Last post, we answered a question from a reader about confirming the authenticity of a handmade Persian rug. We continue by giving more tips, this time on how to confirm whether the rug is from Iran, also known as modern day Persia.
Confirming whether it’s from Iran
1. The easiest way to determine whether a “Persian” rug is from Iran is looking at the label. The country of origin should be stated on the label, and if it isn’t ask the sales staff. Because Iran has a number of well known weaving regions, sometimes the label may only state the city or region from which it is from. This is when your knowledge of Persian Rugs comes in handy!
2. Persian, not Persian design. Does the store sell “Persian-Design” or “Persian-Style” rugs? Chances are, they won’t be from Iran, then. These types of rugs are hand or machine woven using dyes, techniques and/or designs that have been traditionally associated with authentic Persian Rugs. You’ll probably think that the prices are great, but don’t be surprised when you find out that they’ve all been machine made in China. (This isn’t to say that machine made rugs from China aren’t good quality. They just aren’t authentic Persian Rugs.)
3. Handmade Persian Rugs are always woven using natural dyes and materials. The materials are usually wool (sheep or goat), cotton or silk.
4. The invoice should say Persian Rug. If you’ve decided to purchase a rug, have the invoice or receipt state what exactly you are buying. Make sure the paperwork says “Persian Rug from Tabriz” or “Authentic Handmade Persian Rug from Gabbeh”, with the official name of the store/company also visible. This may not guarantee that the Persian Rug is authentic, but it does give you evidence that can be used against the company if you find out that you’ve been duped. You can also ask for a certificates of authenticity.
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