Where were these rugs made?

The pieces originate primarily from weaving centres and tribal regions across Persia, the Caucasus, Anatolia, and Afghanistan. Workshops and nomadic groups in these areas utilised distinct regional patterns and local materials. Specific towns and tribes such as Bidjar, Heriz, Karaja, and Shirvan developed recognisable design vocabularies that help identify their geographic roots.

How do I style a small rug?

These compact formats suit entryways, hearths, and smaller floor spaces where a concentrated splash of pattern and texture is required. They anchor furniture arrangements or serve as standalone textile art on bare timber floors. Because many were originally used as prayer rugs or hearth rugs, their dimensions adapt easily to bedside placement or hallway accent positioning.

What is a prayer rug?

A prayer rug is a portable devotional textile featuring a mihrab or arched niche design at one end. The weaver oriented this motif to indicate the direction of prayer during daily observances. These functional pieces often display specific regional iconography and smaller dimensions suited for individual ritual use.

How do I identify regional types?

Distinguishing regional origins involves examining the specific knotting structure, colour combinations, and geometric or floral motifs. Towns like Heriz and Bidjar show robust structures and signature medallion layouts, while tribal pieces like Gabbeh feature minimal, open fields. Border designs and secondary colours also provide reliable clues to whether a piece hails from Caucasian, Persian, or Anatolian traditions.