Persian rugs can trace their routes back to the 5th Century BC and throughout this time they have evolved, changed and developed. However one of the beautiful aspects of Persian rugs that hasn’t changed is their durability, and this can also lead to an important question when purchasing one. Due to their durability should I buy a modern, vintage or antique Persian rug.
There’s a number of factors to consider here, beyond durability there is also cost, design, materials used and also pile thickness. Below we take a deeper dive into the variations between new, vintage and antique Persian & Oriental rugs and who might suit each type.
Styling & Colours
Much like many other industries over time styles change, and this is also present in Persian & Oriental rugs. Most regions have had changes in their styling over time, and even in some cases even the materials used in their rugs. For example, Heriz used to produce extremely fine pure silk rugs and now they produce more geometric designed wool on cotton rugs.
Other than patterns when it comes to styling, its important to consider patina. new rugs won’t show any signs of patina but when we reach vintage and antique rugs these signs will start to show, the natural impurities in the rugs, the bowing in the binding or the change in colour throughout the wool will become apparent.
Abrash (Farsi for change in colour) is the natural change in colour found throughout vintage and antique rugs, this is due to dyes being measured by the fistful. If a weaver runs out of wool and they need to dye extra to finish a rug, they may grip differently to the last time they dyed the wool. When new this isn’t noticeable but as the rug ages the different amount of dye in the wool will start to show the Abrash. (picture below)
Whilst natural dyes have remained the defacto source of colouring for Persian rugs throughout their history the colouring in antiques, vintage and modern rugs varies considerably. This is due to natural dyes changing over time, due to oxygen exposure, the climate they’re placed in, exposure to natural light etc.
Typically when a rug is fresh off the loom the colours will be consistent throughout and their most vibrant, through the first 40 years of its life the colours will remain consistent. When rugs start to reach vintage age (40-90 years) the colours will begin slowly softening over the decades. The vibrancy will soften and mellow each decade, until they reach their peak at around 80-90 years of age, just as they are entering the antique age range.
Materials
One of the first questions that could come to mind is “Are the materials used any different?” And for the most part, no they’re not different. There are a few variations to this where cities or towns used to produce in silk or wool only and have now changed their standard material but for the most part they’re still using the same materials from over 100 years ago.
Dyes
Dyes are where things can be slightly different. 100+ years ago there were only natural vegetable dyes available, but moving into the 70s & 80s there was a short period where artificial dyes were used, and in some rare cases they still are used.
So for Antique rugs you should always have natural dyes, if it features artificial dyes it’s because of two reasons, 1. it’s not actually an antique piece, 2. a poor restoration has been carried out in the life time of the rug.
For vintage rugs you should mostly be safe from artificial dyes, however this is the time period where they started to be used, a reputable dealer should always state if they’re natural or artificial dyes. Whilst it was a short period that artificial dyes were used so widely, it is something to be cautious of, as artificial dye rugs are less valuable and less durable than their natural dye counterparts.
For new rugs you are for the most part when buying genuine Persian rugs safe, as the wide spread use of artificial dyes was stopped in the mid to late 80s.
Longevity
If you’re buying the right Persian rug the question of longevity isn’t really a question. Persian rugs are extremely durable and that still stands for antique and vintage rugs too. With new rugs you’re going to have the greatest longevity and durability, for example a modern Bijar rug will feature a thick deep pile that will last for generations.
Vintage rugs will mostly still have deep piles, and not need any sort of additional care or maintenance to keep them and live with them in your home. Whether they were woven from silk or wool there isn’t a need to worry when considering their longevity.
Antique rugs for the most part will still have a long lease of life in them and with minimal maintenance and care can be enjoyed in a home. There colours will have reached their peak and the wool will have softened making them a great rug to live with in your home.
What Type of Rug is Right For You?
This is really a matter of personal preference, as mentioned above, durability doesn’t have to be the main focus here. What is best to consider? This is colouring, and peace of mind.
Do you want something with more vivid colours, or more subdued or somewhere in-between?
When it comes to peace of mind, for a lot of people there may be concerns around pets in the home or young children the idea of having a Persian rug, but this need not be a concern. Whether you’re looking at antique, vintage or new these rugs can handle the pressures of everyday life and a busy household.
New rugs typically will give owners deeper piles, rich colours and the ability to imbue the rug with a history of their own that when it reaches vintage and antique age it will have a story to share with new generations and owners.
Vintage rugs will be your go to if you’re looking for a durable piece, with softer more toned down colours and something with a bit of age. You can use these rugs as you please and as an added positive when they reach the antique age range you will have a fantastic investment.
If you’re after more unusual designs, strong patina and indicators of age then this could be the ideal age range for you. They’re liveable rugs that need that little bit more care than vintage or new rugs but the history they have to share and the sense of occasion they can add to a room is unparalleled.
