How do I clean a traditional qashqai carpet?

Professional specialist cleaning is essential for antique wool and natural dye textiles. Avoid household detergents and vigorous scrubbing to protect the delicate fibres. Regular gentle vacuuming without a beater bar helps remove dust and prevents grit from settling into the hand-spun wool pile.

Where were these carpets originally made?

These pieces were produced by nomadic and village tribes operating in south-west Persia. The makers moved seasonally, carrying their looms with them. Their surroundings and cultural symbols directly influenced the geometric motifs and animal patterns woven into the wool.

Can I use an antique rug on the floor?

These carpets were built for daily functional use by tribal groups. Placing a quality underlay beneath the rug helps cushion the wool pile and prevents slipping. Foot traffic is generally acceptable on sturdy, full-piled pieces, while fragile flat-woven kelims benefit from placement in lower-traffic areas.

How do I date an older carpet?

Dating relies on examining the specific wool texture, the chemical composition of the natural dyes, and the structural weave. Stylistic details like specific medallion layouts also provide clues to the period. Pieces from the nineteenth century often show distinct hand-spun irregularities compared to later twentieth-century production.