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
Imperial Blue, Antique Persian Kerman, Soft and Pliable, 100% Wool, Hand Knotted, Some Wear but No Holes, Cleaned with Sides and Ends Secure, Oversized Squarish, Oriental Rug
SKU : 390725
Exact Size: 14'6" x 16'4"
$7,000
$2,975
FREE SHIPPING
Boulder Ivory, Antique Chinese Peking with Serene and Calm Ambience, 100% Wool, Hand Knotted, Clean and in Good Condition, Even Wear, Oversized, Oriental Rug
SKU : 390545
Exact Size: 12'0" x 14'1"
$11,706
$4,975
FREE SHIPPING
Imperial Red, Antique Persian Sarouk, Even Wear, Hand Knotted, Clean, Pure Wool, Sides and Ends Professionally Secured, Runner Oriental Rug
SKU : 390450
Exact Size: 2'2" x 13'1"
$5,882
$2,500
FREE SHIPPING
Vermilion Red, Antique Persian Sarouk, Hand Knotted, 100% Wool, Thick and Plush, Even Wear, Cleaned, Sides and Ends Professionally Secured, XL Runner Oriental Rug
SKU : 390445
Exact Size: 2'6" x 20'1"
$8,235
$3,500
FREE SHIPPING
Midnight Blue, Antique Persian Bibikabad, Paisley Repetitive Botteh Design, Hand Knotted, Pure Wool, Even Wear, Cleaned, Sides and Ends Professionally Secured, Gallery Size, Oriental Rug
SKU : 390440
Exact Size: 7'1" x 16'3"
$13,529
$5,750
FREE SHIPPING
Chili Red, Antique Persian Heriz, Hand Knotted, Pure Wool, Full Pile, Mint Condition, Clean, Sides and Ends Professionally Secured, Oriental Rug
SKU : 390435
Exact Size: 8'7" x 12'2"
$11,176
$4,750
FREE SHIPPING
Alabama Crimson Red, Antique Persian Khorasan, Hand Knotted, Pure Wool, Mint Condition, Full Pile and Soft, Cleaned with Sides and Ends Professionally Secured, Oriental Rug
SKU : 390415
Exact Size: 8'9" x 12'6"
$11,176
$4,750
FREE SHIPPING
Alabama Crimson Red, Antique Persian Kerman, Open Field Medallion Design, 300 KPSI, Hand Knotted, Pure Wool, Full Pile, Mint Condition, Clean, Squarish Size, Oriental Rug
SKU : 390420
Exact Size: 11'8" x 13'2"
$15,808
$6,718
FREE SHIPPING
Midnight Blue, Antique Persian Isfahan, Garden Design, Evenly Worn Out, Cropped Thin, 100% Wool, Hand Knotted, Cleaned with Sides and Ends Professionally Secured, Oriental Rug
SKU : 390365
Exact Size: 4'1" x 6'4"
$4,647
$1,975
FREE SHIPPING
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