What is a silk and wool carpet?

A silk and wool carpet is a woven textile combining wool, lambswool or cotton with silk highlights or silk foundations. These pieces originate from regions including Persia, Turkey and Central Asia. They function as decorative floor coverings, area rugs and wall hangings, displaying traditional regional patterns from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

How do I identify a Qum rug?

Qum rugs originate from the city of Qum in central Iran and typically feature fine knots and intricate floral or tile patterns. They often incorporate silk highlights or are woven entirely with fine materials. Examples on this page date from the early twentieth century and range in size from compact area rugs to large carpets.

What is a Turkoman dowry rug?

A Turkoman dowry rug is a tribal weaving created by nomadic groups such as the Tekke or Saryk tribes in Central Asia. These nineteenth-century pieces often incorporate characteristic guls and crimson silk details. Such textiles held cultural significance within tribal traditions and were produced as part of a bride's dowry.

How should I care for an antique rug?

Antique silk and wool carpets require gentle maintenance, including regular low-suction vacuuming without a rotating brush bar. Professional textile cleaning is recommended for deep maintenance to protect the delicate silk highlights. Keeping them out of direct sunlight prevents fading of the natural dyes used in traditional Persian and Central Asian weaves.