Tag Archive for: antique rugs

How to measure rugs and carpets like an expert

Accurately reporting the size of your rug or carpet is important. Before handling your rug, make sure your hands are clean and dry. If the rug or carpet is especially delicate or fragile, handle with care and use gloves.

The standard format for reporting measurements of rug is as follows: Length x Width. Use a measuring tape that can be hooked onto the edge of the rug.

How To Measure:

  1. Start with the longest measurement of the rug. Hook the “Zero” end of your measuring tape to one end. Make sure the end of your measuring tool is flush (in line) with the rug.
  2. Move to the opposite end of the rug and read the measuring tape. This measurement is the Length.
  3. Next, hook the “Zero” end of your measuring tape to one end of the shorter edge of the your rug. Make sure the end of your measuring tool is flush (in line) with the rug.
  4. Move to the opposite end of the rug and read the measuring tape. This measurement is the Width.

Fine antique Persian rugs entered in online auction Nov. 13

Jasper52 will roll out an outstanding collection of antique and vintage rugs on Wednesday, Nov. 13. Nearly 200 rugs are offered, some dating to the late 19th century. More than two dozen pillows made from vintage Persian rugs are also offered.

Antique Serapi rug, circa 1880, 9ft 2in x13ft 2in. Estimate: $11,000-$13,000. Jasper52 image

View the auction here.

Learn more about the auction on Auction Central News.

Tabriz carpets pile on the quality, colors

Fine carpets have long symbolized wealth, status and majesty. King Henry VIII of England, for example, not only graced his walls, tables and cushions with precious Turkish weavings. In his famed portrait by Hans Holbein, the monarch actually stands on one.

Though Persian carpets first reached Europe in the 16th century, most on today’s market date no earlier than the mid-1800s. Their creators not only employed age-old methods of design, dyeing and weaving. Like their forefathers, they also had access to high-quality, moist, glossy sheep fleece.

Fine, high quality Tabriz carpet (70 raj), northwest Persia, circa 1940-1950, wool/silk, 11 feet 11 inches x 8 feet, realized $15,944 in 2016. Image courtesy Henry’s Auktionshaus AG and LiveAuctioneers

These works of art were woven on traditional handlooms featuring horizontal silk, cotton or wool strands, called wefts, along with adjacent vertical strands, called warps. Interweaving warps with dyed wefts produced patterned flat-weave carpets. Tying dyed, single-looped knots between the wefts, then compacting and cutting them, produced patterned pile-carpets, those with perpendicular surface yarns. Since this looping process was so time consuming, creating a narrow runner might take months. Creating a room- or palace-size piece might take years—even if worked by teams of weavers.

Characteristics of Persian carpets, like designs, color combinations and knotting techniques, are often specific to certain towns, villages or tribal regions. These are named for their ethnic creators or places of origin.

Fine Tabriz carpet (50 raj), northwest Persia, circa 1920-1930, wool/cotton, 11 feet 5 inches x 7 feet 12 inches, impressive colors with green tones, realized $9,680 in 2016. Image courtesy Henry’s Auktionshaus AG and LiveAuctioneers

Carpets produced in Tabriz, one of the oldest weaving centers in modern-day Iran, however, are among the finest. Whether simple or complex, geometric or pictorial, pale or vivid, pile or flat-weave, all feature harmonious, formal designs, balanced use of color and exceptional quality.

Many depict delicate, detailed, overall repeating patterns of stylized palmettes, vines, florals or arabesques framed by dominant borders in complementary shades and patterns. Others feature round, ovoid, pendant, blossom, star or diamond-shaped medallions filled with kaleidoscope-like bouquets of flowers. These dominant forms, set against rectangular fields of overall floral motifs, may be flanked by bold, rectilinear outlines or complimentary architectural, artistic adornments. Whether wool or silk, they are edged by geometric or floral work borders in varying widths and complexity.    

Magnificent Tabriz palace-size carpet, cool palette with lace-like border, 11 feet x 17 feet, circa 1900, realized $11,000 in 2009. Image courtesy of Nazmiyal Auction and LiveAuctioneers

While the usual measurement in judging the quality of a Persian rug is knots per square inch, Tabriz pile carpets are traditionally rated according to raj, a term that indicates their knotted density. Raj represents the number of knots across 2¾ inches (7 centimeters) of a Tabriz rug. Pieces labeled 40 raj, for example, feature some 400-500 knots to a 2¾-inch span, 50 Raj feature 500-600 knots, 60 raj feature 600-800, and 70 feature 800-1,000 knots. Because carpets with high-knot densities allow exquisitely minute detail and shadings, they often display attractive, intricate designs.   

Carpets with exceptionally high knot-density, like those by Haji Jalili, a master weaver and innovative designer based in the Tabriz region in the late 19th century, feature exquisitely detailed motifs and hues in traditional, curvilinear patterns. Moreover, some say, they shimmer like fine porcelain.

Hadji Jalili Tabriz carpet, Persia, circa 1900, fine mansion size: 17 feet 10 inches x 27 feet 9 inches, excellent condition, weight: 205 pounds, realized $25,000 in 2018. Image courtesy of Material Culture and LiveAuctioneers

Jalili’s carpets are famed for exceptional craftmanship, finest vegetable dyes and exceedingly lustrous materials. Many, instead of classic Tabriz deep reds and blues, feature distinctive, finely drawn overall design elements in pale gold, gray or pink palettes, some with traces of indigo blue. These are often set against subdued ivory, wheat, terra-cotta or sand-colored fields scrolled with subtly toned vines and arabesques. Other Jalili rugs feature surprisingly bright, vibrant central medallions against muted, flowered fields.

Though Haji Jalili, or his workshop, created masterpieces in limited numbers, various sizes occasionally appear on the market. Since many tend to vanish into private collections, however, they are increasing difficult to find.

Rare high density, wool/gold Tabriz carpet with 3-D weaving. impressive central medallion with floral design with highly impressive colors, 7 feet 10 inches x 9 feet 6 inches, realized $5,900 in 2015. Image courtesy Tiroche Auction House and Live Auctioneers

While rarity is important in evaluating an antique Tabriz carpet, its designer, pattern, color palette, uniqueness, dye source, knot density, age, condition and size also affect its worth. Though these carpets may prove costly, they are finite in number. So, as time goes by, each tends to hold or even increase in value. As a result, many collectors, decorators, dealers and private clients treasure these creations as long-term investments.

Moreover, Tabriz carpets, like fine paintings or other works of art, are exceptionally beautiful. Those who appreciate their fascinating blend of art, culture and design find that they enhance all decors. Many, as of old, display them on walls, or draped across sofas, chairs, or tables. Others, like royalty, place them beneath their feet.

Something plush is underfoot in Jasper52’s Sept. 4 Premier Rugs sale

Jasper52 will roll out a wonderful selection of antique and vintage rugs on Tuesday, Sept. 4, in an online-only auction featuring more than 100 lots. Bid absentee or live online exclusively through LiveAuctioneers. Any rug purchased in the sale will be shipped free of charge anywhere in the contiguous United States.

Rare antique Persian Serapi rug, 1910s. Est. $30,000-$36,000

View the auction.

Learn more about the auction on Auction Central News.

6 Handmade Persian Rugs With Serious Detail

Hand-knotted rugs and carpets have been used as floor coverings since the Bronze Age (between 4000 and 3000 B.C.). Through the ages, civilization has developed nothing that can compare to the beauty, warmth and comfort that handmade rugs add to a home. And lucky for you, this week’s rug auction features handmade rugs ranging from antique to modern.

Leading this 116-lot offering is a large Persian Tabriz, circa 1890, with an overall leaf design on a red background. This stunning 9×16 foot antique rug, fresh from an estate, is expected to sell for $10,500-$14,000.

Tabriz rug, rare leaf design, wool, 9 feet x 16 feet, circa 1890. Estimate: $10,500-$14,000. Jasper52 image

 

An exquisite, but without quite the age, is a fine Persian Isfahan Serafian carpet woven between 1960 and 1990. This intricate masterpiece, which features Kurk wool pile on a silk foundation, would have taken two skilled weavers two or three years to complete. It is in superb condition and measures approximately 7×10 feet.

Isfahan Serafian carpet, Kurk wool pile on a very fine silk foundation, 7 feet x 10 feet, 1960-1990. Estimate: $6,900-$9,200. Jasper52 image

 

Anyone searching for a long gallery-size rug needn’t look farther than the 19th-century Persian Ferahan rug. This rug, which exhibits a fine classic design in terra-cotta red, measures approximately 8×23 feet.

Ferahan area rug, 19th century, 7 feet 8 inches x 23 feet. Estimate: $7,350-$9,800. Jasper52 image

 

Rugs from Nain, a desert city in central Iran, are among the finest hand-knotted examples produced in modern times. It would take many months or even several years for a master weaver to complete a single Nain rug, depending on the fineness of knots and size. The knots in Nain rug contain some 250-500 knots or more per square inch. Two such rugs are featured in this collection. These rugs are woven with the Persian symmetrical knot and are constructed of wool and silk mixture pile woven on cotton foundation. Nain neighbors Isfahan, and for this reason the designs follow the famous Isfahan, influenced by Shah Abbas design. They usually include skillfully drawn flowers, foliage and vines.

Most often woven in blue and beige and shades of brown, Nain rugs are seldom found in red. This gorgeous example, approximately 9×13 feet, has a $15,225-$20,300 estimate.

Genuine handmade Nain area rug, made in Iran, 8 feet 9 inches x 12 feet 8 inches. Estimate: $15,225-$20,300. Jasper52 image

 

A blue Nain rug exhibiting a classic design measures approximately 11×14 feet. These two Nain rugs were not machine-made, and in fact they were hand-knotted in Iran.

Genuine handmade Nain area rug, made in Iran, 10 feet 7 inches x 14 feet. Estimate: $20,355-$27,140. Jasper52 image

 

Moving on to Europe, this auction also features a fabulous needlepoint rug made in 1920. Featuring a scene of a lady and a shepherd and his flock, the work is estimated at $6,000-$8,000.

European needlepoint rug, 12 feet x 7 feet 6 inches, 1920. Estimate: $6,000-$8,000. Jasper52 image

View the full Fine and Antiques Rug auction and discover your next unique find.

Persian Rugs That Make Your Home Feel Like a Palace

For anyone searching for floor coverings for their palace (or their non-palatial abode), this week’s Persian and Asian rug auction features large room-size choices – some of them antique. Don’t worry, there are also smaller rugs to spruce up even the smaller spaces. Below are a few of the highlights in this collection:

Among the finest is a Garrous Bijar Gol Farang wool rug made in the 1870s in Iran. Measuring nearly 12 by 15 feet, it has a $10,000-$15,000 estimate.

Garrous Bijar Gol Farang design rug, Iran, 1870s, wool, 11.9 x 15 feet. Estimate: $10,000-$15,000. Jasper52 image

Garrous Bijar Gol Farang design rug, Iran, 1870s, wool, 11.9 x 15 feet. Estimate: $10,000-$15,000. Jasper52 image

Even larger is this Persian Nain rug in a rare large size – 11 feet 9 inches by 17 feet 8 inches. This sweeping floor covering is made of Persian fine wool and silk, features intricate design, and carries an $8,000-$12,000 estimate.

Persian fine wool and silk floral Nain rug, cotton foundation, 11 feet 9 inches x 17 feet 8 inches. Estimate: $8,000-$12,000. Jasper52 image

Persian fine wool and silk floral Nain rug, cotton foundation, 11 feet 9 inches x 17 feet 8 inches. Estimate: $8,000-$12,000. Jasper52 image

This Chinese Peking Art Deco geometric trellis rug is from the 1950s and made of 100% hand knotted wool. The gold and blue rug is expected to sell for $4,500-$6,000.

Chinese Peking Art Deco geometric trellis rug, 11 feet 6 inches x 16 feet 10 inches, circa 1950s, hand-knotted wool. Estimate: $4,500-$6,000. Jasper52 image

Chinese Peking Art Deco geometric trellis rug, 11 feet 6 inches x 16 feet 10 inches, circa 1950s, hand-knotted wool. Estimate: $4,500-$6,000. Jasper52 image

Considered semi-antique is this 1930s Sharabian Heriz rug that measures about 11 by 15 feet and has an $8,000-$12,000 estimate.

Sharabian Heriz rug, Iran, 1930s, wool, 11.4 x 14.10 feet. Estimate: $8,000-$12,000. Jasper52 image

Sharabian Heriz rug, Iran, 1930s, wool, 11.4 x 14.10 feet. Estimate: $8,000-$12,000. Jasper52 image

One of the most colorful in the collection is this Persian Tabriz rug made of lamb’s wool on a cotton foundation, and colored with natural vegetable die. The rug features beautifully executed geometric borders sure to make your room pop.

Handwoven Persian Tabriz rug, 11.7 x 10 feet. Estimate: $3,500-$5,000. Jasper52 image

Handwoven Persian Tabriz rug, 11.7 x 10 feet. Estimate: $3,500-$5,000. Jasper52 image

The final highlight of our collection this week is this vividly colored Persian Qashqai rug, which dates back to the early 1900s.

Antique Qashqai rug, Iran, wool, 4.5 x 7.2 feet. Estimate: $4,000-$5,000. Jasper52 image

Antique Qashqai rug, Iran, wool, 4.5 x 7.2 feet. Estimate: $4,000-$5,000. Jasper52 image

View the full collection of Persian and Asian rugs in this week’s sale hosted on LiveAuctioneers.

 

How To Care For, Store, and Display Oriental Rugs Like a Pro

Do you believe in the magic of Oriental rugs? The idea that magical properties exist within these ornate rugs may seem absurd. However, consider how a rug on a wood floor can transform a simple room in a house into a haven. Or, how a proudly displayed Oriental rug has the ability to generate discussion, inspire dreams, and prompt reflection of the past.

With proper and consistent care and preservation, Oriental wool rugs can and will provide years of enjoyment, and that in itself is a bit of magic. The question then becomes how should rugs be cared for to ensure their longevity and beauty? For expert insight we turned to A.E. “Tad” Runge Jr., owner of A.E. Runge Oriental Rugs, located in Yarmouth, Maine. Runge has more than four decades of experience buying and selling, studying and assessing Oriental rugs, and lecturing about their history and care.

Tad Runge cutting pad for a rug Photo courtesy A.E. Runge Oriental Rugs

Tad Runge cutting pad for a rug. Photo courtesy A.E. Runge Oriental Rugs

The Oriental rug market has undergone changes in the 30 years since Runge began working in the business full time. However, some things remain unchanged, including the practical and proper measures that preserve Oriental rugs, Runge said.

“I’ve loved textile arts for years, and I’ve been blessed to have wonderful customers who also love textile art,” he said.

Celebrate your love of textile art with vigilance

When asked the best approach to caring for Oriental rugs, Runge’s response is clear: “Be vigilant. Give them a little attention.” Without it, a sneaky and damaging group of critters will be more than happy to cozy up to those rugs, notably the dreaded wool moth.

Wool moths are the most likely invaders of rugs, Runge explained. The wool moth, not be confused with the meal moth, is about the size of the fingernail of a pinkie finger and buckwheat in color. “They avoid light at all costs, unlike most moths that are drawn to light,” Runge said. “You can’t catch them by shining a light, they hide. The most likely place an infestation will occur is an underutilized space, like the edges of a rug or the back.”

A rug damaged by wool moths. Photo courtesy A.E. Runge Oriental Rugs

A rug damaged by wool moths. Photo courtesy A.E. Runge Oriental Rugs

Tip #1: Make sure to regularly “disturb” areas that wool moths are most likely to occupy. This means vacuuming the front, or face, of a rug at least monthly, and more often depending on traffic. In addition, taking the vacuum to the back of a rug a couple times a year is highly recommended.

In the event wool moths have taken up residency in a rug, telltale signs include spaces of wool missing on the rug, small holes, and the appearance of small white larvae. At this point, in order to dispose of the intruders, remove the rug from the home or business. Do an in-depth inspection of other rugs and woolen items in the area. Then take the rug and any other affected textiles to someone who washes rugs professionally.

Tip #2: Shampooing an Oriental rug is not the same as washing one. The process of shampooing leaves a soapy residue that not only dulls the rug, but compromises the wool fibers. The proper process for washing an Oriental rug should include significant use of water, Runge said.

Tabriz rug, 1980, wool, 6 feet 8 inches x 9 feet 7 inches. Sold for $460. Image courtesy of LiveAuctioneers/Jasper52

Tabriz rug, 1980, wool, 6 feet 8 inches x 9 feet 7 inches. Sold for $460. Image courtesy of LiveAuctioneers/Jasper52

Beat rugs today for a better tomorrow

When it comes to preserving Oriental rugs, incorporating a regular schedule of “beatings” ranks near the top, according to Runge.

“Oriental rugs are particularly good at trapping dirt,” said Runge, whose great-grandfather was also in the business of buying and selling rugs in the late 19th century. “That trapped dirt is what wears the rug out. The dirt cuts the wool fibers when there is traffic on the rug.”

The act of “beating”an Oriental rug is as simple as 1-2-3, and doesn’t exactly mirror the rug-beating technique of the past. First, take the rug outdoors and lay it on a clean, dry surface, Runge said. Flip it so the back of the rug is facing up, and vacuum multiple times. Then turn the rug over and vacuum the front and, again, repeat the process. This is the modern approach to beating a rug.

Tip #3: When beating the front of a rug, stick to the standard process of vacuuming. While the array of attachments that are standard with many models may be helpful in cleaning wall-to-wall carpeting, they can do more harm than good when used on Oriental rugs.

Vintage Shiraz tribal geometric Oriental rug, 5. 7 x 8.6 feet. Sold for $240

Vintage Shiraz tribal geometric Oriental rug, 5. 7 x 8.6 feet. Sold for $240. Image courtesy of LiveAuctioneers/Jasper52

Protect with padding and casters

Adding padding beneath rugs can serve double duty. In addition to preventing slippage, padding helps create a more structured base for a rug that bears the weight of furniture and regular foot traffic. Placing casters on the bottom of furniture legs and periodically moving furniture helps limit wear, Runge said.

When it comes to selecting the right pad, density and natural fiber are two qualities to keep in mind. “There is a broad range of pads, and in many cases the cheaper the pad, the poorer the pad,” Runge said. “A poor pad often will turn to powder. Good pads should last 10 to 15 years.”

 

Treating Oriental rugs as a respected item of textile art — truly functional art — will help ensure a light-on-dirt and moth-free existence for the rug and years of appreciation for you.

Find exceptional antique rugs in this week’s Jasper52 rug auction.


tad-rungeTad Runge is owner of A.E. Runge Oriental Rugs in Yarmouth, Maine. He’s been buying and selling Oriental rugs since the 1970s, when dealing helped to pay for his college tuition. He lectures on the subject of Oriental rugs and authored the book “One Woman, One Weft.” Tad said if he could speak with his late great-grandfather and fellow rug merchant, Edward Runge, his wish would be to hear all about his rug-buying travels and the people he bought from.

 

Rare Antique Isfahan Rug Featured in Upcoming Auction

Persian and Chinese rugs and several French tapestries will be featured in a fine collection of colorful textile art items at auction on Sunday, Oct. 2.

Isfahan, the artistic center of Iran, had a reputation of producing magnificent carpets. The rare antique Isfahan carpet in the auction has a beautiful allover floral pattern that is contrasted by a intricate floral border. All natural vegetable dye was used in the making of this lamb’s wool rug, which measures 11 feet by 16 feet 6 inches. It is estimated at $6,500-$11,500.

Rare antique Isfahan rug, 11 x 16 1/2 feet. Estimate: $6,500-$11,500

Rare antique Isfahan rug, 11 x 16 1/2 feet. Estimate: $6,500-$11,500

A handmade Serapi area rug in the sale (below) features a classic geometric central medallion. The rug measures 8 by 10 feet and is estimated at $1,000-$1,500.

Geometric Serapi rug, 8 x 10 feet. Estimate: $1,000-$1,500

Geometric Serapi rug, 8 x 10 feet. Estimate: $1,000-$1,500

A circa 1930 Mahal Persian rug that measures 9 feet 5 inches by 12 feet also has a $1,000-$1,5000 estimate. Also considered semi-antique is a Persian Heriz in excellent condition. It covers 10 feet 11 inches by 7 feet 9 inches and has a $700-$1,000.

Semi-antique Persian Heriz, 10 feet 11 inches x 7 feet 9 inches. Estimate: $700-$1,000

Semi-antique Persian Heriz, 10 feet 11 inches x 7 feet 9 inches. Estimate: $700-$1,000

Having the highest estimate in the sale is a rare antique Ningxia rug from China that features five-toed dragons in the design. This rug is 4 feet 1 inch by 7 feet 2 inches and is estimated at $23,000-$28,000.

Antique Chinese Ningxia rug, 4 feet 1 inch x 7 feet 2 inches. Estimate: $23,000-$28,000

Antique Chinese Ningxia rug, 4 feet 1 inch x 7 feet 2 inches. Estimate: $23,000-$28,000

Additional rugs in the 71-lot auction include Kashan, Kazak, Qum, Oushak, Kerman, Hamadan and Peshawar.

Bidding on this week’s auctions starts at $1 and, unless noted, lots are unreserved. View the full catalog of beautiful rugs here.

The Ultimate Guide to Antique Persian Rugs

Entering the world of antique Persian rugs for the first time can be like setting foot in a faraway land, and while the language of rugs is foreign, the look and feel of these fine, handmade floor coverings are irresistible. Below we share all the crucial information you need to get started with antique Persian rugs.

A virtual garden of richly articulated palmettes and vines spreads in repeated allover symmetry across the pale apricot ground of this lavish antique Kerman, Lavar. Size: 11 feet 9 inches by 15 feet 4 inches Sold for $14,950. Image courtesy of LiveAuctioneers.com and Nazmiyal Auctions

A virtual garden of richly articulated palmettes and vines spreads in repeated allover symmetry across the pale apricot ground of this lavish antique Kerman, Lavar. Size: 11 feet 9 inches by 15 feet 4 inches Sold for $14,950. Image courtesy of LiveAuctioneers.com and Nazmiyal Auctions

Why Decorate with Persian Rugs

An added benefit of decorating your home with Persian rugs is their durability. Handmade Persian rugs are made to stand up to years – if not decades – of use.

In terms of decorative appeal, Persian rugs have a timeless, classical elegance that’s right at home in Western interiors.

While collectors tend to delve into ancient traditions, beliefs, geometric figures and symbolic motifs woven into these rugs, most Western buyers want to know what types and styles should go where in the home.

 

This late 19th century Mohtashem rug features a formal inset medallion woven in an elegant combination of colors. It measures 8 feet 6 inches by 11 feet 9 inches and sold for $44,000. Image courtesy of LiveAuctioneers archive and Nazmiyal Auctions

This late 19th century Mohtashem rug features a formal inset medallion woven in an elegant combination of colors. It measures 8 feet 6 inches by 11 feet 9 inches and sold for $44,000. Image courtesy of LiveAuctioneers archive and Nazmiyal Auctions

Style Factors

Deciding what style or design is right for your home depends on personal preferences and the size of the floor.  The following are factors to consider:

  • More traditional designs incorporate well into older homes with more intricate décor while modern design rugs lend themselves to contemporary spaces with simple geometry and an open aesthetic.
  • Geometric rugs with bold patterns and strong contrasts have a masculine appeal, while floral designs with softer color schemes and less contrast emanate a feminine charm.
  • Keep an eye on symmetry in a room. Allover designs make furniture arrangement easy for spaces such as living rooms and libraries. Certain rooms, such as dining rooms, provide the perfect setting for a medallion rug, which features a large motif in the center of the field.
  • Colorful rugs will make a strong statement in a room, while a more neutral or monochromatic rug will subtly complement the other colors in the room and integrate easily into existing décor.
  • Filling the floor, or most of it, is not necessarily the way to go, unless the primary concern is acoustic sound absorption. If the floors are attractive, a certain amount flooring should remain exposed around the edge of the room. One or more carpets can also be used to establish different spaces or areas within a larger room, say a living area and a dining area within a continuous space.

Rug Size Does Matter

Antique scatter size small rugs are often woven by nomadic tribes and present more village-style weaves as well as tribal geometric motifs. Not all small area rugs are tribal though – major rug producing regions like Kerman and Tabriz also produced smaller rugs with very fine weaves and more floral, curvilinear designs. Regardless of their genesis or style, the smaller sizes of these scatter rugs make them versatile for any space in the home.

There are also antique accent rugs that feature amazingly detailed medallions and botanical patterns. Scatter rugs are eclectic, practical, versatile and ideal for collectors who’d like to acquire a variety of unique pieces.

Room-size rugs come in sizes from 9 feet to 15 feet long and are intended for use in the main rooms of your home such as the family room, living room, dining room, and bedroom. Antique rugs in this size range vary tremendously in terms of design and come in nearly every color and style imaginable. More decorative room-size rugs are perfect for less formal areas like a family room or bedroom. For more formal areas, look to the refined Persian city weaves or Indian rugs.

Antique runner rugs are long and narrow rugs and are suitable for hallways and stairways. Many times runner rugs come from nomadic tribes as the looms these weavers used had to be small enough to carry with them. Thus, the width was fixed to the maximum width of the loom, but the length could go on indefinitely.

Extra large rugs are often referred to as “palace size rugs” or “oversize carpets.” These big rugs and carpets are necessary for larger homes with expansive living areas and dining rooms. Antique extra-large rugs were often commissioned by aristocracy and custom tailored to suit their exquisite tastes. Extra-large rugs can be some of the most decorative and refined pieces available in the market.

This Turkish Yuruk family prayer rug from the late 19th century is an example of a tribal rug. Measuring 4 feet by 7 feet, it sold for $4,800. Image courtesy of LiveAuctioneers archive and Nazmiyal Auctions

This Turkish Yuruk family prayer rug from the late 19th century is an example of a tribal rug. Measuring 4 feet by 7 feet, it sold for $4,800. Image courtesy of LiveAuctioneers archive and Nazmiyal Auctions

City Rugs v. Tribal Rugs

All antique rugs are woven in basically the same technique, one that has been established for a long time. Despite this relative homogeneity, however, there are certain types of rugs that aesthetically distinct from one another.

One of the most important such divisions is that which exists between city rugs and village or tribal rugs. This divide is important to the rug world because the differences between these two distinct types of rugs may involve substantial differences in style.

Generally, city rugs tend to be sophisticated, refined, and elegant – qualities that work well in formal settings. Meanwhile, the bold, geometric designs and effects of village and tribal rugs work better in less formal circumstances. Personal taste, however, overrides all such considerations.

Find and bid on unique Persian rugs in Jasper52 rug auctions.

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Adapted from original article featured on Auction Central News. Information from the Nazmiyal Collection.