How do I clean an old rug?

Surface dust should be removed gently using a suction-only vacuum without a rotating brush bar. Professional textile conservators should handle deeper washing to protect the natural dyes and wool pile. Water exposure must be strictly controlled during any maintenance to prevent dye migration and shrinkage in the cotton or wool foundation. Avoid chemical spot cleaners entirely.

Where should I place a large carpet?

Large room-sized carpets anchor seating groups in drawing rooms or dining areas, placed either beneath all furniture legs or framing the central arrangement. Placing them out of direct, harsh sunlight preserves the natural dye colours over time. A quality underlay prevents slip and reduces abrasion between the foundation threads and hard flooring underneath. This extra layer extends the working life of the textile significantly.

How do I distinguish regional styles?

Heriz carpets typically display bold geometric medallions and strong corner spandrels woven with sturdy wool. Isfahan and Kashan pieces present delicate curvilinear floral motifs with dense, fine knotting. Village rugs like those from Tafresh or Senneh often incorporate specific local storytelling elements or repeated bird and vase motifs. Examining the back of the rug reveals the fineness and regularity of the knotting associated with specific towns.

What dates are common for these rugs?

The pieces listed span from the late nineteenth century through the 1940s, encompassing both village productions and workshop carpets. Items from the 1880s and 1890s represent the earlier end of the current selection. Production continued through the Edwardian period and into the interwar years, reflecting changing aesthetic demands in export markets. Each decade brought subtle shifts in chemical and natural dye usage alongside traditional pattern repetition.