What is a persian floral medallion rug?

A persian floral medallion rug is a hand-knotted textile featuring a central ornamental motif surrounded by botanical patterns. These pieces originate from historic weaving centres and villages across Persia and neighbouring regions. They combine wool, cotton, and occasionally silk elements woven into runners, area rugs, and large room-sized carpets dating from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

How were these carpets used?

These textiles served as functional floor coverings in grand city houses, country homes, and village dwellings. Their dense pile provided warmth and comfort in principal rooms. Smaller formats functioned as hearth rugs or scatter pieces, while large room-sized carpets anchored formal seating areas.

How do I live with an antique rug?

Living with an antique rug involves placing it in areas with moderate foot traffic to preserve the wool pile and natural dyes. Utilising a quality underlay prevents slipping and cushions the cotton foundation against hard floors. Keep these textiles away from direct, prolonged sunlight to protect the soft pastel and rich colours from fading over time.

How can I tell different regional styles apart?

Regional styles differ in their drawing style, palette, and structural density. City workshops like Tabriz, Kashan, and Isfahan often exhibit fine curvilinear floral precision and silk highlights. Village carpets from Bakhtiar, Mahal, Heriz, and Hamadan display bolder geometric interpretations of the medallion design with robust wool construction.