How do I care for an antique wool carpet?

Vacuum these textiles gently with a suction-only attachment, avoiding rotating brush rolls that can pull at wool fibres. Rotate the floor covering periodically to ensure even wear from foot traffic and sunlight exposure. Professional cleaning should happen infrequently and only by specialists experienced in antique plant-dyed wools. Keep the backing dry and address spills immediately by blotting rather than rubbing.

Where were these floral carpets made?

The inventory spans multiple distinct weaving traditions, primarily originating across Persia and Eastern Europe. Persian pieces come from centres and regions such as Isfahan, Kashan, Heriz, Mahal, and Hamadan. Eastern European examples include Bessarabian kilims and Ukrainian or Romanian tapestries. Other regional pieces hail from Caucasian Karabagh, northern India, Tibet, and Scandinavia.

What is the difference between a rug and a carpet?

Size and placement traditionally separate the two terms in the trade. Carpets generally denote larger floor coverings designed to occupy a substantial portion of a room. Rugs typically refer to smaller formats, such as scatter rugs, prayer rugs, or specific regional pieces that cover only a localized area of the floor.

How can I tell the age of a woven carpet?

Dating relies on assessing the structural materials, dye palette, and stylistic execution of the piece. Earlier nineteenth-century examples often feature softer, naturally derived vegetable dyes and more organic variations in the wool. Twentieth-century pieces may introduce early aniline colours or more standardised village patterns. Structural analysis of the fringe, selvedges, and knotting techniques also guides accurate attribution.