What is so special about Persian rugs?

Renowned for their rich colors and interesting designs, Persian rugs are made with all-natural wools, silk and vegetable dyes, rather than synthetic materials. Because of their painstaking craftsmanship, Persian rugs are also highly regarded for their quality and durability.

What is the difference between a Persian rug and a Persian carpet?

In the past, any carpet made in Asia or the Middle East (including China, India, Egypt, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran) was considered Oriental. Persian carpets are traditionally made in the Middle East, specifically Iran, which was formerly known as Persia. That means Persian rugs are a subset of Oriental rugs.

Why are Iranian rugs so expensive?

The finest of these carpets can take months, and even years to be made. Finer yarns like silk and cotton yields light-weight and intricate designs and takes much longer to weave compared to wool yarns. Hence, the prices of the rugs made from finer yarns are higher than the ones made completely of wool.

What is the function of Persian rugs?

Persian carpets and rugs were initially woven as articles of necessity to cover the floors of nomadic tribesmen, giving them protection from the cold and damp.

How do you know if a rug is Persian?

In short, a genuine Oriental or Persian carpet has no sewn-on fringes. The fringes form the end of the warp yarns and are therefore an integral part of the carpet. If you should see on the back of the rug that the fringes have been sewn on, then in all probability it is not a genuine oriental rug.

Is a Persian rug worth it?

Persian rugs can not only hold their value but increase it because of their durability. “The hand-knotted rug, no matter where you put it, it is safe. Put an Oriental in your kitchen and no problem,” says Bahman Rais Dana. “The more they are washed, the more beautiful the colors are, the more beautifully soft it is.”

How can you tell if a rug is Persian?

Real Persian Rugs Always Have a Soft Backing For one thing, the presence or absence of imperfections in the knots can tell you a lot about whether it is hand-knotted or machine made. Secondly, the texture and type of backing can also be very revealing. Authentic Persian rugs are always hand-knotted.

Are Afghan rugs Persian?

They’re made up of Persian knots and feature vegetable-dyed hand spun Afghan wool. Most Afghan weavers make rugs that are about the same as those they have woven for decades. They are therefore considered a very important aspect of their culture.

How much should I spend on a Persian rug?

The average cost of one Persian area rug ranges from $250 to $350 depending on size, material, and pattern type. Prices can increase based on factors such as age or rarity. For example, you will pay more for an antique than a contemporary piece.

How long do Persian rugs last?

With regular care and maintenance, an authentic Persian rug can last more than 100 years. The secret to their durability is in the materials that are used and the way that they are constructed. Some of the hardier rugs can last for generations even if they are placed in high traffic areas.

How can you tell if a Persian rug is authentic?

Authentic Persian rugs are always hand-knotted. The process is such that the pattern on the underside of the rug matches the pattern on the top of the rug. There is no other backing added to the underside. The absence of any type of backing results in a soft underside.

What materials are used to make Persian rugs?

Sometimes camel or goats wool is used by tribal weavers. Wool is the most commonly used material in weaving handmade Persian rugs, mainly because it is soft and durable but also due to the availability of the natural resource to the people of Iran. Although camel or goats hair is sometimes used, in excess it is undesirable.

What are the motifs in Persian carpets?

Common motifs in Persian carpets. Boteh motif. Bidjar rug with Herati pattern. Pictorial carpet with Tree of life, birds, plants, flowers and vase motifs. Safavid period carpet (detail): Shah Abbasi motif. Karaja carpet with Bid Majnūn, or “weeping willow” design. Bijar Rug with Bid Majnūn, or “weeping willow” design.

Do Persian rugs have knots?

Most Persian rugs are pile-woven, the knots tied by hand to the warp strings. Two factors are important when discussing knots – knot density and knot type. Knot density refers to, and is measured by, the number of knots per square inch (KPSI).

What are oriental rugs made of?

Authentic Oriental and Persian rugs are generally made of the highest-quality natural fibers, like wool and silk. The rug pads you choose should also be made of the best natural materials.