Qom

Qom's carpet identity is commonly discussed through twentieth-century workshop development rather than an uninterrupted ancient city tradition. That distinction matters when evaluating a sales story. A modern Iranian handmade rug can be significant without being attributed to a remote historical lineage. Ask for the actual workshop, production period and materials instead of accepting age as a synonym for quality.

The pilgrimage market also distributes goods made elsewhere. A city label can describe a design family, a commercial attribution or the location of sale. Record which meaning the seller intends. Religious imagery or sale near the shrine does not itself establish the origin or hand production of a textile.

A rug can have silk in its pile, foundation, highlights or several components. Ask for a component-by-component description rather than a single silk label. The fringe may continue the warps, but fringe can also be repaired or added. Its appearance alone cannot identify the fibres throughout the object.

Sheen changes with light and pile direction and can also appear in other fibres. Touch, coolness and photographs are not reliable stand-alone identification tests. Do not burn a thread, cut a fringe or apply chemicals to a rug offered for sale. Valuable or disputed material claims require qualified non-destructive examination and clear written disclosure.

Fine knotting can support detailed drawing, but knot count does not establish origin, fibre or value. Compare the border corners, transitions around a medallion and the balance of the full field before studying a small close-up. Keep counts in consistent units and distinguish a linear count from knots per unit area.

A woven inscription may refer to a workshop, designer or seller. Photograph it in context and request a checked reading. A familiar name can be imitated, and a signature does not independently establish authorship. Ask what records connect the object to the named workshop and preserve any uncertainty in the catalogue.

Look for low pile, repaired ends, colour changes, old folds and exposed foundation. A glossy front can conceal wear that is clearer on the reverse. Request a repair report before deciding that a fine silk rug is suitable for a heavily used floor. Some older or fragile pieces may need supported display rather than everyday traffic.

Confirm access rules around religious sites and keep shopping guidance separate from shrine etiquette. For transport, prevent sharp creases and abrasion and obtain advice suited to the object's condition. Photograph the entire rug before packing and retain the maker statement, invoice and condition record together.