How do I clean an old carpet?

Maintenance requires gentle surface care and specialist cleaning rather than immersion or aggressive mechanical washing. Professional treatment protects the historical wool pile and structural dyes. Vacuuming should be done gently without a rotating beater brush catching the soft edges. Keeping the textile away from direct, prolonged sunlight preserves the deep indigo and navy hues.

Where were these rugs made?

The pieces originate across workshops and nomadic tribal territories in Persia, Afghanistan, Anatolia and the Caucasus. Different regions developed distinct weaving methods and recognisable design vocabularies. Local materials and regional dyeing traditions shaped the final appearance of each carpet. Village weavers often worked from memory, incorporating tribal motifs specific to their communities.

What is a runner rug?

A runner rug is an elongated rectangular textile intended for narrow spaces such as corridors, hallways and entryways. Their proportions direct foot traffic while adding warmth to transitional areas. These formats share the same wool pile and hand-knotted construction methods as larger room carpets. Regional weavers adapted their traditional patterns to fit these constrained dimensions.

How do I date a carpet?

Dating relies on assessing the structural materials, the chemical or natural nature of the dyes, and stylistic indicators within the weave. Subtle variations in knot density and wool preparation provide clues to the period of production. Comparative study of known regional styles helps narrow down the decade or century of origin. Nineteenth and early twentieth-century examples display characteristic wear patterns and dye patination.