How do I clean an old rug?

Maintenance requires gentle vacuuming without rotating brush heads to protect the fragile wool pile. Professional specialist cleaning remains essential for removing deep-seated grit without damaging natural dyes. Water exposure must be strictly controlled during any surface care to prevent bleeding in older dyes. Allowing the foundation to retain moisture risks rotting the cotton and wool structures.

Where were these rugs made?

Production centres span across Persia, the Caucasus, Anatolia, and Afghanistan. Specific tribes and villages, including the Kashgai and Baluch, developed distinct regional patterns. Urban workshops in cities like Kashan and Isfahan also produced finer floor coverings with intricate floral vase designs. Village weavers focused on bold geometric and tribal expressions.

What is a tribal design?

Tribal designs incorporate geometric motifs, stylised animals, and symbolic patterns passed down through generations of nomadic weavers. These compositions reflect regional cultural identities rather than formal court aesthetics. Common elements include hooked medallions, borders filled with repeating figures, and abrash colour variations. Each design tells a visual story specific to the maker's community.