How do I identify a Heriz carpet?

Heriz carpets are recognised by their bold, large-scale geometric medallions and robust structural feel. They frequently employ heavy cotton foundations and distinct corner spandrels. The palette often relies on deep rust reds contrasted with indigo blues and ivories, differing from the finer curvilinear floral designs found in urban Tabriz weaving.

Where were Baluch rugs made?

Baluch rugs were produced by nomadic and village weavers across the borderlands of Persia, Afghanistan, and Baluchistan. They typically appear in smaller formats suited for portable floor coverings. These pieces often feature dark wool palettes incorporating rust red, deep brown, and midnight blue, frequently arranged in repeating octagonal gul or calyx lattice designs.

Are these carpets made with natural dyes?

The nineteenth and early twentieth-century examples on this page rely predominantly on traditional natural dye sources. Madder root provided the durable rust red grounds seen across many village carpets. Subtle abrash, or tonal shifts within a single colour field, often indicates the use of hand-dyed wool batches prepared in village or nomadic households.

How should I care for an antique rug?

Antique wool and cotton carpets require gentle regular vacuuming without rotating brush heads to protect the historic pile. Keeping them out of direct sunlight prevents the natural rust red tones from fading over time. Professional specialist cleaning is recommended every few years to remove embedded grit from the wool foundation without compromising the hand-knotted structure.