How do I care for my rug?

Protect the textile by vacuuming gently without a rotating brush roll to prevent snagging the delicate wool pile. Professional cleaning by a specialist in antique oriental carpets maintains the integrity of the natural dyes. Rotate the rug periodically to ensure even wear across traffic areas and exposure to sunlight. Placing a quality underlay beneath prevents slipping and cushions the foundation threads against hard floors.

What dates are these rugs from?

The available pieces originate primarily from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, spanning roughly from eighteen-fifty through nineteen-thirty. This era represents a period of traditional hand-knotting before widespread commercial chemical dyes altered palette standards. Earlier nineteenth-century examples often exhibit deeper vegetable dye patination and looser tribal handling. Pieces from the nineteen-twenties and thirties frequently demonstrate finer city-workshop precision and structured room-size formats.

How do I identify regional designs?

Regional styles announce themselves through distinct drawing styles, palette choices, and structural proportions. Heriz carpets typically display bold geometric medallions and heavy corner pieces anchored by strong red borders. In contrast, Kashan and Isfahan productions favour curvilinear floral vines, delicate central medallions, and intricate palmettes. Tribal Baluch and Kurdish rugs utilise repeated latch-hook lattices, abrash colour shifts, and nomadic iconography.