Vintage Persian rugs add an alluring accent to living spaces. Their intricate patterns and rich colors bring character to rooms of all sizes.
Few artistic endeavors can boast such a rich historical and cultural context as antique Persian rugs. They represent an art form that was once embraced by entire civilizations.
Handmade
In their heyday, Persian rug weavers were highly specialized craftsmen. Their weaving techniques and dye recipes were highly guarded tribal secrets that resulted in lustrous, animated works of art. The color dyes used in these rugs were natural, made from a wide variety of materials including berries, insects, minerals and seeds.
During the 19th century, these weaving artisans started to build carpet factories in the major cities that produced standardized designs and a higher quality product. The resulting rugs have a more uniform look with symmetrical design in all directions.
These antique art rugs still inspire a powerful international following and are a testament to their rich heritage and culture. They evoke an exotic sense of place and transport the onlooker into another time. These antique art pieces are also a great investment because they will not depreciate over the years.
Unique
The antique Persian rug is a unique manifestation of centuries old tradition and style. Its fluid, subtle, yet varied design and exotic use of color inspire a powerful international following. These pieces fill a room with an unparalleled combination of sophistication and beauty. Many of the world’s leading tastemakers and interior designers incorporate them in their projects.
19th century rugs produced in the large cities typically have a higher KPSI (knots per square inch). This is due to the fact that these weavers were working in factories where they could access larger amounts of high quality natural dyes and follow a more controlled process for achieving consistency.
You can also distinguish a handmade rug from a machine-made one by looking at the fringe. If the rug’s fringe looks like a natural extension of the body of the rug, it is handmade. Machine-made rugs have fringe that is sewn or glued onto the edges. Look for the telltale sign of this: the fringe should be a little fuzzy and not as smooth as the rest of the rug’s body.
Timeless
Persian rugs are one of the most diverse and beautiful of all antique oriental carpets. They represent a centuries old craft and a rich cultural heritage. These heirlooms are priceless treasures that should be carefully inspected and displayed to their fullest potential. The woven designs, color palettes and intricate patterns are truly captivating and can transform any room into an exotic Middle Eastern oasis.
Master weavers such as Ustad Zufilkhar Ed Din Mohtashem produced masterpieces in the late 1800’s that created a revival of interest in Persian rugs. The designs of these carpets are based on traditional styles, but have their own uniqueness that set them apart from other carpets of the time.
Another important factor to consider when examining antique Persian rugs is the knot density. Higher knot density typically indicates that a rug is older. It’s also a good idea to feel the underside of a rug. A genuine hand-knotted rug will have no backing on the underside, and it will feel softer than machine-made or tufted rugs.
Investment
A high-quality Persian rug is a beautiful work of art that can also be a great investment. They do not depreciate in value and can even become more valuable over time. However, this is not guaranteed and you should be aware of the risks involved with investing in a vintage rug.
The quality of a handmade Persian rug is based on several factors. For example, the type of wool used, the number of knots per inch, and the design are important considerations when evaluating a rug’s quality. Additionally, it is important to look for a rug that has been expertly restored.
Another factor that influences the value of a vintage Persian rug is its rarity. Rugs produced by master weavers are especially sought after because they often display a level of artistic virtuosity that transcends vernacular craftsmanship. Moreover, their designs are highly detailed and intricate. These rugs can be the perfect focal point for any space and bring the essence of Persian culture to life.
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