Antique Isfahan Carpet
An antique isfahan carpet brings Persian artistry into a room, offering room-size formats and smaller rugs woven with wool and cotton.
Antique Isfahan Carpet
An antique isfahan carpet represents Persian weaving traditions originating from Central Persia. These textiles appear in various formats, ranging from area rugs and runners to large room-size carpets.
Buyers encounter formats such as prayer rugs, tree of life designs, and all-over patterns. Pieces originate from periods around 1890, 1900, and 1910.
The inventory demonstrates connections to the Isfahan province, including related pieces from Najafabad and Kashan. These floor coverings function as practical domestic furnishings and decorative room centerpieces.
What varies in quality
Quality depends on the fineness of the weave and the complexity of the design. Examples described as fine or exceptionally fine demonstrate greater technical precision in knotting.
Design execution distinguishes standard rugs from superior specimens. Specific variations include detailed tree of life motifs, prayer niches, and balanced all-over field patterns.
Antique Isfahan Carpet Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for isfahan carpet 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.
Materials documented across the listings include wool, cotton, and silk.
Najafabad Isfahan·Kashan Isfahan Province
The Antique Isfahan Carpet Glossary
- Pile
- The upright yarn loops that form the soft surface of a carpet. This surface is sheared evenly after knotting.
- Warp
- The stationary vertical threads stretched on the loom that carry the structural tension. Cotton typically forms this foundation.
- Weft
- The horizontal threads passed across the warp threads between rows of knots to secure the pile. These threads bind the structure together.
- Prayer rug
- A textile featuring a Mihrab or arch design indicating the direction of prayer. These pieces served devotional or decorative functions.
- Tree of life
- A symbolic motif depicting a central tree with branches, birds, and floral elements. This imagery represents eternal life.
Antique Isfahan Carpet: Frequently Asked Questions
Where were these carpets made?
These carpets originate from Central Persia, specifically associated with Isfahan and the surrounding province. Workshops in the region also produced related pieces in nearby areas.
Production centres relied on traditional Persian methods passed down through generations of weavers. The resulting rugs reflect the distinct aesthetic of Central Persian workshops.
What materials are used?
Weavers utilised wool and cotton for the vast majority of these floor coverings. Cotton generally serves as the foundation material for warps and wefts.
Selected luxury examples incorporate silk alongside wool in the pile. This combination allows for finer detail and a distinct sheen across the surface.
What size do they come in?
Sizes range from compact area rugs and runners suitable for hallways to large room-size carpets. Dimensions vary according to the specific domestic space they were woven for.
Smaller formats include scatter rugs and prayer rugs measuring around two metres in length. Larger room-size carpets extend past four metres to anchor major reception rooms.
How do I live with an antique carpet?
Placing an antique carpet in a room requires basic floor protection and a quality underlay to prevent slipping. Regular gentle vacuuming without a rotating brush helps maintain the wool pile.
Rotating the carpet periodically ensures even wear across high-traffic areas. Keeping the textile out of direct sunlight preserves the natural dyes.