Adding an antique rug to your space brings a touch of timeless luxury. With mellow color tones, intricate patterns and beautiful patina, vintage Persian rugs are the perfect accent to any room. And, with a little know-how, it’s easy to find the best one for your space. This article will walk you through how to spot a real deal, and give you 10 tips that will help you score the perfect vintage Persian rug for your home.
During the 19th century, the Persian rug industry began to industrialize. This meant the weavers worked in larger factories. Weavers from cities like Tabriz, Hamadan and Kerman, produced rugs with standardized designs that are easily recognized today. This industrialization did not mean that a rug was made by machine, but rather the weavers were trained to follow specific techniques.
The weavers in the cities also used a consistent process for dyeing which helped them produce a consistent color throughout the rug. This helped the weavers create a rug that is symmetrical from any angle that it is viewed. This symmetry is what sets it apart from the rugs made in villages. The weavers in the villages, however, used a more free flowing approach to designing and weaving their carpets. Many motifs and design symbols had meanings to the tribe or family that wove them. The Boteh (a symbol that later became known as a paisley) represented eternity or flame among other things. Weavers in the village often told stories using their designs and colors to convey these concepts.
When shopping for a vintage rug, it is important to look for one that is in good condition. Checking the back of a rug for repairs is important. Those with large repairs will detract from the rug’s true value. Small repairs, on the other hand, can add to a rug’s character and beauty.
Another thing to keep in mind when shopping for a vintage Persian is the age of the rug. The older the rug, the more valuable it will be. A rug woven prior to 1920 has the greatest historical significance. The rugs that were woven in this time have a wide range of influences from semi-nomadic tribal groups to imperial weaving traditions established by the Safavid and Mughal empires. This vast array of influences created a vernacular art form that is arguably the most influential in the world.
The resulting heirloom elegance makes vintage Persian rugs an investment piece that will only appreciate in value. Shop Chairish’s collection of vintage Persian rugs to find the perfect addition to your home. And, be sure to use our search filters to narrow down your selection based on size parameters. Then, be sure to use our “Make an Offer” feature to see if you can score the rug of your dreams for less than list price! Happy shopping..
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