Persian antique rugs date as far back as 500 B.C., where they originated in the region known today as Iran. Despite the passage of time, the popularity of these detailed, hand-woven carpets hasn’t waned, and Iranian weavers continue to provide one-of-a-kind carpets for local and global markets.
What makes Persian rugs so outstanding and unique are their designs, comprised of geometric or curvilinear patterns. From simple to intricate, these designs, better known as motifs, possess a timeless beauty which can’t be matched by modern rugs.
If you look at a Persian rug, you will see that the motif always appears inside of a border and can cover the entire area, appear in the center, or be placed to one side. Another popular pattern is a repeat medallion, where the central design is echoed throughout the rug.
When you go shopping for a Persian carpet, how can you tell the difference between a genuine antique and a modern imposter? To begin with, look at the price. Persian rugs are one-of-a-kind, high-end works of art which should never be on sale. Next, all authentic Persian rugs are hand-crafted, as opposed to modern machine-made Persian carpets. While the two look the same on the surface, if you have done your homework and know what features to look for, you can often separate the pretenders from the true contenders. Check the back of the carpet to see if the design is identical to that appearing on the front. If the woven rug has some kind of mesh covering on the back, hiding design or the knots, then you know this carpet is made by a machine. The second test is to examine the fringe; machine-made fringes are sewn on after the fact. In contrast, the fringe on an authentic antique or Persian rug is woven with the material from the loom.
If you go shopping for Persian rugs, you will notice that they are named according to their place of origin, tribe, or design. If you come across a store selling several identical carpets, claiming that they are genuine antiques, somebody is probably taking you for a ride. Authentic Persian rugs are individually handcrafted, and while some may appear similar in size, shape, and motif, it is rare to find identical hand-woven antique rugs. These rugs are also made from only natural materials, never synthetic, and their colors derive from the natural dyes of local plants and vegetables. These properties, combined with their enduring beauty and quality, is what makes Persian rugs the world’s “golden standard” in the realm of carpet making, and why Persian rugs continue to adorn the floors of some of the wealthiest homes and palaces in the world.
For centuries, owning Persian rugs was a privilege reserved for royalty, who would commission the carpets from the top artists and weavers in the country. Their extravagant designs and elaborate styles later spread to the masses and across the globe, where they continue until today to add sophistication and elegance to any room.