FAQs

Many surviving examples date to the late 19th–early 20th centuries. Earlier Northwest Persian Harshang carpets exist but are scarcer and command premiums.

A Kuba-region Caucasian subtype with distinctive hooked palmettes and crisp drawing. Fields may show repeating crab palmettes framed by classic Caucasian borders.

Often, yes. Karaja drawing includes angular medallions and small insect/crab-like motifs, usually in saturated reds and indigo with crisp geometry.

Harshang has big hooked palmettes (“claws”); Herati is a rosette-diamond with fish leaves; Mina Khani is rosettes linked by curved trellis. Scale and rhythm feel different.

Yes. Contemporary machine-made and printed Persian-style designs often include crab/Harshang patterns and some are marketed as washable; quality and feel vary widely.

Hand-knotted backs mirror the front with visible knots and no fabric/latex mesh. Tufted rugs have a cloth backing; machine-made backs look uniform and perfectly regular.

Wide range. Small vintage examples can start around low four figures; exceptional antiques often run into mid-five figures. Age, condition, dyes, and provenance drive price.

Caucasian crab designs appear in small formats and runners; Persian Heriz/Serapi are often 8×10, 9×12, or larger. Oversized antiques exist but are rarer and pricier.

Heriz/Serapi and many Kurdish examples are famously tough due to robust wool and construction. Antique Caucasian pieces can be sturdy but deserve pads and sensible care.

Madder reds, deep indigo, and ivory are common in Caucasian/Persian examples; Oushak versions skew softer (wheat, blush, light blue). Modern pieces may broaden the palette.

Yes. Some early 20th-century Oushaks interpret Harshang palmettes at large scale, often in softer, pastel palettes with looser drawing.

They’re usually room-sized with cotton foundations, bold medallions, and heavy borders—often featuring a crab border. Knotting is typically symmetrical and the handle is sturdy.