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
Cacao Brown, Bokhara Antique Turkaman Yamut with Geometric Guls, Soft Wool Hand Knotted, Good Condition Even Wear Clean, Oriental Rug
SKU : 401685
Exact Size: 6'5" x 9'6"
$7,000
$2,975
FREE SHIPPING
Beige, Antique Persian Lavar Kerman with Large Center Medallion, Pure Wool Hand Knotted Natural Berries Dye Low Pile, Clean No Holes Evenly Worn, Palace Size Oriental Rug
SKU : 401625
Exact Size: 17'0" x 26'3"
$47,059
$20,000
FREE SHIPPING
Brick Red Antique Persian Serapi Heriz with Eye Shape Flower Medallion, Good Condition, Clean, Hand Knotted Pure Wool Oriental Rug
SKU : 401610
Exact Size: 9'7" x 13'1"
$38,824
$16,500
FREE SHIPPING
Brick Red, Antique Persian Heriz, Good Condition, Professionally Cleaned, Sides and Ends Secured, Hand Knotted, Pure Wool Oriental Rug
SKU : 401605
Exact Size: 8'8" x 11'10"
$9,353
$3,975
FREE SHIPPING
Deep Red, Antique Persian Sarouk with Flower Bouquet Design, Full Pile, Excellent Condition, Soft and Clean, Hand Knotted Pure Wool Oriental Rug
SKU : 401565
Exact Size: 11'1" x 14'0"
$6,706
$2,850
FREE SHIPPING
Midnight Blue Antique Afghan Beshir Geometric All Over Design with Multiple Borders, Good Condition, Hand Knotted Pure Wool, Gallery Size Oriental Rug
SKU : 401550
Exact Size: 10'4" x 21'0"
$22,941
$9,750
FREE SHIPPING
Honey Brown, Antique Persian Heriz, Good Condition, Even Wear, Hand Knotted Pure Wool, Clean Sides and Ends Professionally Secured, Oversized Oriental Rug
SKU : 401535
Exact Size: 11'3" x 14'7"
$16,353
$6,950
FREE SHIPPING
Ivory, Antique Persian Karajeh Serapi, Denser Weave, Good Condition, Pure Wool, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug
SKU : 401525
Exact Size: 8'10" x 12'5"
$44,706
$19,000
FREE SHIPPING
Camel Hair, Antique Persian Baluch with Prayer Design, Pure Wool Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug
SKU : 401505
Exact Size: 3'0" x 5'3"
$1,588
$675
FREE SHIPPING
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