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Antique Persian Rugs

Some of the most beautiful and decorative rugs available today were woven in Persia, now known as Iran. The use of natural vegetable dyes along with the high quality of wool and superb craftsmanship has allowed them to endure years of high traffic. We classify rugs made from 1930-1950 as Semi-Antique, and earlier than 1930 as an Antique rug.

Some other very desirable Antique Rugs are Keshan, Ferahan and Mahajaran Sarouk, Tabriz, Bijar, Hamadan, Malayer, Serapi Herez, Karaja, Bakshaish, Lilehan, Lavar (Ravar) Kerman, Kashgai, Serab, Afshar, Bahktiari, Ispahan, Mahal and Ekbatan Kazvin.

It is advisable if you don't know Rugs, know your Rug dealer. There is a lot to be aware and beware of when you are in the market for an Antique Persian Rug. Most old rugs tend to be expensive. It is fine to have a rug repaired or restored; however you need to make sure that it has been done correctly.

Things to be concerned about when shopping are:

Rug pile condition: Does the rug have even wear? We prefer to have even wear throughout the rug. Make sure that the rug has been cleaned. Dirt can hide wear areas and other problems with a rug. Also, if the rug has been repaired, make sure that the rug has been re-woven and not touched up with a marker to cover a worn area.

Fringe condition: We prefer that a rug is re-fringed rather then adding cotton fringe. If the fringe has worn into the rug, it is important that the rug is reinforced with a blind stitch. To protect the value of the rug, we prefer a cashmere stitch to continue the design from the sides of the rug. If the rug is severely reduced, it may have to be re-woven to improve the value of the rug.

Side wear: We like both sides to be over-cast. Depending on the rug's condition, a good repair person can fill in areas that need to be over-cast, if applicable. Otherwise a total over-cast will be necessary to improve the rug.

Over all condition: Be sure to check the rug for moth damage, dryness, splits, old repairs. A professional rug weaver can protect the value of an Antique rug by using correct restoration methods.

Alex Cooper has a wide selection of one-of-a-kind Antique Persian Rugs for sale. Please contact us if you would like to discuss or have questions about Antique Persian Rugs.

Area Rugs - Countries of Origin

• Modern Persian
• Antique Persian
• India
• China
• Turkish
• Tibet
• Afghanistan
• Pakistan
• Antique Caucasian
• French