How do I care for a large wool persian carpet?

Vacuum gently without using a beater bar to prevent pulling the wool pile. Rotate the carpet periodically to ensure even wear across high-traffic areas. Keep the piece away from direct, prolonged sunlight to protect the natural dyes. Consult a specialist professional cleaner experienced in antique textiles for washing.

Where were these carpets originally made?

These floor coverings originated in various towns, villages, and tribal regions across Persia, now modern Iran. Different districts developed distinct visual vocabularies and structural techniques. City workshops like Tabriz and Kirman produced refined, detailed pieces, while regions such as Heriz and Sarouk yielded bolder, geometric or village-style compositions.

How can I tell different regional styles apart?

Examine the central motifs and background patterns for clues about origin. Heriz carpets typically feature geometric medallions and angular corners, whereas Tabriz pieces often display curvilinear floral designs and fine work. Palette choices also help distinguish types, with certain villages favouring warm reds and blues while others utilise ivory or light grounds.

What materials make up these antique carpets?

The soft surface pile consists entirely of natural sheep wool, which provides resilience and warmth. Foundation threads running beneath the pile utilise cotton for structural stability. These traditional materials allow large room-sized carpets to maintain their integrity over many decades of domestic use.