What Makes Persian Rugs a Valuable Asset?

Carpets and area rugs enhance the beauty of your home and add a comforting cushioning to walk on. Among all the types of area rugs, the appeal of Persian carpets has always been noteworthy. Each piece is unique and there is an enriching history associated with this artistry.

If you are considering investing in these carpets, this article will give you a valuable insight on why are Persian rugs so expensive and considered a collector’s item.

Persian Rugs

These rugs are distinguished by the knotting and weaving style and its craftsmanship originates in the Iranian cities of Qom, Tabriz, Nain, Herat, Karman, thousands of years back. The types of Persian rugs are distinguished based on their city or region of origin as each of these regions has their unique style.

Persian rugs are a type of oriental rug but all oriental styles cannot be called Persian, though it is a common mistake many makes. The difference between Persian and oriental rugs lies mostly on the origin, design, and knotting.

Factors That Make Them an Asset

While they are expensive because of the craftmanship, all do not qualify as an asset if you are thinking from the perspective of making a profit by reselling it. Rugs that are rare and of antique value may fetch a higher price depending on its condition, design, and age. On the other hand, investing in a handcrafted Persian rug that is brand new with no antique value is more likely to become a family asset for the next generation as these carpets can last for centuries if well-maintained.

The following are the reasons why they are so valued:

Material

There are several types of weave and material combination used for making these rugs. They are as follows,

Silk-on-silk– Refers to silk thread weave on silk foundation. These types of carpets are very detailed and clear, and it is very time-consuming to make them.

Qum Silk- These rugs are made in Qum, and the easiest way to determine their authenticity is by rubbing your thumbs on the silk surface and check whether it warms up. Only real silk will warm up by simply rubbing it.

Combination silk- Only certain parts of the carpet is made of silk while the foundation is made of wool or cotton.

Wool and cotton- This combination is used for making majority of the Persian rugs which are very durable and intricately detailed.

Wool- Carpets and rugs made of 100% wool are usually of tribal origin and among the comparatively affordable and heavier variants.

Time

Each piece is handwoven which is time-consuming. The finest of these carpets can take months, and even years to be made. Finer yarns like silk and cotton yields light-weight and intricate designs and takes much longer to weave compared to wool yarns. Hence, the prices of the rugs made from finer yarns are higher than the ones made completely of wool.
 

Unique

Each carpet of Persian origin is one of a kind and showcase the artistry of the craftsman. There are some distinct motifs and style of the region and era it originates in, but the depiction will always be unique.  If you look for handmade Persian area rugs at the local flooring stores, you will notice that each piece is unique which mean you will be owning a very singular piece of art. The singularity equates to rarity, and hence the price goes up.

Antique value

Persian carpets made before the use of aniline dyes became prevalent are usually considered of antique value. Aniline dyes started replacing vegetable dyes around 1930s. Rugs dating before 1930s is considered antique, while those between 1930-1940s are semi-antique. Those manufactured during 1950s are simply considered vintage, and any carpet made after 1960s is considered new. The prices are accordingly variable.