Persian silk rugs: Qom, Isfahan, Tabriz and checking real silk

Where silk rugs are made

• Qom: the best-known centre for all-silk rugs since the mid-20th century
• Isfahan: wool pile with silk foundations and highlights
• Tabriz: silk and wool-and-silk pieces
• Kashan: historic silk production

Real silk vs. artificial silk

Artificial silk (viscose, 'art silk', 'bamboo silk') is common. Real silk:

• Feels cool, dry and slightly crisp
• Keeps its sheen when slightly damp; viscose goes limp
• Burns slowly with a hair-like smell (a burn test should be done by a professional)
• Has very fine, clear knots on the back

Why silk rugs cost more

Silk allows extremely fine knotting, so a silk rug can have several times more knots than a wool rug of the same size.

Care

Silk rugs are best for low-traffic areas or walls. Avoid sunlight, and never wash at home.