Antique Persian Kerman Rug – A Garden of Elegance in Wool
Size: 8' x 11'3" | Origin: Kerman, Southeastern Iran | Age: c. 1930s–1940s
Looking for a rug that makes your room feel instantly refined, cultured, and warm?
This antique Persian Kerman rug is exactly that kind of piece.
Known for their graceful floral artistry and elegant palette, Kerman rugs have long been favored by collectors, royals, and designers around the world.
This one, woven nearly a century ago, is a glowing example—with a large-scale medallion, garden-like motifs, and incredibly rich shades of burgundy, navy, ivory, pale blue, and rose. It’s the kind of rug that transforms a room and tells a story without saying a word.
🧵 The Weave: Soft, Fine & Sophisticated
This rug is hand-knotted with Persian (asymmetrical) knots, estimated at around 160–180 KPSI (knots per square inch)—which means it's both highly detailed and impressively refined.
The knotting is tight enough to capture the fine curves and delicate blooms of the floral patterns, making it feel more like a tapestry than just a rug.
It likely took two expert weavers 10–12 months to complete this piece. In today’s labor terms, that alone would require around $4,000–$5,000+ in fair wages before even factoring in materials or finishing.
🐑 Materials: Soft Wool & Strong Cotton
The pile is made from high-grade, hand-spun Kerman wool, known for being extra soft and naturally lustrous.
The warp and weft are sturdy cotton, allowing the rug to maintain structure without curling.
This blend gives the rug a soft, plush feel underfoot, yet it lays completely flat—perfect for elegant spaces.
🌿 Natural Dyes & Warm Color Harmony
What sets Kerman rugs apart is their distinctive color palette, and this one delivers in full:
A crimson-to-burgundy field with subtle abrash (natural dye variation)
An ivory and soft pink base around the floral flourishes
Layers of indigo, navy, periwinkle, pale green, and saffron yellow
These tones were all created using natural vegetable dyes, extracted from local plants like madder root, indigo, walnut husk, and pomegranate.
As the rug has aged, the colors have mellowed into a soft, romantic patina that machine-made rugs just can’t imitate.
🏛️ Woven in Historic Kerman
The city of Kerman, in southeastern Iran, has been a center for fine arts and carpet weaving for over 500 years.
By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Kerman rugs had become highly sought-after in Europe and the United States for their elegance, balance, and fine drawing.
Rugs from this region often draw inspiration from Persian gardens and classical art.
This one is no exception—with its sprawling medallion and flowing tendrils resembling the floral patterns found in palace murals and illuminated manuscripts.
🎨 The Design: A Symphony of Flowers
At the center sits a radiating medallion that looks almost like a blooming starburst. It’s surrounded by layered petals, vines, and sprays of Persian blossoms—each one intricately drawn and shaded. The borders are just as detailed, with scrolling floral repeats in navy and rose that frame the central design like a classical painting.
This isn’t just decorative—it’s symbolic.
Kerman rugs often represent eternal spring, beauty, balance, and emotional warmth.
The weavers behind this piece likely saw their work as a form of storytelling and cultural pride.
⏳ Why This Rug Stands Out
Woven during Iran’s golden age of rug exports
Created in one of the most prestigious weaving cities in Persian history
Features natural dyes, fine knotting, and near-perfect proportions
The condition is excellent for its age, with a thick, soft pile and full saturation
Styles effortlessly with both traditional and modern interiors
🛋️ Perfect For...
A formal dining room or living room centerpiece
Master bedrooms that need a warm and inviting anchor
Collectors of antique Persian art
Designers looking for refined floral rugs with warmth and charm
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This Kerman rug isn't just something to walk on—it's something to live with, admire, and pass down for generations.