Antique Iranian Rug
An antique iranian rug brings centuries of woven artistry into a room, offering durability and rich geometric patterns.
Antique Iranian Rug
An antique iranian rug encompasses traditional woven carpets and smaller rugs originating from Persia, represented here by pieces from the 1920s and 1930s. Buyers searching this category frequently encounter distinct regional styles such as Heriz carpets, Hamadan kelleh carpets, and Mazlaghan rugs.
The inventory demonstrates variety in scale, ranging from compact floor coverings to large-sized carpets exceeding three metres in length. These textiles serve both functional floor covering purposes and decorative interior statements.
How they were made
Makers utilised natural fibres, specifically combining wool for the pile and cotton for the structural foundation of the carpets. Handweaving techniques ensure each piece possesses a dense pile capable of withstanding generations of use.
The structural integrity relies upon cotton warps and wefts supporting hand-knotted wool surfaces, as seen in the large-sized kelleh carpets and smaller woven examples.
Antique Iranian Rug Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for iranian rug among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
Early twentieth-century weavers kept tea nearby to maintain focus during long sessions tying thousands of tiny wool knots by hand.
What varies in quality
The distinction between standard examples and superior pieces rests in the fineness of the knotting and the complexity of the regional design. Heriz carpets often demonstrate structural boldness through substantial dimensions and defined geometric layouts.
Condition and scale dictate the standing of individual pieces, where larger formats like the Hamadan kelleh require greater sustained labour during the handweaving process.
The Antique Iranian Rug Glossary
- Kelleh
- A long, narrow carpet format traditionally used in Persian domestic architecture. These pieces offer an elongated rectangular proportion distinct from square carpets.
- Heriz
- A style originating from the Heris region known for robust geometric designs and large central medallions. These carpets utilise durable wool piles on cotton foundations.
- Mazlaghan
- A specific village rug type characterised by distinct regional motifs and traditional colour palettes. They are typically encountered in smaller formats.
- Handwoven
- A method of textile production where individual knots are tied by hand onto a stretched foundation. This technique defines the construction of all genuine antique Persian rugs.
Antique Iranian Rug: Frequently Asked Questions
What is an antique Iranian rug?
An antique iranian rug is a handwoven textile produced in Persia during the early twentieth century, specifically from periods such as the 1920s and 1930s.
These pieces utilise wool and cotton materials to form durable floor coverings featuring traditional regional designs like Heriz and Hamadan.
How do I identify a Heriz carpet?
Heriz carpets are characterised by their substantial size and strong geometric patterns, often featuring prominent central medallions woven during the 1920s.
They utilise a sturdy cotton foundation supporting a dense wool pile designed for heavy use.
Where were Hamadan kelleh carpets used?
Hamadan kelleh carpets were produced in the Hamadan region as large-sized rectangular floor coverings suited for extended rooms.
Their elongated proportions distinguished them from standard square carpets while maintaining traditional handwoven construction.
What materials make up these rugs?
These textiles are constructed primarily from wool and cotton, combining a soft wool surface pile with a strong cotton foundation.
This material combination provides both comfort underfoot and long-term structural stability.