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The pinnacle of oriental carpets — hand-knotted in Iran with centuries-old tradition and unmatched variety.
Photo: Morgenland Rugs
Persian rugs are hand-knotted rugs traditionally produced in Persia — today's Iran. They are regarded as the most refined and art-historically important oriental rugs in the world. Genuine Persian rugs are characterised by the asymmetric Senneh knot, the use of high-quality wool or silk, and complex, often centuries-old pattern traditions. The term "Persian rug" is legally protected and may only be used for rugs actually produced in Iran.
Persian rugs are made exclusively by hand on traditional looms. The foundation is woven from cotton or silk warp threads, into which wool or silk yarn is knotted with the characteristic Persian knot (asymmetric Senneh knot). After knotting, the rugs are sheared, washed, and often given a special after-treatment to develop the desired sheen and depth of colour.
Knot density varies by quality grade and origin between 100,000 and over a million knots per square metre. High-end silk rugs from centres such as Qom and Isfahan reach the highest densities.
Persian rugs are classified by their place of production, with each region having developed its own characteristic patterns and techniques. Among the best-known styles are Isfahan with its elegant palmettePalmetteStilisierte Lotusblütenform als zentrales Medaillon-Element. Klassisches Motiv persischer Werkstatt-Teppiche seit dem 16. Jahrhundert.Read in glossary → and vine motifs, Nain with its fine knotting and restrained palette, and Tabriz with both geometric and floral designs.
Kashan rugs stand out through their classic medallion patterns, while Sarouk rugs are known for their dense floral motifs. Heriz rugs impress with bold geometric medallions, and Kerman rugs are famous for their richly detailed designs and fine knotting.
Persian rugs are excellent statement pieces for elegant living spaces. Large pieces work as room dividers or focal points in living rooms, while smaller formats serve as runners in hallways or as accents in bedrooms and home offices.
Light conditions matter when placing the rug — intense sunlight can fade the precious natural dyes. Pairing with modern furniture creates interesting contrasts, while integration into classical settings underlines the rug's traditional elegance.
Authentic Persian rugs have asymmetric knots, irregular fringes, and small irregularities that prove handcrafting. The pattern is clearly visible on the back, and individual knots can be discerned on close inspection. A certificate of authenticity should also be available.
Regular vacuuming in the pile direction and occasional professional cleaning preserve quality. Stains should be treated immediately with clean water. Avoid direct sunlight and high humidity.
The rug size should match the room and furniture layout. As a rule of thumb: either all furniture legs sit on the rug, or all of them stand off it. In living rooms, a minimum of 200 × 300 cm is standard.
The decisive factors are knot density, material quality, age, rarity of the pattern, condition, and place of origin. Silk rugs and pieces from renowned knotting centres command higher prices.
High-end, well-preserved Persian rugs can certainly hold or even increase their value. Particularly rare, old, or master-knotted pieces are considered collectible. There is, however, no guarantee of appreciation.
Abadeh rugs come from the eponymous town between Isfahan and Shiraz and stand out with their clean geometric medallions.
Ardebil rugs come from northwestern Iran and often show geometric patterns with Caucasian influence.
Afshar rugs are knotted by semi-nomadic tribes in southeastern Iran, blending nomadic motifs with refined craftsmanship.
Bakhtiari rugs are knotted by the Bakhtiari tribes in the Zagros mountains and are known for their characteristic garden compartments.
Bijar rugs from Iranian Kurdistan are considered the most durable Persian rugs — densely knotted and exceptionally hard-wearing.
Qashqai rugs are knotted by the eponymous nomadic tribe in Fars Province and stand out with their distinctive medallion style.
Qom rugs from the holy city are among the finest Persian rugs and are particularly prized in pure-silk versions.
Hamadan rugs come from western Iran and are produced in countless village workshops — robust, affordable, and highly varied.
Heriz rugs from northwestern Iran are known for their bold geometric medallions and exceptional durability.
Garawan rugs come from a village in the Heris region and are slightly coarser than the well-known Heriz pieces.
Isfahan rugs from the former Safavid capital are considered the pinnacle of Persian rug knotting — exceptionally fine and elegant.
Kerman rugs from southeastern Iran are renowned for their elegant floral designs and refined color palette.
Kashan rugs from central Iran are classic Persian carpets — elegant, finely knotted, and rich in floral patterns.
Koliai rugs are knotted by Kurdish tribes in western Iran and combine geometric motifs with a robust pile.
Mashhad rugs from the holy city in northeastern Iran show intricate floral compositions in deep wine-red tones.
Moud rugs come from southern Khorasan and combine fine knotting with the classic Herati all-over pattern.
Nahavand rugs come from the Hamadan region and show a more open weave with bold geometric medallions.
Nain rugs from the desert town between Isfahan and Yazd are exceptionally fine and known for their cool ivory-and-blue palette.
Senneh rugs from Sanandaj in Iranian Kurdistan are some of the finest tribal rugs — known for their thin, almost flat pile.
Shiraz rugs are produced in the famous market town of southern Iran by Qashqai and Khamseh tribes — vibrant nomadic pieces.
Tabriz rugs are among the most refined Persian carpets, known for their finely knotted designs and remarkable variety of patterns.
Mir rugs from the Malayer region show the classic boteh all-over pattern in fine quality and great size variety.
Ardakan rugs come from the desert town of Yazd Province and combine restrained color palettes with subtle medallion designs.
Borchalou rugs come from the Hamadan region and show finely worked floral medallions on an ivory ground.
Farahan rugs come from the Arak area of Markazi Province and are sought-after for their classic Herati patterns and harmonious colors.
Gholtogh rugs come from a village in Hamadan Province and combine simple geometric motifs with a robust pile.
Quchan rugs come from the city of the same name in northern Khorasan and are known for their rich Kurdish tribal patterns.
Golpayegan rugs come from the eponymous town in Isfahan Province and resemble Hamadan pieces but with finer knotting.
Hosseinabad rugs come from a village in Hamadan Province and show classic Herati patterns in the typical Hamadan single-weft weave.
Joshaghan rugs come from a village near Kashan and stand out with their distinctive diamond lattice in finely knotted compartments.
Jozan rugs come from the Malayer area and combine classic Sarouk-style medallions with sturdy nomadic-village quality.
Kashmar rugs come from northeastern Iran and are popular for their floral garden designs and balanced palette.
Lilian rugs come from a village in the Malayer region and show classic Sarouk-style floral medallions in compact sizes.
Mahal rugs come from the Arak region (historic Sultanabad) and combine open all-over floral fields with antique appeal.
Malayer rugs come from the eponymous town in Hamadan Province and are appreciated for their classic Herati patterns and good value.
Mehraban rugs come from a village in East Azerbaijan and show robust geometric medallions related to Heriz pieces.
Meshkin rugs from northwestern Iran show bold geometric patterns and the strong red palette typical of the Sabalan region.
Meymeh rugs come from a small village in Isfahan Province and are appreciated for their detailed floral medallions in small to medium sizes.
Najafabad rugs come from the Isfahan area and offer Isfahan-style floral compositions at more accessible quality grades.
Qaraja rugs come from the Arasbaran forests of East Azerbaijan and show simple geometric medallions in long runner formats.
Rafsanjan rugs come from the Kerman pistachio town and show floral compositions related to Kerman pieces but in coarser knotting.
Rudbar rugs come from the Manjil area in Gilan Province and combine simple geometric motifs with the typical Caspian palette.
Sabzevar rugs come from Razavi Khorasan and are known for their Mashhad-style floral medallions at more accessible price points.
Sarab rugs come from East Azerbaijan and are typical for their long runner formats with camel-colored grounds.
Sarouk rugs come from the Arak area and are classic floral Persian rugs with dense knotting and a deep red ground.
Shahr-e Babak rugs come from the cave village of Meymand area and combine Afshar tribal motifs with fine craftsmanship.
Tabatabai rugs are named after the renowned house in Kashan and represent the highest level of Kashan workshop quality.
Tuyserkan rugs come from a small town in Hamadan Province and combine Hamadan single-weft weave with classic Herati patterns.
Varamin rugs are produced near Tehran and are appreciated for their fine all-over patterns and balanced colors.
Wiss rugs come from the Alvand mountains near Hamadan and combine simple geometric motifs with a robust pile.
Yazd rugs come from the historic desert city and show floral medallions in the cool ivory-and-blue Yazd palette.
Kayseri rugs come from Cappadocia and offer classical Anatolian patterns in a wide range of qualities and sizes.
Ushak rugs from western Anatolia are classic Ottoman carpets known for large medallion compositions in soft tones.
Indo Bidjar rugs are produced in India in the style of the original Bidjar pieces — densely knotted and very durable.
Indo Isfahan rugs are produced in India in the style of the famous Persian Isfahan — fine floral compositions at moderate prices.
Indo Kashan rugs are produced in India after the classic Kashan model — elegant floral medallions on deep red.
Indo Mir rugs are produced in India and show the classic Mir-e-boteh all-over pattern in great size variety.
Indo Nain rugs are produced in India in the style of the Persian Nain — the typical ivory-and-blue palette at more accessible prices.
Indo Sarouk rugs are produced in India after the classic Sarouk model — floral medallions on a deep red ground.
Indo Tabriz rugs are produced in India after the famous Tabriz model — diverse designs and refined craftsmanship.
Bidjar Bukan rugs come from the Bukan area in Iranian Kurdistan and combine the famous Bidjar density with finer detail work.
Bidjar Takab rugs come from the Takab region and stand out with their bold colors and dense Bidjar-style weave.
Bidjar Zanjan rugs come from Zanjan Province and combine the classic Bidjar density with Zanjan workshop traditions.