A home is one of the most significant purchases you will make in your lifetime. Many people save for years to choose the perfect house in the ideal location. 

They spend hours shopping for the right decor to help bring out the best in the architecture of their home. Spending thousands of dollars in the process and, in the end, it’s all worth it. 

One way to add a sense of luxury and wanderlust to your home is through the addition of an authentic oriental carpet. These rugs are known for their quality of manufacturing and the sheer artistry that they portray. 

The Influence of Oriental Carpets 

The art of rug or carpet making dates back thousands of years. According to historians, the oriental carpet originated in Iran in ancient times. Yet, the very first written documentation of this type of carpet came from Chinese text that dates back 2500 years during 224-641 C.E.  

Those texts show that the court of Cyrus The Great was decorated with all manner of carpets. Cyrus The Great had such a fascination with the art form that they surrounded his tomb with all manner of rugs. 

Since that time, oriental carpets have become symbols of luxury and status. Their intricate designs, bold colors, and rich history inspire people all over the globe to purchase them. 

In the 20th century, oriental carpets made their way back to the top of every homeowner’s wish list. 

Throughout the 60s and 70s, clothing styles took their cues from Persian rugs as some of the world’s most in-demand clothing designers began adding paisley designs and deep red and gold colors to their fashion line ups. 

Placing these designs on the likes of Bob Dylan or the cover of Vogue and their popularity spread rapidly. The influence of the Persian rug was now infiltrating pop culture, and everyone was running with it. 

The world no longer limited the oriental carpet as merely a rug for your home, but many began to see it as a worthy investment. 

Created with such meticulous detail, the value of a Persian rug accrues over time. The better the condition, the higher the value. 

Knowing the value of Persian rugs, many have opted to use them as display pieces of their homes. In looking at each design and how the gold inlays weave throughout the deep red silk, it’s easy to see why many consider this an investment in art over functionality. 

Yet, if you are one of the ones who prefer functionality first, then the Persian rug is a perfect choice. Made with such durability, they can last generations and are often passed down from one family member to the next.  

The Quality of Detail

If you’ve ever found yourself in front of an authentic Persian rug, then you know the artistry that goes into its creation. Handwoven each rug takes years, if not decades, to make. 

Each rug tells a story; each symbol has a meaning. The colors and symbols give clues as to the indigenous culture where the carpet originated. Animals, plants, and even the colors used all have special meaning. 

Some common symbols and meanings are as follows:

  • Elephant= Power
  • Lion = Victory
  • Rams Horn= Male Fertility
  • Fish= Abundance 
  • Crane= Longevity
  • Dragon= Emperor
  • Peacock= Divine Protection
  • Dove= Peace
  • Crab= Knowledge
  • Bamboo= Wealth and Honor
  • Lotus= Purity
  • Iris= Liberty
  • Weeping Willow= Meditation
  • Red= Happiness
  • Orange= Devotion
  • Green= Paradise 
  • Brown= Fertility
  • White= Purity, peace, or grief
  • Black= Destruction
  • Blue= Solitude, truth
  • Yellow= Power or glory

An authentic oriental carpet will be woven by hand using silk or wool. The dye is a mixture of natural plants and extracts. 

Experienced rug owners will know that knot count is significant when it comes to a quality rug. For a skilled rug weaver, 155 knots per square inch is easy to accomplish, whereas some rugs get over 400 knots per square inch.  

Caring for Your Rug

As many rugs that are for sale today can date back to the 16th century, so if you find yourself in possession of one of the amazing pieces caring for your rug should be a top priority. Even if your rug does not date back quite that far, to maintain its structure and quality, you need to be vigilant about its care. 

Basic care requires a few foundational things. 

UV Protection

UV light damages your rug and causes the color to fade faster than usual. Keeping your carpet in an area that is out of direct sunlight is key to keeping those deep colors intact. 

Cleaning

While you may be used to using an electric vacuum in other parts of your home, they are best to be kept far from an authentic oriental carpet. The same is to be said about steam cleaners and any type of harsh chemicals. A manual sweeper is best and should be done at least once a week. 

Dealing With Spills

Occasionally spills will happen. Thankfully, it’s not the end of the world; however, it does need to be cleaned up quickly. You will want to blot up spills with a moist cloth. Once the spill is up, you will want to wipe down the spot with a clean damp sponge. If the section is still holding a lot of moisture, set the rug upright to help speed up drying. 

Under no circumstances should you use any chemicals, or home remedies on the carpet. Any deviation could damage it beyond repair.    

Long Term Storage

Before storing your oriental rug, it is recommended to have it professionally cleaned. Once it’s cleaned, it should be stored in an environment no warmer than 75 degrees and no colder than 60 degrees. 

An Investment Worth Having 

For the avid investor, the oriental carpet is a wise choice. The versatility of the piece makes it a favorite among both the experienced collectors and novices alike. 

For more details on Persian rugs or to browse our extensive collection, check out our website for more information.