How do I clean an antique wool rug?

Gentle surface brushing and professional dusting remove embedded grit without harming the natural fibres. Avoid harsh chemical immersion or modern detergents that strip natural indigo dyes. Allow the textile to dry flat in a shaded area after any spot treatment. Excessive moisture can weaken the cotton foundations and warp threads over time.

Where were these rugs made?

Production centres include village and nomadic regions across the Caucasus, Persia, and Tibet. Local tribes utilised available regional materials for their looms. Specific valleys and confederacies developed distinct weaving idioms that distinguish a Caucasian Kazak from a Persian Afshar or Kurdish piece.

How can I tell the age of a rug?

Examination of the wool spin, dye sources, and structural wear patterns reveals the approximate period of manufacture. Natural indigo and hand-spun wool point toward nineteenth and early twentieth-century origins. Structural irregularities in older village weaving often indicate hand-cranked or vertical tribal looms rather than modern mechanical production.

Can I use these rugs on heated floors?

Natural wool and cotton textiles tolerate moderate radiant heat provided an appropriate breathable underlay is utilised. Prevent direct contact with intense heat sources that dry out animal fibres. Lift the textile periodically to inspect the floorboards and backing for trapped humidity or dust accumulation.