How do I clean an old wool rug?

Professional specialist cleaning is essential for nineteenth-century and early twentieth-century textiles. Household cleaning products and excessive water will damage natural wool pile and alter the indigo dye. Gentle surface vacuuming without a beater bar helps remove everyday dust. Keep these rugs out of direct sunlight to protect the rich blue tones from fading over time.

Where were these carpets woven?

Production spans specific regions and provinces across Persia, including Khorassan, Hamadan, and Kerman. City workshops produced large, finely detailed carpets for export, while nomadic groups created smaller tribal rugs. Each region utilised distinct local motifs, colour combinations, and knotting techniques. This regional variety gives every rug its specific character.

Are these rugs suitable for high traffic?

Durable wool pile and sturdy cotton foundations make traditional Persian rugs resilient enough for everyday living. Regular placement in moderately busy hallways or living rooms allows the wool to withstand normal foot traffic. Using a quality underlay prevents slipping and cushions the fibres against hard floors. This simple addition extends the working life of the textile.

What does the date in a listing mean?

Dates such as eighteen-eighty or nineteen-hundred indicate the estimated period of manufacture based on style, materials, and structural evidence. These attributions place the textile within a specific era of Persian weaving history. Exact day-to-day creation dates are rarely recorded for antique carpets. Instead, dealers rely on comparative analysis of regional designs to establish the decade or century.