How do I identify regional styles?

Regional styles appear through distinct colour palettes, specific medallion geometries and characteristic border designs. Village weavers favoured bold geometric motifs, whereas city workshops produced intricate floral curves. Examining the structural materials and knotting density further clarifies whether a piece originated from a tribal encampment or an urban workshop.

Where were these carpets woven?

Weaving took place across diverse landscapes throughout Persia, encompassing nomadic tribal territories, rural agricultural villages and established metropolitan centres. Major hubs included Tabriz in the north-west, Kerman in the south and Isfahan in central regions. Each locality imparted unique characteristics through local dyeing traditions and specific loom techniques passed down through generations.

How should I care for an antique carpet?

Gentle, regular vacuuming without a rotating power brush helps remove embedded grit without straining the ancient wool pile. Professional specialist cleaning maintains the integrity of natural dyes and delicate cotton or wool foundations. Rotating the rug periodically ensures even exposure to light and distributes foot traffic symmetrically across the surface.

What materials were used?

Hand-spun wool served as the primary material for the durable surface pile across both tribal and urban pieces. Cotton foundations provided sturdy structural support for the warps and wefts in most village and city formats. Selected fine urban workshop pieces incorporated silk to achieve intricate detail and a luminous surface sheen.