What is a Persian rug?
Persian rugs date back over 2,500 years. The oldest known rug is the Pazyryk carpet discovered in Siberia in the 1940s.
Found in a burial chamber in Eastern Altai and dating back to the third century BCE, the rug is currently part of a collection in The State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, among other ancient artefacts.
From Persian tapestry rugs to Bakhtiari rugs, Persian rugs have been prized possessions of royalty and nobility for centuries, and their intricate designs have influenced art and culture worldwide.
While you’ll find Persian style rugs in Australia at your local department store, these only mimic the style, with none of the substance. Authentic Persian rugs are superior in quality – made from premium material, using natural dyes, with an extremely high KPSI, or knots per square inch.
The KPSI is not only indicative of the skill of the craftsperson, but also of the longevity of the product as rugs with a high KPSI are more durable, and less prone to wear.
How much does a Persian rug cost?
Our KnotNCo Persian rug store features authentic, handmade pieces ranging from $199, up to $4,999.
The cost of genuine Persian rugs varies based on size, materials used, craftsmanship, origin, and the time invested in its creation. A large Persian rug will inevitably cost more than a smaller, cheap Persian rug.
To buy a Persian rug does require a somewhat significant upfront investment. However, these pieces will outlive 7-8 machine-made rugs.
They are more environmentally friendly, are made of natural fibres using natural dyes and bring a slice of history into your living space.
How to clean a Persian rug?
For vintage or highly coveted rugs, we always recommend professional cleaning to preserve the quality of your piece. However, if you’d like to clean your rug yourself, we have some tips and tricks to prevent damage.
Before cleaning, you should always determine the material your rug is made of, as the process for cleaning a wool Persian rug is not always the same as for cleaning a silk Persian rug.
You should also know the age of your rug, as a vintage Persian is not only a valued heirloom, but also far more prone to damage than a new rug.
Finally, you should check for individual cleaning instructions which may have come with your rug – after all, no one knows how to take care of the product better than those who made and sold it.
Always test any cleaning products you plan to use on a small, discreet part of your rug before proceeding.
Once you’ve made all your determinations, you can clean your rug by:
- Thoroughly vacuuming to remove any dirt or debris – including the back side as well as the front.
- Gently blot (but don’t rub) stains with a clean cloth. Use a mild detergent mixed with water, or a store-bought stain remover specifically designed for your rug's material.
- For a deeper clean, use a rug shampoo or a mild detergent diluted in water – always ensuring the pH is low, and the product is intended for your rug’s material. Use a sponge to gently scrub the rug, moving in the direction of the fibres.
- Ensure the rug is dried quickly and completely, as trapped mildew is the enemy of a clean Persian rug. Lay it flat in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sun.
- When the rug is completely dry, restore the pile using a soft-bristled brush.
What are Persian rugs made of?
In most cases, your Persian rug is made from wool – although lambswool and silk are also used.
The wool is derived from sheep breeds like the Karakul or Qashqai – indigenous breeds from regions in Iran known for their high-quality wool.
From the material to the weaving to the dye, no synthetic products are used in the production of Persian rugs.
This means that the rugs are dyed with natural elements, including saffron (yellow), madder root (red), walnut hulls (brown), indigo (blue), pomegranate rinds (yellow), henna (reddish-brown), sumac (yellow and green), oxidised iron (black), turmeric (yellow), and cochineal (red).
Why are Persian rugs so expensive?
The cost of a Persian rugs comes down to two key factors – namely the skill and time dedication of the craftsperson, and the superior quality of the materials used.
- Skill and time
For centuries, Persians have maintained the traditional knowledge of making handmade rugs by passing down their skills from generation to generation.
A great-grandfather may pass down his knowledge to the grandfather, who passes it down to the father and then finally, to the son, creating a chain of skilled, multigenerational weavers.
The process of hand-knotting Persian rugs takes an average of 3-12 months depending on the size.
Weavers fine-tune their skills over decades, and pass their craft through generations in order to produce a high-quality, authentic Persian rug.
The price tag is therefore related to properly compensating these craftspeople, as well as everyone else in the supply chain, for their time and skill.
- Materials
Persian rugs are most commonly made from one of the world’s silkiest wools, sourced from their local sheep flocks. Some are even made using lambswool, which adds an extra layer of premium softness.
In the case of some higher-end Persian rugs, like Nains, silk may be used. The process of making silk is labour-intensive, and the result is softer and more luxurious than almost any other rug on the market.
These high quality materials are treated with extreme care, which includes the use of natural dyes.
These dyes, made from sources like saffron and pomegranate skins, uphold their vibrancy much longer than synthetic dyes.
When we visit our dying centres in Central Asia, there are usually 3-4 large cauldrons heated by firewood. Heavy bundles of spun wool soak in the boiling water while our workers add in specific proportions of natural ingredients, like turmeric or ground walnut shells.
After many hours on the fire, the bundle of wool becomes bright in natural colour.
This is a labour intensive process, but it’s an important part of upholding the value of the materials, and ensuring the quality of the rug.
Why Persian Rugs?
Persian rugs, with their intricate designs, rich history, and matchless craftsmanship, are more than just decorative pieces; they are a testament to the legacy of Persian artistry.
Each rug, hand-knotted with precision and care, tells a story that spans centuries – from their origins in the nomadic tribes of ancient Persia to their enduring value in today’s homes.
At KnotNCo, we take immense pride in embodying this rich heritage by offering authentic Persian rugs in Australia.
Our collection, curated with care, includes pieces of history, works of art, and a lasting legacy.
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