Antique Kirman Carpet
When you search for an antique kirman carpet, you are looking for finely knotted Persian floor coverings defined by traditional motifs and room-sized formats.
Antique Kirman Carpet
When searching for an antique kirman carpet, you encounter woven Persian floor coverings originating from south-east Persia. These pieces appear across various formats including mats, area rugs, prayer rugs, and large room-sized carpets.
The versions you are most likely to meet on this page date from the late nineteenth century through to the early decades of the twentieth century. Listings span specific periods from eighteen eighty to nineteen thirty, including examples designated as Lavar Kirman.
These textiles often incorporate repeat floral boteh designs and pictorial elements. They function practically as floor coverings while displaying traditional Persian styles suited to substantial interiors.
What varies in quality
The upper tier of these textiles is represented by fine Lavar Kirman examples and room-sized carpets with dense knotting and complex pictorial or floral boteh designs. These pieces demonstrate greater precision in the execution of traditional Persian motifs.
Distinction across the range also depends on the scale and format, moving from smaller mats up to large room sizes. The integrity of the wool pile and the clarity of the design structure separate standard examples from finer output.
Antique Kirman Carpet Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for kirman 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.
Some carpets feature hidden floral boteh motifs so numerous they practically outnumber the sheep that donated the wool.
The Antique Kirman Carpet Glossary
- Kirman
- A style of Persian carpet originating from south-east Persia known for traditional floral and pictorial designs. These rugs utilise wool pile on cotton foundations.
- Lavar Kirman
- A specific designation for finer nineteenth century carpets from the region. These pieces often feature delicate floral boteh patterns.
- Boteh
- A traditional almond-shaped motif with a curved upper end seen in Persian rug designs. This repeat pattern frequently decorates the field of these carpets.
- Prayer Rug
- A smaller format rug featuring a mihrab or niche design used for devotional purposes. These pieces form a distinct category alongside room-sized carpets.
Antique Kirman Carpet: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I identify an antique kirman carpet?
You identify these pieces by examining the materials, which typically combine a wool pile with a cotton foundation. Look for traditional Persian motifs such as repeat floral boteh designs and pictorial elements.
Context also helps with identification, as these items date from the late nineteenth century to the early twentieth century. The inclusion of specific regional designations like Lavar Kirman further confirms the origin.
What sizes do these carpets come in?
These textiles appear in a broad range of dimensions, from small mats measuring under a metre up to substantial room-sized formats. You will find formats like area rugs and prayer rugs alongside large carpets exceeding four metres in length.
Room-sized examples are particularly common in the archive and current listings. The dimensions vary to suit different interior spaces, from compact mats to expansive salon carpets.
Where were these carpets made?
These floor coverings were made in Persia, specifically originating from the south-east region associated with Kirman town and its workshops. This area has a long history of traditional rug production.
Some pieces carry specific attributions to Lavar, a nearby village noted for producing particularly fine carpets. The regional style is tied directly to these Persian origins.
How do I care for an antique kirman carpet?
Care for these wool and cotton textiles by placing them in low-traffic areas or using appropriate underlays to prevent sliding and excessive wear. Vacuum gently without using rotary brush attachments to protect the pile.
Protect the carpet from direct sunlight to preserve the colours of the wool. Professional cleaning tailored for antique Persian rugs should be utilised when maintenance is required.