Our legacy

Legacy of timeless beauty

Persian carpet weaving is a centuries-old tradition, showcasing exceptional skill and cultural heritage through intricate designs and craftsmanship, passed down through generations to preserve its legacy.

Discover our heritage

Since 500 BCE

The rich heritage of Iranian carpets

Persian carpet weaving began over 2,500 years ago, deeply rooted in ancient Persia's cultural and artistic traditions. It flourished during the Safavid dynasty (16th-18th centuries), a golden era known for intricate designs and rich colors. The craft adapted to various influences while keeping its unique identity, with key developments like natural dyes and weaving centers in Tabriz, Kashan, and Isfahan shaping its evolution.

01500 BCE
  1. 01 · Circa 500 BCE

    Early Beginnings

    Persian carpet weaving began during the Achaemenid era, known for luxury and status.

    On this rugFrozen in ice for 2,400 years

    In 1949, archaeologists opened a Scythian burial mound in Siberia’s Altai Mountains. Ice had sealed it for over two thousand years, and inside lay the oldest knotted carpet ever found. Today it is in the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg.

    Hover the numbers on the rug to discover its story.
  2. 02 · 224-651 CE

    Sasanian Era

    Advanced weaving with masterpieces like the Baharestan Carpet.

    On this rugA garden that never lost its spring

    King Khosrow’s legendary carpet showed a garden in bloom, so he could enjoy spring even in winter. When Arab armies took his capital Ctesiphon in 637 CE, it was cut into pieces and shared among the soldiers.

    Hover the numbers on the rug to discover its story.
  3. 03 · 11th-13th Centuries

    Seljuk Period

    Introduction of geometric patterns and Islamic motifs.

    On this rugA day’s journey apart

    Seljuk sultans built caravanserais along the Silk Road, about one day’s camel ride apart, so merchants could rest safely with their goods. Rugs travelled west with them, and Marco Polo later wrote that this region made the finest carpets in the world.

    Hover the numbers on the rug to discover its story.
  4. 04 · 16th-18th Centuries

    Safavid Golden Age

    Peak of carpet art with intricate designs and major weaving centers like Tabriz and Isfahan.

    On this rug26 million knots, one signature

    In 1539–40, the master Maqsud of Kashan signed a carpet for the Safavid family shrine in Ardabil. With around 26 million knots, it is one of the most famous carpets in the world and is now in the V&A Museum in London.

    Hover the numbers on the rug to discover its story.
  5. 05 · 19th Century

    Qajar Period

    Despite some quality decline, carpets remained valuable and saw export growth.

    On this rugA tree that never dies

    The Tree of Life links earth and heaven, a symbol of eternity. In the 19th century, demand from Europe brought new life to Persian weaving, and new workshops opened in cities like Sultanabad, today’s Arak.

    Hover the numbers on the rug to discover its story.
  6. 06 · 20th Century

    20th century and beyond

    Revival of traditional techniques, blending with modern influences to enhance global reputation.

    On this rugOld soul, new look

    Designers began to wash, fade and abstract the classic patterns. The look changed, but the craft stayed the same: every hand-knotted rug is still tied knot by knot.

    Hover the numbers on the rug to discover its story.
  7. 07 · 21st Century

    Modern and minimal

    Clean lines, natural tones and timeless craftsmanship, made for contemporary homes.

    On this rugLess, but better

    Homes became calmer and more open, and rugs followed: soft neutral tones, natural textures and a single strong line. Many modern rugs reduce a classic medallion to its outline, a quiet nod to 2,500 years of history.

    Hover the numbers on the rug to discover its story.
  8. 2,500 years in seven rugs

    The story continues in your home

    Every rug in our collection carries a piece of this history. Hand-knotted, chosen with care and ready for its next chapter.

    Revisit an era

Tap the numbers on the rug to discover its story.

01500 BCE
Circa 500 BCE

Early Beginnings

Persian carpet weaving began during the Achaemenid era, known for luxury and status.

On this rugFrozen in ice for 2,400 years

In 1949, archaeologists opened a Scythian burial mound in Siberia’s Altai Mountains. Ice had sealed it for over two thousand years, and inside lay the oldest knotted carpet ever found. Today it is in the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg.

Tap the numbers on the rug to discover its story.

02224 CE
224-651 CE

Sasanian Era

Advanced weaving with masterpieces like the Baharestan Carpet.

On this rugA garden that never lost its spring

King Khosrow’s legendary carpet showed a garden in bloom, so he could enjoy spring even in winter. When Arab armies took his capital Ctesiphon in 637 CE, it was cut into pieces and shared among the soldiers.

Tap the numbers on the rug to discover its story.

031000s
11th-13th Centuries

Seljuk Period

Introduction of geometric patterns and Islamic motifs.

On this rugA day’s journey apart

Seljuk sultans built caravanserais along the Silk Road, about one day’s camel ride apart, so merchants could rest safely with their goods. Rugs travelled west with them, and Marco Polo later wrote that this region made the finest carpets in the world.

Tap the numbers on the rug to discover its story.

041500s
16th-18th Centuries

Safavid Golden Age

Peak of carpet art with intricate designs and major weaving centers like Tabriz and Isfahan.

On this rug26 million knots, one signature

In 1539–40, the master Maqsud of Kashan signed a carpet for the Safavid family shrine in Ardabil. With around 26 million knots, it is one of the most famous carpets in the world and is now in the V&A Museum in London.

Tap the numbers on the rug to discover its story.

051800s
19th Century

Qajar Period

Despite some quality decline, carpets remained valuable and saw export growth.

On this rugA tree that never dies

The Tree of Life links earth and heaven, a symbol of eternity. In the 19th century, demand from Europe brought new life to Persian weaving, and new workshops opened in cities like Sultanabad, today’s Arak.

Tap the numbers on the rug to discover its story.

061900s
20th Century

20th century and beyond

Revival of traditional techniques, blending with modern influences to enhance global reputation.

On this rugOld soul, new look

Designers began to wash, fade and abstract the classic patterns. The look changed, but the craft stayed the same: every hand-knotted rug is still tied knot by knot.

Tap the numbers on the rug to discover its story.

072000s
21st Century

Modern and minimal

Clean lines, natural tones and timeless craftsmanship, made for contemporary homes.

On this rugLess, but better

Homes became calmer and more open, and rugs followed: soft neutral tones, natural textures and a single strong line. Many modern rugs reduce a classic medallion to its outline, a quiet nod to 2,500 years of history.

2,500 years in seven rugs

The story continues in your home

Every rug in our collection carries a piece of this history. Hand-knotted, chosen with care and ready for its next chapter.

The process

The art of carpet weaving

From raw wool to a finished heirloom: four steps, all done by hand.

Wool picking
01Shearing and spinning

Wool from mountain sheep is washed, combed and spun into yarn, often still by hand.

Shorn once a year
Fiber dyeing (using natural dyes)
02Natural dyeing

Roots, plants and peels give the yarn its color, batch by batch.

Hand weaving of traditional rugs
03Hand knotting

Knot by knot, the weaver ties each strand around the warp threads and cuts it. A large rug can take months or even years.

While you’ve been on this page, a weaver would have tied about 0 knots.
Rug trimming and finishing
04Trimming and washing

The pile is trimmed to an even height, then the rug is washed and dried in the sun.

Ready for generations

Symbolism

The language of patterns

Persian carpet designs revolve around two core patterns: floral and geometric, each carrying deep symbolic meanings. Floral patterns are often associated with paradise and the concept of eternity. These intricate designs may symbolize beauty, life, and growth, with motifs of flowers and vines representing the eternal cycle of nature. Floral patterns can also evoke a sense of elegance, balance, and harmony, reflecting the Persian tradition of garden aesthetics.

Geometric patterns are characterized by repeating shapes and structured designs, symbolizing order, balance, and spirituality. These designs often incorporate interconnected shapes, such as diamonds and hexagons, representing unity and infinity. Geometric patterns convey a sense of symmetry and perfection, often tied to philosophical and spiritual meanings. Each pattern tells a story through its craftsmanship, offering a timeless connection to Persian culture and tradition.

The life of a rugFrom nature,
back to nature

Responsibility

Sustainability and ethical sourcing

Persian carpets are made using environmentally friendly methods and materials. Traditional techniques involve natural dyes derived from plants, minerals, and insects, which are biodegradable and less harmful to the environment. The weaving process itself is labor-intensive but relies on sustainable practices, such as using renewable resources like wool from sheep that are sheared annually. Additionally, the use of natural fibers and dyes reduces the reliance on synthetic chemicals, making these carpets more eco-friendly and sustainable.

  • Handmade
    Every knot is tied by hand. No machines, no shortcuts.
  • Environmentally friendly
    Natural fibers and dyes, made with traditional methods.
  • Fair trade
    Made under fair working conditions for the people behind every rug.

The collection

Discover our collection

From intricate floral patterns to bold geometric designs, our selection offers a range of styles to suit every taste. Discover the timeless beauty and elegance of these handcrafted masterpieces, perfect for any space.

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Since 1870: Oriental Rug Experts