How do I care for an antique rug?

Vacuum gently without using a beater bar to protect the old wool foundation and delicate knotting. Keep the textile out of direct, intense sunlight to prevent the natural dyes from fading over time. Professional cleaning should be undertaken sparingly by specialists experienced in handling antique Persian textiles. Avoid harsh chemical spot treatments that can strip the natural oils from the wool.

Where were these rugs made?

These textiles originate predominantly from various regions across Persia, including village workshops in Malayer and Feraghan. Tribal groups such as the Qashqai and Kurdish weavers in Bidjar also produced distinct versions of the design. Different towns and tribes contributed unique structural traits, such as the heavy packing of Kurdish carpets or the fine, lightweight weave of Senneh pieces.

What is the herati motif?

The motif consists of a stylized floral rosette framed by a lozenge lattice, accompanied by two curved lancet leaves that resemble fish. This enduring pattern represents garden imagery translated into geometric shorthand by Persian weavers. It appears across numerous regional styles, sometimes covering the entire field in an all-over repeat or anchored within a central medallion.

How old are these carpets?

The pieces listed generally date from the nineteenth century up to the early decades of the twentieth century. Dating is determined by structural characteristics, wool quality, and the chemistry of the dyes used in the pile. Nineteenth-century examples frequently display greater depth of colour and softer wool texture resulting from traditional natural dyeing methods.