Valuing antique Persian rugs: age, condition, provenance

The short answer

In the rug trade, 'antique' usually means about 100 years old or more; 'semi-antique' is roughly 50–100. Age alone does not make a rug valuable. Condition, natural colours, rarity, design quality and provenance matter most. Only a qualified appraiser can value a specific rug.

What raises value

• Good condition with even, healthy pile
• Natural dyes with attractive abrash
• Rare types or designs
• Fine drawing and balance
• Documented provenance

What lowers value

• Heavy wear, holes or moth damage
• Poor or visible repairs
• Colour run or chemical washing
• Cut-down or re-shaped rugs
• Painted-in pile

Signs of age

Older rugs often show softer, lustrous wool, natural colour shifts, and gentle wear. Faking age by chemical washing and sun fading exists, so signs should be read together.

Export and legal notes

Exporting antiques from Iran is restricted. When buying abroad, ask for documentation.