FAQs

Flip the rug: hand-knotted Tabriz rugs show slightly irregular knots and design clarity on the back; machine-mades look overly uniform, and latex glues or mesh backings are red flags.

Standard sizes like 8×10 and 9×12 are common in Tabriz rugs, along with runners and small mats; palace-size and room-size antiques exist but are rarer and pricier.

Tabriz rugs vary widely in design and fineness; Isfahan pieces often feature ultra-fine cork wool with silk details, while Kashan rugs lean classic floral medallions. Tabriz spans both formal and pictorial styles.

Tabriz rugs tend to be finer and more curvilinear; Heriz rugs are geometric and bolder. A 9×12 Tabriz might show intricate arabesques, while a Heriz shows angular medallions and rugged lines.

Silk Tabriz rugs showcase extraordinary detail and shimmer but are best for low-traffic areas; avoid rolling chairs, pet claws, and heavy moisture, and budget for specialized cleaning.

Wool-pile Tabriz rugs on cotton foundations are typically very durable due to tight weaves; place a quality felt-rubber pad and rotate every 6–12 months to even wear.

Haji Jalili was a renowned late-19th-century Tabriz master whose rugs favor delicate drawing and restrained palettes—ivories, creams, and soft neutrals—often commanding premium prices at auction and galleries.

The Mahi/Herati motif repeats a diamond with rosettes and “fish-like” leaves; Tabriz rugs often use it as an allover layout or within medallion fields for crisp, rhythmic texture.

Many Tabriz rugs use the symmetrical Turkish (Ghiordes) knot, though some workshops employ asymmetrical Persian knots; either way, higher density usually means sharper motifs and smoother curves.

Raj is a Tabriz-specific fineness rating counting knots across 7 cm; higher numbers (e.g., 50–70 Raj) indicate finer, more detailed rugs, while 30–40 Raj are coarser, everyday qualities.

Tabriz rugs come from northwest Iran and are known for fine city weaving, curvilinear drawing, and diverse patterns—from medallion to Mahi (Herati)—often with tight structure and balanced, formal layouts.