Vintage Persian Rugs – Important Factors to Consider When Buying

Persian rugs are a beautiful addition to any home. Their mellow color tones, unique designs and high quality craftsmanship make them sought after around the world. They have a special ability to take us back in time, to exotic lands of nomadic tribes and ancient empires. Their presence is both exhilarating and spiritually enlightening. The rich cultural and historical context found in Persian rugs makes them one of the most enduring and collectable forms of art.

The design style of a Persian rug is often identified by the tribe or people who wove it. For example, a carpet woven by a family of weavers in the village of Kerman would have a very distinctive design structure and weaving technique. This structure, called the ‘vase technique’ allows for complex and detailed motifs to be executed. Some of the most popular designs include floral patterns, vases, garden design carpets and ogival lattice carpets.

Throughout the centuries, these rug designs have been handed down from generation to generation. Over time however, as Western influence grew in the Middle East primary cultures began to lose their identity and their abilities to sustain traditional crafting techniques slowly faded. Ultimately, this caused original motifs to be lost as weavers reworked the designs to fit the market demands. This is why it is so important to buy vintage rugs that have an authentic design and structure.

Aside from the design, another major factor that will determine the value of a Persian rug is its condition. It is crucial to buy a Persian rug that has been treated with care and has not experienced extensive damage or wear. The more damage a rug has suffered the less it will be worth. Think of it as a car; a poorly taken care of, damaged and worn down car will never be worth as much as a well maintained and properly cared for vehicle.

To check for damage to a rug, put a damp cloth on it and see if the color is transferred to the fabric. This is a good indication that the rug was made with vegetable dyes and not synthetic dyes. It is also a good idea to look at the back of the rug for signs of repair or patching. A few small repairs are acceptable, but large patches or extensive wear will detract from the rug’s true value.

Lastly, when buying a Persian rug it is always a good idea to consult with a professional and knowledgeable rug expert. At Behnam Rugs, our experts are well versed in Persian rugs and are happy to answer any questions you may have. We offer free verbal appraisals as well as written appraisals for insurance purposes. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.. vintage persian rugs