What is a herati design?

The herati pattern is an all-over repeating motif featuring a central flower surrounded by curved leaves. It appears frequently in traditional Persian weaving across various regional groups. This intricate lattice creates a balanced, continuous visual rhythm across the field of the rug.

How do I care for an antique rug?

Regular gentle vacuuming without a beater bar helps remove dust and grit from the wool pile. Professional cleaning by a specialist in antique textiles ensures the natural dyes remain stable. Keeping the rug out of direct, harsh sunlight prevents the vegetable dyes from fading prematurely over the years.

Where were these rugs made?

These textiles originate from various towns, villages and tribal regions across Persia, including Fereghan, Senneh, Malayer and Bidjar. Each area developed distinctive local interpretations of the classic herati layout. Local water sources, regional wool types and specific tribal traditions shaped the final character of each weaving centre.

How can I tell the age of a rug?

Age is determined by examining the materials, knot structure, dye palette and regional style characteristics. Hand-spun wool and natural dye variations typically point to nineteenth or early twentieth-century production. Slight irregularities in the symmetry and structure often indicate traditional hand-made village or tribal origins prior to commercial standardisation.