Persian Rugs

Persian rugs are sometimes lumped into the Oriental rug category by those who do not truly understand the many intricacies that revolve around this flooring choice. The study of antique Persian rugs reveals that the art of rug making goes back almost 6,000 years and was practiced and perfected by textile makers and weavers of ancient Persia.

While discount Persian rugs display color patterns and designs that may overwhelm the eyes and sensibilities of many westerners, those who make it their life’s work to be appraising antique Persian rugs can attest to the fact that Persian rugs are more than just mere floor coverings – they are bona fide pieces of art!

The history of the Persian Empire showcases many descriptions of a Persian silk rug being hung in the palace halls of Cyrus the Great. Similarly descriptions also speak of Persian rugs made of wool. While today many use a Persian area rug in their home’s foyer to help protect a carpet underneath from undue foot traffic, only 1,200 years ago they were considered to be a form of tax or tribute to the officials in Baghdad.

If you are considering buying an eBay Persian rug on auction, familiarize yourself with the tell tale design of a Persian rug before parting with a lot of money. Evaluating antique Persian rugs takes an expert’s eye, and the uninitiated may easily pay too much money for an alleged antique that is little more than a machine made forgery. While geometric Persian rugs are quite common – just think of Persian gabbeh rugs that are specifically made in Qashqai - it is better to seek out a reputable Persian rug dealer than trusting an Internet auction.

If you do contemplate getting your Persian rug and carpet from a Persian rug dealer online, make sure you do your homework before you give out your credit card information! Beware those who want to sell you priceless antiques via the ‘Net since many of them may either be stolen or not so authentic. In addition to the foregoing, a true appreciation of Persian rugs requires the buyer to be involved in the purchase process by means of touching and feeling the rug, seeing the story it tells with its design, and appreciating the intricacies of the interwoven patterns.

Persian rugs are not so much floor coverings as they are functional pieces of art. Thus, you will be wise in treating your purchase of a rug as such. Even a mass manufactured Persian rug still has trace elements of this philosophy, although the breathtaking handiwork has been lost in translation of the machine added colors and patterns. If you are looking for a bona fide handmade rug, take a rug expert with you!