Vintage Persian Rugs

A true treasure of any home, vintage Persian rugs add a unique blend of old world tradition and modern design to any space. Incorporating one into your decor is sure to create a focal point in the room and a conversation piece. They represent an incredibly diverse art form and are an investment in history that will only increase in value as the years pass.

A Persian rug's weaving and dye techniques were traditionally all natural, creating lustrous, animated works of art with deep color saturation. Often, the rugs used a combination of berries, insects, minerals and seeds to create the color palettes and patterns. These dye recipes were guarded as precious tribal secrets. Even to this day, the best quality antique Persian rugs will have a depth of color and a vividness that other rugs can't compare to.

During the early Persian Safavid Dynasty that ran from 1501 to 1732, carpet production became highly refined in many urban centers of Persia, like Isfahan. This was the period when master weavers began to develop designs with a sense of personal identity that superseded their tribal group identities and the vernacular craft was elevated to a conscious visual art.

However, in village regions the artisan was still the designer and weaver of the rug. This was especially true in the case of village tribes that were nomadic, where a single weaver would create the entire tribal rug using design symbols that reflected their culture or told a story. These designs and motifs were then passed down from generation to generation. For example, a boteh symbol, also known as the paisley, was a sign of eternity or a flame among other meanings for a particular region or tribe.

Rug weavers in the cities, on the other hand, produced rugs that were largely standardized for the market demand of the time. They may have been signed by the master weaver but the specific tribal identities of the designers were no longer evident.

The quality of these rugs are exceptional, but they do not have the same intrinsic value that the tribal designs did. The prices of these rugs will depend on the current market trends, demands and their rarity.

A high end Persian rug can easily become the centerpiece of a living space and should be viewed as a significant investment. Whether you're furnishing your whole home or just updating a few rooms, Persian rugs are a must have to create a classic, traditional, and sophisticated look that will never go out of style. The vast selection of antique Persian rugs on Chairish is bound to include the perfect additions to your home. Find a rug that suits your style with the use of our search filters including size, color and material to narrow down your options. If you find something you love but it's just a bit out of your price range, try our Make an Offer feature to see if you can strike a deal.