How do I care for an antique rug?

Vacuum gently without a rotating brush to remove grit from the pile without straining the wool. Professional cleaning by a specialist in antique textiles prevents dye bleeding. Keep the piece out of direct sunlight to protect natural colour saturation. Rotating the rug periodically ensures even wear across high-traffic areas.

Where were these pieces made?

Production occurred across diverse regions, including the towns and nomadic territories of South Persia, Kerman Province and Khorassan. Village workshops and tribal confederacies each developed distinct working methods. Nomadic groups wove portable items during seasonal migrations, while settled communities produced larger carpets in fixed village locations.

What materials make up the pile?

Hand-spun wool serves as the primary material for the pile across the majority of these pieces. Cotton is frequently utilised for the warp and weft foundations. Some refined workshop carpets incorporate silk highlights to accentuate specific details within the design. Occasional nomadic pieces integrate decorative elements like cowrie shells.

How are tribal pieces different?

Tribal items typically feature asymmetrical designs, spontaneous geometric motifs and formats suited for nomadic life, such as storage bags and smaller rugs. They reflect the traditions of specific confederacies. In contrast, city and village carpets often display formal medallion layouts and planned floral compositions woven on larger upright looms.