How were pictorial carpets displayed historically?

Many fine pictorial carpets were produced as decorative floor coverings for prominent homes and public buildings, receiving regular foot traffic. However, due to their intricate figural designs and narrative importance, owners often hung them on walls to protect the detailed wool and silk pile from wear.

How do I distinguish regional styles?

Urban workshops in centres like Isfahan and Kashan generally produce refined floral and figural compositions with high knot counts. Tribal and village pieces from Baluch, Afghan, or Caucasian regions tend to feature more stylized, geometric interpretations of people and animals. Border designs, colour choices, and the handling of the pile offer further clues to a carpet's specific geographic origin.

How do I care for a vintage rug?

Protect the textile by vacuuming gently with a suction-only attachment, avoiding the rotating brush bars that can damage older pile. Keep the rug out of direct sunlight to prevent natural dyes from fading over time. Rotate the piece periodically to ensure even exposure and wear across the surface.