Where were these rugs made?

The pieces originate from traditional weaving regions spanning the Caucasus, Anatolia, and Persia. Specific towns and districts like Oushak, Kirsehir, Kashan, and Sultanabad represent distinct local aesthetic traditions. Production methods varied between nomadic village workshops and established city manufactories, resulting in diverse regional designs and knotting structures.

How do I care for an antique rug?

Protect antique wool and silk textiles by placing them in areas away from direct, prolonged sunlight to prevent dye fading. Gentle, regular vacuuming without a rotating brush roll helps remove embedded dust from the pile. Professional cleaning tailored to antique vegetable-dyed carpets should be utilised periodically rather than standard domestic washing methods.

What is the difference between a carpet and a runner?

Carpets generally present larger, balanced proportions suited to anchoring central furniture in principal rooms. Runners offer an elongated, narrow format specifically constructed for corridors and passageways. Both forms share traditional weaving techniques and regional decorative motifs depending on their origin.

How can I tell the age of a piece?

Dating relies on stylistic analysis of the border motifs, field patterns, and structural characteristics such as material preparation and knot density. Pieces span from eighteenth-century examples to early twentieth-century productions. Natural dye variations and regional weaving signatures provide further indicators of the specific period in which a textile was manufactured.