Flip it—hand-knotted pictorial rugs show the design on the back with slight irregularities, and fringe is part of the warp. Machine-made pieces look uniform and often have sewn-on fringe.
How can I tell if a pictorial rug is hand-knotted? Read More »
KPSI (knots per square inch) measures knot density; higher counts allow finer imagery. Silk Qum pictorial rugs often exceed 400 KPSI, with exceptional pieces approaching 900 KPSI.
What is KPSI on pictorial rugs, and why does it matter? Read More »
Prices vary by size, material, and origin. Small framed pictorial rugs can start around a few hundred dollars, while fine silk or antique examples reach several thousand or more.
Many pictorial rugs come in small tableau sizes for framing, roughly 2×3 to 4×6 feet. Larger floor pieces exist but are rarer and pricier.
Silk pictorial rugs show crushing and tracking, so they’re best in low-traffic spaces or on walls. Choose wool pictorial rugs for everyday floor use.
Are silk pictorial rugs durable enough for floors? Read More »
Common themes include hunting scenes, royal portraits, literary tales, cityscapes, gardens, and animal studies. “Leili and Majnun” scenes and Great Wall panoramas are well-known examples.
Persian centers like Kerman, Tabriz, and Qum, plus Chinese Peking and some Caucasian workshops, are renowned. Qajar-era Kerman pieces and modern Qum silk tableaus are classic examples.
Which regions are best known for pictorial rugs? Read More »
No—pictorial rugs are usually knotted-pile, while tapestries are weft-faced flat weaves. Rugs show knots and pile; tapestries hide warps and build the image with packed wefts.
Pictorial rugs are hand-woven carpets that depict scenes, figures, or landscapes instead of repeating motifs. Many are made as small “tableau” pieces intended for wall display rather than floor use.
Blot immediately with cool water and a white cloth—don’t scrub. If color transfers or it’s a large spill, call a qualified rug cleaner.
What’s the safest way to treat spills on a Persian rug? Read More »
No. “Persian-style” denotes the pattern only; true Persian rugs are hand-knotted in Iran. Machine-made pieces are usually polypropylene, polyester, or wool blends.
Are “Persian-style” machine-made rugs the same as Persian rugs? Read More »
Persian (Senneh) is asymmetrical; Turkish (Ghiordes) is symmetrical. The knot type influences curves and detail but doesn’t alone determine quality.
What’s the difference between Persian and Turkish knots? Read More »
