Whether you’re a design aficionado or simply searching for the perfect accent piece, antique Persian rugs are a true work of art. These unique pieces add a perfect balance of old world tradition and modern styling, transforming a room into a statement-making space.
Vintage rugs are woven with natural dyes made from herbs, fruits, and minerals and are often hand-tied with a Turkish knot. The resulting color palettes are vivid, rich, and timeless, making them the perfect accent to any home. The intricate designs and patterns found in vintage persian rugs are also timeless, adding an element of elegance to any room.
While many of the antique persian rugs were woven by village tribes, as Western influence and industry expanded across the region, the master carpet weavers took on a more professional role. They began designing with a sense of personal identity that superseded the vernacular craft and transformed a once purely functional rug into a conscious visual art form. The master weavers were known as Ustads and their masterpieces are now prized by collectors around the world.
The 19th century saw the industrialization of the Persian rug weaving industry, and many of the major city rug weaving centers started to produce standardized designs that are easily recognizable today. In the larger cities, designers would create the design, and the weavers were expected to weave exactly what was shown on paper. The small town and village weavers continued to be their own designers, however, and they still hand-tied every single knot in a rug.
During the late 1800’s, we began to see a revival of interest in the Persian rug. This was partially due to the popularity of Victorian interiors and the introduction of Persian rugs into England and America. The Ziegler Sultanabad rugs were created during this time and were made by a master weaver called Ustad Mohtashem. His rugs are a great example of how the Persian rug manufacturing process changed in this period.
Another famous master rug weaver of this period is Aboul Ghasem Kermani. He produced rugs between 1880 and 1900. The designs of Kermani rugs are easily identifiable by their use of contrasting colors, densely packed floral and pictorial patterns, and their elaborate borders.
When choosing a vintage rug, be sure to consider the condition of the piece before making a purchase. While some minor flaws or repairs can add to a rug’s character, big patches or tears will diminish the value of the piece. The best way to tell if a rug is damaged is by flipping it over and looking at the back. If there are large repairs, you should probably steer clear of that rug as it may not be worth the investment.
Whether you are looking for a new addition to your collection or just need the perfect accent piece, Chairish has thousands of high-end antique persian rugs to choose from. We are confident you will find a vintage rug that suits your style perfectly!
