Vintage Persian Rugs are some of the most sought after rugs in the world. Their elegant, sophisticated designs and mellow color tones have a universal appeal. They can elevate and transform room decor and instantly bring a sense of history and heritage to any space they touch. Vintage Persian rugs are timeless works of art that are as beautiful as they are rich in cultural context and history.
Historically, rug making was a highly artisanal process where weavers took immense pride in their work. It was an art form that the people of Persia took more seriously than perhaps any other. The antique rugs produced in the land of Persia reflected the aesthetic and cultural ideals of the entire people in a way that is not seen in any other work of art.
In the 19th century, however, rug weaving began to become a highly industrialized business. The large metropolis carpet weaving centers of Tabriz, Kerman, Hamadan, and Khorassan started producing rugs that were more consistent and standardized in their design. The weavers, who had previously designed their own rugs, were now expected to follow the standardized designs from the factory with little to no deviation.
This is what distinguishes the 19th century rugs of the large cities from their smaller counterparts. The rugs of the city are more uniform in style and design, whereas the rugs of the village are much more varied and individualized. One can usually tell the difference between a rug woven in the city and a rug woven in the village by the signature design, colors and materials used.
A good example of a rug that was woven in the city and had standardized designs is a Ziegler Sultanabad rug. These rugs were created in the last quarter of the 19th century and were responsible for reviving interest in traditional Persian rugs. Their designs were very popular with Victorian interior decor, and they expanded the market for these exquisite works of art.
As you begin to dive into the world of the vintage rugs, you will notice that there are many ways to identify the region (city, district, town, villages) from which a rug was woven. In some cases, the designer of a specific production will also be noted. For instance, a rug that is named after the city of Heriz was designed by a man who was called an “Ustad” which is a title of respect given to master weavers.
With a little time and effort, you will be able to easily identify the region of a vintage rug, which is an important factor in determining its value. Additionally, it is essential to be aware of the condition of a rug when evaluating its value. While small repairs are acceptable, larger ones detract from a rug’s true worth and should be avoided. When selecting a vintage Persian rug, you want to make sure it has great construction and is in good condition. A rug that has significant damage may not be worth purchasing, even if it is in a style that you love.
