How do I clean an antique rug?

Gentle surface brushing and periodic professional dry cleaning help preserve the wool pile and natural dye integrity. Avoid harsh chemical immersion or modern mechanical washing. Keeping the textile out of direct, continuous sunlight protects the natural indigo and madder tones from fading prematurely.

Where were these woven?

The pieces originate from the Caucasus region, situated between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea. Specific workshops and tribal groups operated in areas such as Shirvan, Karabagh, and Kuba. Local villages developed distinct geometric vocabularies and colour preferences that identify their geographic source.

Can I place a runner in a hallway?

Long narrow formats function well in hallways, corridors, and gallery spaces where floor coverage requires an elongated shape. Their durable wool construction handles moderate foot traffic effectively. Utilising a breathable underlay prevents slipping and cushions the foundation against hard subfloors.

What does a prayer niche mean?

The pointed arch or mihrab design at one end of the textile mimics the architectural prayer niche found in mosques. Weavers incorporated this symbol to indicate orientation during personal devotion. These rugs serve decorative roles today while retaining their traditional symbolic geometry.