The art of weaving antique persian rugs is time-honored, illustrious and astoundingly complex. Josh has one of the largest Persian rug collections in America and his selection is meticulously curated for rarity and aesthetic beauty. Josh also has a unique perspective on the world of vintage persian rugs as he’s able to see what separates them from regular floral carpets in terms of their front and back. Authentic persian rugs aren’t perfect on both sides, but rather they have a more organic and fluid quality since they were woven by hand on primitive types of wooden looms. This is why color variations in a vintage persian rug are a sign of authenticity and often times more valuable than a perfectly even and uniform rug that’s woven on an industrial loom.
Weaving in Iran was a highly specialized art form with distinct stylistic regions that emerged throughout the country and developed specific motifs, shapes, and patterns. Historians decipher what region an antique rug is from based on the shapes and symbols that appear in the design. For example, a peony or lily represents power, the famous boteh motif symbolizes flame and the universe and leaf motifs represent endless regeneration. Antique rugs that hail from the Persian city centers of Esfahan and Heriz are known for their oversized geometric medallions.
The 16th-century Safavid court manufactories of Isfahan ushered in the golden age of Iranian carpet making which continues to be sought after by designers and architects today. Other renowned weaving centers include Tabriz, Khorassan, Heriz/Serapi, and Kashan.
