Famous Persian carpets originally from the Ardabil region in northwestern Iran. The most renowned example is displayed in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, dating from the 16th century. Known for their exceptional craftsmanship, medallion design, and historical significance in Islamic art.
A flat-woven decorative carpet originally produced in France, characterized by floral designs, medallions, and architectural elements in pastel colors. Traditional Aubussons were handwoven tapestries used by French nobility.
Traditional carpets woven by the Esari tribe of Turkmenistan, characterized by their distinctive deep red background and geometric gul (medallion) patterns. These rugs typically feature a primary elephant foot gul design with secondary motifs arranged in orderly rows, and are known for their fine weave and rich cultural symbolism.
A type of Persian carpet from the Heriz district in northwestern Iran, specifically from the village of Gorevan. These rugs feature bold, geometric patterns with large central medallions and corner pieces in rich reds, blues, and ivory. Compared to standard Heriz rugs, Gorevans typically have a coarser weave, more angular designs, and a distinctive rustic character that makes them popular for traditional and transitional interiors.
An octagonal or polygonal medallion motif commonly found in Turkmen tribal rugs. These distinctive medallions serve as tribal emblems, with each Turkmen tribe (Tekke, Salor, Ersari, etc.) having its own characteristic gul design. The word means "flower" or "rose" in Persian, though the designs are highly geometric and stylized rather than floral in appearance.
Luxurious Persian carpets from the city of Isfahan in central Iran, considered among the finest in the world. Known for their intricate floral patterns, high knot density (often exceeding 500 KPSI), silk highlights, and exceptional craftsmanship. Traditional Isfahan designs feature a central medallion with elaborate corner pieces and borders.
Fine Persian carpets from the city of Kashan in central Iran, known for their high-quality wool, precise weaving, and classic medallion designs. Traditional Kashan rugs feature a central medallion, intricate floral patterns, and rich color palettes dominated by reds, blues, and ivories.
Bold, geometric rugs traditionally made by Caucasian tribes in the Kazak region (now parts of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia). Known for their vibrant colors, geometric medallions, and tribal motifs. Modern Kazak-style rugs are also produced in countries like Pakistan and India.
Exquisite Persian carpets from the city of Nain in central Iran, known for their extremely fine weave, delicate patterns, and light color palette. Typically feature a central medallion with intricate floral motifs on an ivory or light blue background. Often include silk highlights and can reach knot counts of 700 KPSI in the finest examples.
A type of Persian rug made in the city of Qum (Qom), Iran. Known for their high knot density, intricate designs, and use of silk or fine wool. Qum rugs often feature detailed floral patterns, medallions, or hunting scenes and are considered among the finest Persian carpets.
Prestigious Persian rugs from the Sarouk village in the Arak region of Iran, known for their durability, high-quality wool, and distinctive designs. Traditional Sarouks feature floral patterns with a central medallion on a rich red or blue field. American Sarouks, produced for the U.S. market in the early 20th century, were often re-dyed to achieve a preferred rose-red color.
Fine Persian carpets from the city of Tabriz in northwestern Iran, one of the oldest and most prestigious rug-making centers in the world. Known for their precise weaving, intricate designs, and exceptional craftsmanship. Traditional Tabriz rugs feature central medallions, detailed floral patterns, and hunting scenes, often woven with a distinctive double-weft construction that creates a durable, flat-lying carpet.
A sampler rug: a small piece woven not for the floor but as a three-dimensional pattern reference, showing sections of borders, medallions, and field designs that a workshop could combine into full-size carpets. Essentially a weaver's catalogue in carpet form, vagirehs let master designs travel between villages without paper. Antique examples, particularly from Bidjar, are now sought-after collector's items in their own right.
Fine Persian carpets from the city of Yazd in central Iran, known for their intricate medallion designs and high-quality craftsmanship. Traditional Yazd carpets feature a central medallion with elaborate floral motifs, often incorporating silk highlights on a wool foundation. The color palette typically includes rich blues, reds, and ivories with distinctive curvilinear patterns influenced by the historic textile traditions of this ancient city.