FAQs

Kerman rugs are curvilinear and often pastel; Sarouk rugs skew denser red-blue florals; Heriz rugs are geometric and rugged. Choose Kerman rugs for elegance, Heriz for durability, Sarouk for balanced traditional looks.

Both are city weaves with florals, but Kerman rugs frequently use pastel palettes and French-influenced bouquets, while Kashan rugs lean classic red-and-navy medallions. Structure and workshop signatures also differ.

Most Kerman rugs are wool pile on cotton foundations, sometimes with silk details. Fine “kork” (soft, high-grade) wool is common on high-quality examples.

Many Kerman rugs range roughly 120–400+ KPSI, with Lavar Kerman rugs often toward the higher end. Knot density varies by era, workshop, and size.

Expect saturated cochineal reds and indigos alongside soft pastels (amber, pink, blue-gray) popular for Western markets. Aging can shift “Kerman red” toward coral.

Kerman rugs feature medallions, allover florals, lattice layouts, tree-of-life and “vase” motifs, and millefleurs (“a thousand flowers”). Borders often carry flowing vine scrolls with Shah Abbas palmettes.

Genuine Kerman rugs show individual knots on the back, asymmetrical (Persian) knotting, and fringes that are warp ends—not sewn on. Lavar Kerman rugs often include a woven signature cartouche.

“Lavar” (Ravar) Kerman rugs come from the town of Ravar and are prized for especially fine weave and detail. Many Lavar pieces are signed and can reach 300–400+ knots per square inch.

Kerman rugs are Persian hand-knotted carpets from Kerman (Kirman), Iran, known for fine curvilinear florals and masterful dye work. Foundations are typically cotton with wool pile; some examples use silk highlights.