Where were these carpets made?

These textiles originate from the town of Heriz and the surrounding villages in the north-west region of Persia. The area encompasses related production centres including Serapi, Bakshiash, and Karaja. Local weavers developed distinct geometric interpretations of classical Persian designs, utilising materials and colour palettes specific to the region's high plateau environment.

How do I care for an old rug?

Regular vacuuming without a rotating power brush helps remove grit that settles deep within the wool pile. Professional cleaning tailored to antique textiles should occur periodically to preserve the integrity of the natural dyes and fibres. Placing a breathable underlay beneath the carpet prevents sliding and reduces friction against the floorboards during daily use.

How are different regional types distinguished?

Pieces attributed to Serapi generally display a slightly earlier aesthetic with wider, more open geometric fields and softer, more nuanced colour distributions. Standard Heriz productions tend to feature bolder, denser patterning with heavier outlines. Bakshiash and Karaja formats often introduce alternative medallion arrangements or smaller dimensions while retaining the characteristic north-west Persian structural DNA.

Can these rugs withstand high foot traffic?

The sturdy cotton foundations and dense hand-spun wool piles make these floor coverings exceptionally durable for domestic environments. Their original purpose was functional domestic flooring designed to endure generations of daily use. Placing them in hallways, living rooms, or dining spaces remains entirely appropriate provided heavy furniture weight is distributed evenly.