Where were these rugs made?

These rugs were produced across distinct weaving regions including Persia, Anatolia, and Tibet. Local communities and nomadic tribes each developed characteristic patterns and colour palettes. Individual areas such as Heriz, Malayer, and Kurdish lands generated distinct regional styles that remain identifiable through their specific motifs and structural formats.

How do I care for an old rug?

Protect the textile by placing it in low-traffic areas and using an appropriate underlay to prevent sliding. Regular gentle vacuuming without a beater bar keeps dust from settling into the pile. Professional cleaning suited for handmade wool and silk textiles preserves the natural fibres and dyes over time. Avoid direct exposure to harsh sunlight to prevent fading.

What is a prayer rug?

A prayer rug is a smaller format textile featuring a distinctive mihrab or arch design at one end. This architectural motif indicates the direction of prayer for the user. Weavers across Anatolia and other regions produced these specialised rugs for personal devotion, incorporating symbolic borders and geometric fillers.

How do I identify tribal designs?

Tribal designs often display geometric motifs, repeating medallions, and stylised animal or plant forms rather than formal floral curves. These patterns reflect the nomadic heritage and local surroundings of the weavers. Analysing the wool quality, dye variations, and knot structure helps connect a rug to specific groups such as the Baluch, Afshar, or Kurdish populations.