What is a Heriz Serapi rug?

A Heriz Serapi rug is a woven floor covering originating from northwest Persia, specifically the town of Heriz and its surrounding villages. These textiles date primarily from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. They are distinguished by robust cotton foundations, dense wool piles, and large geometric medallions that set them apart from curvilinear Persian court carpets.

How do I care for an antique rug?

Living with these antique wool textiles requires gentle maintenance, such as regular vacuuming without a rotating brush. Professional cleaning should occur periodically to protect the natural fibres. Positioning the rug away from direct, harsh sunlight prevents uneven fading of the natural dyes used across the wool pile.

Where were these rugs made?

These pieces were produced in the Heriz region located in the northwest of Persia. Village weavers utilised local materials to construct durable carpets for both domestic use and export. The regional style developed distinct geometric characteristics separate from urban weaving centres.

How do I identify the age?

Dating relies on stylistic markers, wool characteristics, and structural analysis of the cotton foundation. Pieces on this page span from eighteen sixty to nineteen thirty. Earlier examples often display specific regional palette shifts and coarser knotting configurations compared to later twentieth-century productions.