How do I identify an authentic Heriz carpet?

Authentic pieces display distinct geometric medallion designs woven with wool pile on cotton foundations, originating from the northwest Persian district. Look for characteristic terracotta tones and sturdy village construction dating from the late nineteenth or early twentieth century. Examining the back reveals the density of the knotting and the quality of the hand-spun wool. Traditional village production methods give each piece a slightly irregular, individual character.

Where were these carpets originally made?

These weavings originate from the town of Heriz and surrounding villages in the mountainous Azerbaijan region of northwest Persia. Local workshops utilised abundant regional wool supplies to produce hard-wearing floor coverings for both domestic use and export. Surrounding settlements such as Karaja and Bakshaish contributed closely related styles that share similar technical structures and geometric design vocabularies.

How should I care for an antique carpet?

Protect antique wool floor coverings by placing them in low-traffic areas or using appropriate underlays to prevent slipping and excessive wear. Regular gentle vacuuming without a rotating brush roll helps remove embedded dust without damaging the pile. Professional cleaning tailored for antique textiles ensures the natural wool oils and vegetable dyes remain preserved over time. Avoid exposing the fibres to direct, prolonged sunlight to prevent fading.

What is the difference between a Heriz and a Serapi?

Serapi carpets represent an earlier, typically finer nineteenth-century iteration of the classic Heriz style with more open, spacious compositions. They often feature muted colour palettes and lower knot densities that give the geometric motifs a larger scale. Standard Heriz production from later periods tends to feature tighter, more formal medallion designs and more saturated primary colours. Both share the same regional origin and sturdy structural materials.