How do I clean an antique rug?

Gentle surface vacuuming without the beater bar removes loose grit trapped deep within the wool pile. Professional hand-washing remains necessary for deep cleaning to protect fragile cotton foundations and natural dyes. Water immersion should be handled exclusively by specialists experienced in antique textiles. Harsh chemical detergents strip the natural lanolin from the wool and alter the original dye chemistry.

Can I place these carpets in high-traffic hallways?

Robust village runners and heavy wool room-sized carpets withstand moderate foot traffic when paired with a quality rug underlay. The dense wool pile absorbs impact and resists crushing in active living spaces. Delicate flatweaves, silk-threaded pieces, and ceremonial embroideries perform better in low-traffic areas or displayed safely on walls. Proper placement prevents premature abrasion of the ancient wool foundations.

How do I distinguish Persian from Caucasian pieces?

Persian carpets from regions like Heriz or Tabriz tend to feature balanced floral curves, large central medallions, and curvilinear borders. Their construction often incorporates supple cotton foundations with dense wool pile. Caucasian weaves from Shirvan or Kuba favor starker geometry, bold primary colours, and rectilinear star or cruciform motifs. Their structures typically present distinct wool-on-wool construction with heavier, stiffer handles.

What is the purpose of nomadic torbas?

Nomadic families utilised torbas as smaller functional storage bags hung inside tents to keep household goods organised. Their compact formats display tribal motifs equivalent to larger main carpets. Today, these surviving bag faces function effectively as small accent rugs or decorative wall hangings. They provide concentrated examples of regional weaving techniques without requiring large floor spans.