Where were these rugs made?

These textiles originate from weaving centres and nomadic regions across Persia, the Caucasus, Anatolia, Afghanistan and Morocco. Specific tribes and towns, such as Heriz, Shirvan, Yomut and Qashqai, developed distinct regional aesthetics. Production methods varied from urban workshops in Persia to nomadic tents across the Caucasus and Afghanistan, resulting in diverse structural formats including carpets, runners, kilims and utility bags.

How do I care for a vintage wool rug?

Vacuum gently without using a rotating brush bar to protect the hand-spun wool pile and delicate flatweave edges. Professional cleaning suited to antique textiles preserves the natural dyes and fibres. Keep the textile out of direct, continuous sunlight to prevent fading of the natural dye colours. Rotating the piece periodically ensures even wear in high-traffic interior spaces.

What is the difference between a kilim and a carpet?

A kilim is a flatwoven textile constructed without a pile, resulting in a lighter, thinner fabric suitable for floors or wall hanging. Carpets feature a dense pile knotted onto a foundational warp and weft. Flatweaves rely on interlocking weft threads to form geometric patterns, whereas knotted pile rugs allow for intricate curved designs and deep, plush surfaces.

How do I identify a tribal rug?

Tribal rugs typically display geometric medallions, hooked motifs, animal symbols and repeating border patterns generated from memory rather than formal cartoons. The wool often exhibits hand-spun irregularities and varied natural dye lots. Originating from nomadic confederations or village groups like the Baluch, Afshar, Luri or Qashqai, these pieces reflect the specific cultural iconography and local materials of their makers.