Antique Khorassan Rug
An antique khorassan rug brings the rich nomadic artistry of north-east Persia into your home through enduring tribal weaves.
Antique Khorassan Rug
An antique khorassan rug encompasses floor coverings and utilitarian textiles woven by nomadic and village groups across the vast Khorassan province in north-east Persia. You will encounter smaller tribal pieces, prayer rugs, and salt-bags alongside larger room-sized carpets.
The regional output bridges Persian urban workshop traditions and the geometric styles of tribal makers such as the Baluch and Kordi. These pieces span production dates from the late nineteenth century into the early decades of the twentieth century.
How they were made
Weavers utilised hand-spun wool for the pile, set against sturdy cotton or wool foundations to create durable floor coverings and utilitarian bags. Natural dyes provided the deep palette seen across the regional production.
Tribal makers employed traditional knotting techniques, producing dense piles that withstand heavy use while retaining supple handles. The interplay of hand-spun yarn and natural colouring yields tonal variations across individual pieces.
Antique Khorassan Rug Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for khorassan 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.
Listings feature wool, cotton, and hand-spun wool alongside natural dyes across pieces dated between 1880 and 1920.
What varies in quality
The refinement of the wool and the precision of the knot density dictate the tactile and visual caliber of the weaving. Finer specimens display superior handling of natural dyes, resulting in greater depth across the field.
Structural integrity and the completeness of original borders or tribal finishes separate standard examples from finer survivals. The articulation of specific tribal motifs, such as lattice work or prayer mihrabs, reflects the skill of the individual weaver.
The Antique Khorassan Rug Glossary
- Khorassan
- A historic province in north-east Persia known for producing distinctive carpets and tribal textiles.
- Baluch
- A major nomadic and semi-nomadic tribal group whose weavers produced rugs and utilitarian bags in the region.
- Kordi
- Pertaining to the Kurdish tribes settled in the Khorassan region who created distinct geometric weavings.
- Prayer-Rug
- A small textile featuring a mihrab design used by Muslims for daily devotions.
- Sofreh
- A flatwoven spread or cloth used for dining or food preparation among tribal communities.
Antique Khorassan Rug: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use a salt-bag?
Salt-bags were originally utilised by nomadic groups for storing and transporting salt or other provisions during seasonal migrations.
Today, collectors display these small utilitarian textiles as wall hangings or decorative accent pieces.
What is a ru korssi?
A ru korssi is a large decorative cover placed over a traditional Persian warming table, known as a korssi, during winter months.
These textiles were woven to be viewed from multiple angles while draped over the heating frame.
How do I care for my rug?
Protect the natural wool pile by vacuuming gently without a rotating beater bar and keeping the textile away from direct sunlight.
Professional cleaning tailored to antique vegetable-dyed wool ensures the preservation of the fibres.