Antique Persian Farahan Rug
Size: 5’11” × 13’9” (Gallery Size)
Origin: Farahan, Central Iran
Circa: 1880
Material: Hand-spun wool pile on wool foundation
Knot Density: Approx. 130 KPSI (fine village weave)
Condition: Excellent for its age – low, even pile with full borders
 
This antique Persian Farahan rug, handwoven around 1880 in central Iran, is a rare and captivating piece of textile history.
Crafted in the Farahan district—just outside the city of Arak—this rug represents one of the most admired weaving traditions of 19th-century Persia, celebrated for its unique blend of village authenticity and courtly elegance.
What makes this particular piece stand out is its rare and highly desirable gallery size: 5 feet 11 inches wide by 13 feet 9 inches long.
These elongated proportions are perfect for hallways, foyers, galleries, or behind long dining tables and sofas, where the rug becomes a central architectural element in the room.
The design features a classic all-over Herati pattern—a refined composition of floral rosettes and angular leaves nestled within a delicate diamond lattice.
The field is dyed in rich madder red, and the entire design is brought to life through accents of deep indigo, pistachio green, soft ivory, camel, and slate blue.
These colors were achieved using natural dyes sourced from plants, roots, and minerals, which have aged gracefully over nearly a century and a half, softening into elegant earthy tones.
A particularly charming detail is the ivory-colored arch-shaped spandrels at both ends of the field. These give the impression of a gateway or prayer niche, drawing the eye inward and upward, and adding an architectural elegance to the composition.
The rug is finely knotted with approximately 130 Persian (asymmetric) knots per square inch, creating crisp detail while still retaining the warmth of handmade charm. It is woven entirely with hand-spun wool—both in the pile and the foundation—which adds softness and a quiet drape that only wool-on-wool rugs can deliver.
This wool foundation is typical of earlier Farahan rugs and is increasingly rare in pieces of this size and condition.
Despite its age, the rug is in excellent condition. The pile is low and evenly worn, with no threadbare areas or major damage. The borders are full, and both side cords and end finishes remain intact and original. It has been professionally cleaned and is ready for immediate use.
More than just a decorative item, this Farahan is a collectible piece of cultural heritage. It tells a story—from the skilled hands that knotted it, to the natural elements that dyed it, to the centuries of tradition it carries forward. Whether you’re furnishing a home, curating a collection, or looking for a meaningful antique to live with and enjoy, this rug offers history, character, and timeless elegance in every thread.
Shipping is free within the United States, and a certificate of authenticity is included.