How do I care for an antique Persian carpet?

Vacuum gently without using a rotating brush bar to protect the delicate wool or silk pile from excessive friction. Keep the rug out of direct sunlight to prevent natural dyes from fading over time. Rotate the carpet periodically to ensure even wear patterns across high-traffic floor areas. Professional cleaning by specialists in antique textiles is essential every few years.

Where were these carpets traditionally woven?

Weaving took place across distinct regions of Persia, encompassing major urban centres like Isfahan, Tabriz, and Kashan, as well as rural villages and nomadic tribal territories. City workshops produced highly refined court carpets with intricate floral curves, while tribal groups favoured geometric and symbolic compositions. Specific towns such as Senneh, Bidjar, and Qum developed their own signature styles and knotting densities. These geographical variations allow collectors to trace the exact provenance of individual pieces.

What is a silk foundation?

A silk foundation refers to the use of silk thread for the underlying warp and weft grid instead of standard cotton. This technique allowed master weavers to pack wool or silk knots much more tightly together. The resulting carpets feature exceptionally crisp details and refined pictorial or medallion designs. Such construction was typically reserved for the finest urban workshops.

How do I distinguish regional Persian styles?

Regional styles reveal themselves through specific motif choices, colour palettes, and structural characteristics. Isfahan and Tabriz pieces often display elaborate central medallions surrounded by delicate floral vines, whereas tribal rugs from groups like the Bakhtiar or Afshar utilise bolder geometric partitions. Materials also offer clues, as certain towns specialised in pure silk production while others relied on sturdy local wool. Examining the back of the rug provides further insight into the fineness of the weave and knot structure.