10' x 14' Antique 1920s Persian Kerman Rug

Vintage Persian Rugs versus Persian Antique Rugs: What Buyers Should Know

 

Looking for a way to add incredible beauty and timeless style to your home? Whether you’re looking for a rug for the living room or to add warmth and class to the master bedroom, a Persian rug could be exactly what you need. 

 

Of course, you must learn how to navigate this area. You’ll find area rugs labeled as vintage and antique, but what’s the difference? Which of the many fine Persian rugs is better suited for your needs?

 

Antique vs. Vintage

 

First, let’s address the question of an antique rug versus vintage rugs. Technically, any rug labeled as “vintage” is between 20 and 80 years old. However, a Persian rug labeled as “antique” is over 80 or even 100 years old. So, vintage means that the rug is old, but antique means it is among the oldest examples of its kind.

 

Questions about Materials and Dyes

 

Genuine Persian rugs are stunning works of art. However, you’ll probably encounter similar-looking rugs that claim to be the real thing but aren’t. Understanding the materials, dyes, and crafting processes that go into making genuine Persian rugs can help prevent you from falling victim to these counterfeits.

 

Material

 

For a real Persian rug, wool is the material of choice in most cases. Whether you’re thinking of purchasing a traditional Persian rug in red, a Persian rug in blue and cream, rugs in teal, or a combination of different colors, authentic rugs are made with real wool. However, you will also find silk rug examples that include Persian knot patterns.

 

Manufacturing

 

These beautiful, timeless rugs are made by hand. Hand-woven rugs offer much better durability than machine-manufactured pile rugs, and they provide individual character only available with rugs hand knotted by expert craftspeople. 

 

Dyes

 

These classic rugs use only vegetable dyes. Organic dyes made from vegetables last for decades without fading and are nontoxic, unlike synthetic dyes used in manufacturing modern rugs. 

 

Knot Patterns

 

Knotted rugs offer eye-catching beauty and style, but did you know that knots are more than mere decoration? A hand-knotted rug will have more knots than a machine-woven rug. The more knots present, the longer the rug took to make, and the finer the craftsmanship with most fine rugs.

 

Names

 

You might be familiar with the category “Persian” or “oriental” rugs, but genuine fine rugs can be marketed and sold under many different names. These refer to different characteristics of the rugs, including their geographic area of origin, the pattern woven into them with hand-spun yarn, and the type of Turkish rug knot used around the border. Just some of the names you may encounter include the following:

 

• Gabbeh rugs

• Kashan rug

• Kilim rugs

• Heriz rug

• Bakhtiari rug

• Tabriz rug

 

How to Choose Your New Wool Rug or Silk Rug

 

Choosing between one-of-a-kind rugs can be challenging. Let your intuition guide you. Start with the colors of the room and your goal for the space. Do you want a hand-knotted rug that adds a sense of calm and peace? Do you want a dramatic centerpiece for the space? 

 

Next, choose the pattern that best suits your needs. How will it tie into your existing aesthetic? Knotted rugs can add a lot of detail to any space, but it’s easy to overwhelm them with other décor. Keep your space minimally decorated so that the rug becomes the focal point of the design.

 

Finally, make sure you work with a reputable retailer of one-of-a-kind rugs. The right retailer will offer fine rugs handcrafted in this ancient tradition that will last your family for centuries, becoming treasured heirlooms.

Kerman Rugs: Glorious Colors and Patterns

 

Knotted rugs add incredible beauty to any space, but few can match the colors and patterns of Kerman rugs. Part of the Persian rug family, these floor coverings are both eye-catching and traditional.

 

What Are Kerman Rugs?

 

Persian Kerman rugs are a traditional type of rug made in the city of Kerman, in the province of the same name, located in south-central Iran. 

 

What Are They Made From?

 

Like most other options when it comes to a Persian rug, wool is the primary material used. These rugs are usually built around a cotton base, although sometimes silk can be used. A Kerman rug should also be made with:

 

• Handspun yarn made from high-quality wool

• Organic dyes (vegetable dyes)

 

How to Identify Authentic Rugs ?

 

Sadly, not every hand knotted rug that claims to be made with Persian rug wool or to come from the Kerman region of Iran is genuine. Today, many manufacturers claim the name “Kerman” as long as the rug features the design style common to the area, regardless of manufacturing materials or process.

 

So, how do you ensure you’re considering authentic rugs? It all comes down to a few things:

 

1. These are hand woven rugs – make sure there’s no synthetic backing.

2. They should use irregular Persian knots.

3. These rugs are known for their vivid colors, particularly red, although other colors can be used, including deep blue, rich cream, and emerald green.

4. Fine Persian rugs from the Kerman region should also feature intricate design work and have a very high knot count.

5. Most rugs of this design feature a central medallion surrounded by a field of color. Often, the medallion is framed by a floral pattern.

 

How Do I Care for My Wool Rug?

 

Like most Persian rugs, these classic rugs require the right care and maintenance to last as long as possible. We recommend that you put them in areas with light foot traffic and that you try to avoid walking on them with heavy shoes. 

 

Cleaning should consist of regular (light) vacuuming. To remove heavy soiling or stains, use a combination of white vinegar and clean water to blot the soil/stain away. Never scrub your rug and do not use chemical cleansers.

 

Timeless Rugs Last for Generations

 

Handcrafted with Persian knots and natural fibers, these timeless rugs can last for generations and become treasured heirlooms. They also make a great way to add color and life to your home.

Manual cleaning is recommended for these rugs and if your rug is heavily soiled or stained, you’ll need to have a professional cleaning for hand knotted rugs.

Kurosh Persian rugs  can guide you when it comes to caring for your new rug. We also recommend that you put them in lower-traffic areas of the home to preserve them as much as possible.

All orders are processed within 2-3 business days. We find the best shipping company and rates for each order. The carrier may vary. Once the order is ready to be shipped you will receive a tracking number. Orders are usually delivered within 5-7 business days depending on your location. 

We offer free shipping on orders across the United States.

Persian Antique Rugs

Antique Persian rugs refer to those that were made more than 80 years ago. If the rug is less than 80 years old, it would be considered semi-antique.

 

Age is not the only factor when determining whether it is an antique Persian rug or not. The location where it was made also matters. Regardless of the age, it can only be considered a Persian rug if it was made in Iran, which was known as Persia before 1935. If it was made outside of Iran, it’s not an authentic Persian rug.

 

Antique wool rugs and silk rugs can both be found today. One of the hallmarks of Persian handmade rugs is their quality and durability. Even antique Persian rugs that are well over 80 years old can still be just as durable as the day they were made. Of course, longevity requires proper care and maintenance.

 

Those who want a one-of-a-kind Persian rug will find that opting for an antique is a fantastic choice. The value of the antique rug depends on the condition of the rug, the fineness of the rug, and where it was originally woven.

 

When buying, always double-check to be sure it’s an authentic Persian rug and that it meets the age requirement to be considered an antique. Learn to care for it, and it will last for many more years to come.