Antique is a term widely used to describe a decorative art object that is at least one hundred years old. The term shifts as decades move on, so in 2020 objects classified as "antique" include those made in 1920 or earlier. The term can be applied to both handmade and manufactured objects with the exception of rugs and carpets where reputable dealers reserve the term "antique" for quality handmade rugs. The term "vintage" also shifts with the decades and means objects older than twenty years but less than one hundred years old. Higher quality vintage rugs eventually become antiques.
The prime advice for buying antique rugs is the same as for all antiques and art: buy what you love and not for investment. The incredible and often incomparable artisan skills involved in the weaving and knotting of fine antique rugs is not always reflected in their pricing. Which means that despite the advice to "buy what you love" there's a good chance your newly purchased antique rug will hold its value, and perhaps even increase in value. Bottom line – antique and vintage rugs are great value for money.
Antique rugs will always exhibit some degree of wear. Often the wear is desirable such as oxidation (fading) from either prolonged exposure to daylight or from the inherent deterioration of dyes. Fading from these factors produces the coveted effect many interior designers seek for home furnishings. It's interesting to note that when natural dyes were overtaken by artificial dyes in the 19th century, artificial coloration were far brighter than what 21st century designers might choose which makes fading a definite feature.
Evenly spread wear is acceptable on an antique rug. In many cases antique rug owners rotate their rugs in and out of use so by the time they reach the resale market their condition may still be very good. Exceptional handmade rugs were often hung on walls or kept away from high traffic areas, yet another reason why antique examples are often in good condition.
Antique
Carnelian Red, Antique Persian Heriz, Clean, Even Wear, 100% Wool, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug
SKU : 391345
Exact Size: 7'4" x 10'7"
$11,706
$4,975
FREE SHIPPING
Pale Ivory, Vintage Persian Qum, Paisley Design, Full Pile, 300 KPSI, Excellent Condition, 100% Wool, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug
SKU : 391335
Exact Size: 7'7" x 10'10"
$4,647
$1,975
FREE SHIPPING
Biscotti Brown, Antique Persian with Fish Tabriz All Over Herat Design, Pure Wool, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug
SKU : 391330
Exact Size: 8'3" x 11'5"
$9,085
$3,861
FREE SHIPPING
Alabaster White, Antique Persian Kerman with poetry and Animal Figurines, Birds and Tigers, Hand Knotted, Pure Wool, Oversized Oriental Rug
SKU : 391325
Exact Size: 13'5" x 19'8"
$51,015
$21,681
FREE SHIPPING
Auburn Red, Antique Persian Serapi Heriz, Hand Knotted, 100% Wool, Some Wear, Clean, Oversized, Oriental Rug
SKU : 391305
Exact Size: 12'1" x 19'2"
$58,069
$24,679
FREE SHIPPING
Mahogany Orange, Antique Persian Serapi in Good Condition, Large Center Flower Medallion, 100% Wool, Hand Knotted, Clean, Even Wear, Sides and Ends Professionally Secured, Oversized, Oriental Rug
SKU : 391200
Exact Size: 11'7" x 14'2"
$58,824
$25,000
FREE SHIPPING
Vermilion Red, Antique Turkish Bergama in Excellent Condition, Full Pile and Soft, Sides and Ends Professionally Secured, Clean, 100% Wool, Hand Knotted, Wool Weft, Oriental Rug
SKU : 391165
Exact Size: 5'4" x 7'0"
$4,176
$1,775
FREE SHIPPING
Cardinal Purple, Antique Persian Sarouk in Good Condition, 100% Wool, Hand Knotted, Full Pile, Clean, Sides and Ends Professionally Secured, Runner, Oriental Rug
SKU : 391155
Exact Size: 2'7" x 13'4"
$3,471
$1,475
FREE SHIPPING
Prismatic Red, Antique Persian Sarouk Mohajeren in Excellent Condition, Clean, Full Pile and Soft, Sides and Ends Professionally Secured, 100% Wool, Hand Knotted, Runner, Oriental Rug
SKU : 391150
Exact Size: 2'7" x 10'0"
$7,000
$2,975
FREE SHIPPING
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