How do I clean an antique serapi rug?

Professional specialist cleaning is essential for wool and cotton pile carpets of this age. Vacuum gently without a beater bar to remove embedded grit. Avoid saturation and harsh chemical detergents that strip natural lanolin from the wool fibres. Consult a textile conservator for proper maintenance advice.

Where were these rugs made?

These textiles originate from village workshops and domestic looms in the Heriz region of Northwest Persia. Local weavers produced them using regional wool and traditional dyeing methods. Production spanned several decades from the mid-nineteenth century through the early twentieth century. Each valley and village contributed subtle variations to the established geometric vocabulary.

What materials make up the pile?

The pile consists of hand-spun sheep wool dyed with natural substances derived from plants and minerals. This material offers natural resilience against foot traffic. Foundation threads beneath the wool pile use durable cotton to maintain structural tension. The combination ensures the heavy carpet lies flat upon the floor.

How do I identify a serapi from a Heriz?

Serapi rugs generally exhibit coarser knotting, larger geometric scales, and more open, spacious fields than standard Heriz carpets. Their colour palettes often favour softer, more muted terracotta and ice-blue tones. They represent an earlier phase of regional production dating primarily to the nineteenth century. Standard Heriz pieces frequently show finer detail and denser overall patterns.