What sets price.
Knot density: measured in knots per square inch (KPSI). 100 KPSI is entry workmanship; 200 to 400 is high quality; 500 to 1,000 is master-tier collectible. Higher KPSI means finer detail, longer weaving time, and significantly higher price.
Pile material: wool is standard; silk and silk-wool blend is high-tier; pure silk is the top of the market. Silk shows finer detail but is more delicate.
Age: vintage and antique Persian rugs (50+ years old) carry premium over equivalent new pieces. Modern rugs woven in traditional patterns are valued by knot density and material, not age.
Regional tradition: Tabriz (geometric medallions), Kashan (floral medallions), Isfahan (very fine workmanship), Heriz (bold geometric, durable), Qom (silk specialty). Each tradition has price expectations within it.
Common questions.
- What makes a rug authentically Persian?
- Two requirements: it must be hand-knotted (not machine-woven), and it must be made in Iran (not Pakistan, India, Turkey, or Afghanistan, which produce Persian-style rugs in similar traditions). Modern Iranian production from established weaving regions is authentic Persian.
- What is a good knot density for a Persian rug?
- 100 to 200 KPSI is entry quality. 200 to 400 KPSI is high-quality decorative. 400 to 1,000 KPSI is master-tier collectible. Above 1,000 is exhibition or museum quality.
- Are Persian rugs a good investment?
- High-quality antique Persian rugs (silk, fine knot density, established provenance) hold value and can appreciate. Mass-market new Persian rugs decorate well but are not investments. Treat as furniture you love rather than asset class.
Project in motion
Sourcing Persian or custom rugs?
We source authentic Persian and Persian-style custom rugs.