Difference Between Persian and Oriental Rugs

If you are considering buying a Persian or oriental rug, this is your guide. These are some of the most famous types of vintage luxury rugs. They have been a favorite for a while and for all the right reasons. They are the most high-quality rugs with the most beautiful designs. These are the perfect addition to any home.

What is Persian Rug?

We refer to rugs that are made in Iran or modern-day Persia as Persian Rugs. Persia is famous for its hand-knotted carpets and ancient art. They produce high-quality durable rugs. The skilled craftsmen of Iran are capable of producing intricate designs with a high knot count. The rugs have impressive precision and are incredibly detailed. These rugs have been loved for centuries. These rugs have been passed down from generation to generation and are never going out of style.

Unfortunately, the US has placed trade sanctions on Iran. So, you legally can not sell Persian rugs in the Us. If you see someone selling Persian rugs in the US market it means that

• The rug was brought to the US before sanctions.
• It is not a real Persian rug or
• The rug was bought into the US illegally.

So be careful when buying Persian rugs from the US.

Just to be clear, it is NOT illegal to own a persian rug.  So if you need to have your rug cleaned, contact AngelDry.

What Is an Oriental Rug?

Oriental rugs are rugs that have been crafted in any Oriental country. All Persian rugs come under the category of oriental rugs but not all oriental rugs are Persian rugs. There are many types of rugs included in oriental rugs which also include the Bokara and Zeigler rugs. Persian rugs were previously considered superior to any rug that was made in any other oriental country. But the secret of Persian practice has spread all around the world. And rug artists have been using it to produce high-quality rugs. The Persian rug is famous for its knot style, not the country that crafted it.

Difference Between Persian And Oriental Rugs:

• The bottom of a persian rug is as soft and of similar material as the top pile. Oriental rugs will have a backing material at the bottom, such as canvas or cotton.
• The bottom of a persian rug is the same mirror image as the top pile.
• The fringe in Persian rugs is not glued or sewn on.

In Synthetically produced oriental rugs the fringes are glued or sewn on and there is a hard plastic backing.

You must understand the difference between the terms that are used to describe rugs. Because hand-loomed, handmade, and hand-tufted do not mean hand-knotted.

Hand-tufted in a method that uses both hand-made and machine in the production of the rugs. In this method, a handheld machine is used to punch the design in the blank canvas.

Handcrafted means that a person’s hand loads the yarn in an automated loom. Which poorly mimics human hands.

How Was It Constructed?

People may market any traditionally designed rug as Persian-style rugs. The most important factor you need to look for when buying a Persian rug is the method of production of fiber. A true vintage Persian rug is made in Iran or Persia and it is hand-knotted.

Knots of Rugs:

The Persian rug is famous for its knot technique. It does not have any gaps and is less bulky than any other knot style such as Turkish Knots. There are asymmetrical knots that are open on one side. This allows them to make intricate and highly detailed styles. 

When you are on a mission to buy Persian rugs, check the design thoroughly. The knot allows you to have extreme precision in multilayered borders and floral patterns.

Turkish Knot (Ghiordes Knot)

The Turkish knot is used in places such as Turkey, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and northern Iran. You can visually identify by looking at the back of the rug for two small bumps in one knot. This knot is symmetrical. These rugs are called oriental rugs because they are produced outside of Iran. Even if a rug is made with the same technique, using the same material, of the same quality in any other country other than Persia It will be called an Oriental rug and not a Persian rug. Any kind of knot can be used in any part of the world. What makes Persian rugs unique or special is that they are Persian knotted.

Persian knotted refers to a hand-knotted rug. Hand knotting is a technique where the rug-weaving artist hand ties each knot to create a carpet. If any rug claims to be a Persian rug and is not hand-knotted chances are that it is fake. So, we recommend you do not buy them.

Knot-Count:

The knot count is used to determine the value of Persian rugs. The higher the knot count will be the higher the value. Other than that, when you are going out to buy a Persian rug, always ask your seller if the rug being sold to you is Persian or Oriental.

What Are Persian Rugs Made Of 

Persian rugs are made up of wool or silk. Some artists use natural silk from caterpillars. Others use silk obtained from bamboo. We suggest opting for bamboo silk if you are against animal cruelty. As bamboo silk provides almost the same results. The wool is sheared from sheep annually.

A true Persian Rug will never be made up of synthetic materials. You will never find real Persian rugs made of nylon, polypropylene, jute, acrylic, viscose, or any other synthetic material.

What Are Oriental Rugs Made Of

The only difference between oriental rugs and Persian rugs is the country they were made in. Oriental rugs are also made up of high-quality material. An oriental rug is also normally made up of wool or silk. It is also created by hand-knotting techniques.

You can contact the Angel Dry team of experts if you need any help caring for your rugs.