How do I clean a wool rug?

Maintenance requires gentle regular vacuuming without a rotating brush to protect the hand-spun pile. Professional hand washing remains essential for deep cleaning to prevent dye bleeding. Harsh chemical detergents and high heat must be avoided entirely. Allowing the wool to dry flat helps preserve the structural integrity of the foundation.

Where were these rugs made?

Production centres span traditional weaving regions across Persia, the Caucasus, Anatolia, and Turkmenistan. Specific towns, nomadic tribes, and mountain villages developed distinct visual vocabularies. Local access to specific dye plants and sheep breeds shaped the distinct palette of each region. Village workshops and nomadic tents utilised portable upright looms for their craft.

Are these rugs suitable for high traffic?

Traditional hand-knotted wool rugs possess natural durability suited for everyday domestic use. Dense pile construction and lanolin-rich wool resist crushing and dirt accumulation effectively. Placing a quality underlay beneath the textile prevents slipping and reduces friction against hard floors. Lighter traffic areas suit delicate flat weaves or silk highlight pieces best.

How do I tell regional styles apart?

Distinguishing regional origins involves examining the specific geometric vocabulary, knotting density, and colour palette. Caucasian pieces often display sharp, angular polygons and primary blues, while Heriz carpets favour large geometric medallions. Structural details such as wool texture and end finishes provide further clues to provenance. Comparing border arrangements helps clarify whether a piece originates from Persian village workshops or nomadic Caucasian tribes.