represent the culture of a specific region.
The tribal rugs typically have a single, centrally positioned main motif surrounded by smaller secondary motifs that are meant to represent the tribe or family. These rugs are also often highly detailed, with numerous flowers and other floral elements as well as animal and bird motifs.
Another type of Persian rug is the tribal village rug that was woven in villages across the country by individual weavers. These rugs were intended to serve as the focal point of the home, with the colors and designs used to reflect the local culture and natural landscape. The villages tended to use more muted color palettes than those in the cities and a lot of the detailing was done by hand.
As time went on, the rug weaving industry in general started to industrialize. The weavers in the larger cities began to produce standardized designs that were readily identifiable by the trained eye. One of the first examples of this is the Ziegler Sultanabad rug made in the late 19th century.
These rugs are generally made in large sizes and are highly detailed with floral, animal and geometric motifs. Some even include portraits of famous historical figures and royal family members.
In the modern age, the art of Persian rug making has continued to evolve in response to the changing needs of society and consumers. The art form is now influenced by global influences as well as regional and local traditions.
Whether you’re searching for the perfect Persian rug to complete your home or are simply looking for an artistic piece to display, Chairish has thousands of high-end vintage persian rugs sourced from top-tier dealers located all over the world. We’ve got everything from room size rugs to small, accent pieces, so you can find the perfect rug to suit your style and space. Just be sure to pay close attention to the color palette and pattern density of the rug you’re buying. The higher the kpsi (knots per square inch), the more intricate the pattern and therefore the longer it will take to weave. Be sure to ask if the rug is handmade or machine made before you make your purchase!