How do I clean an antique textile?

Surface dust should be gently removed using low-suction vacuuming without a beater bar, taking care to avoid damaging delicate fringes or older wool fibres. Professional textile conservationists should handle deeper cleaning or washing to prevent dye migration and structural distortion.

Can I hang these rugs on walls?

Many flatweaves and smaller pictorial rugs lend themselves well to wall display, distributing the weight evenly across a supportive sleeve or specialised hanging system. Direct attachment through nailing or heavy stitching should be avoided to prevent permanent tearing of the historic wool and cotton foundations.

What does a pictorial rug depict?

Pictorial examples feature figurative representations, historical portraits, or narrative scenes woven directly into the wool pile by skilled urban or workshop weavers. These commemorative pieces often portray significant political figures or specific cultural events from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

How are different tribal origins identified?

Specific wool qualities, dye palettes, and structural characteristics point directly to the producing tribe, such as the distinct geometric symbols used by Shahsavan or Qashqai weavers. Border motifs and end finishes further confirm the geographical region and nomadic group responsible for the piece's creation.