Example Appraisal
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Antique Persian Silk Tabriz Rug

TextilesLate Qajar to Early PahlaviIran (Persia)
AI Confidence80%
Photo
Antique Persian silk Tabriz rug with central medallion and intricate floral patterns

Metropolitan Museum of Art, CC0

Identification
CategoryOriental Rugs
Era / PeriodLate Qajar to Early Pahlavi
Agecirca 1890-1920
OriginIran (Persia)
StylePersian Tabriz
Silk PileSilk FoundationNatural Dyes
Key Features
  • Full silk construction (pile and foundation) — rare and luxurious
  • High knot density (400+ KPSI) indicating fine craftsmanship
  • Natural dyes producing rich, harmonious color palette
  • Classic Tabriz medallion design with intricate floral arabesques
Condition Assessment
60 Good
Structure90/100
Surface45/100
Completeness90/100
Restorations75/100

Pile shows moderate wear in high-traffic areas. Colors remain vibrant due to natural dyes. Selvedge edges re-wrapped. No holes or tears.

Noted Defects

  • Moderate pile wear in central field area
  • Selvedge edges have been professionally re-wrapped
  • Minor moth damage in one corner (stabilized)
Estimated Dimensions
Width200 cm
Depth300 cm
Weight8 kg

Approximately 6.5 × 10 feet — room-size rug.

Valuation
Fair Market Value
$8,000
$3,000 — $15,000
Fair Market$8,000
Insurance$20,000
Auction Est.$7,500
Insurance / Replacement Value$20,000
Auction Estimate$2,500 — $12,000
Declining (-4%)
Market Analysis
RarityUncommon
Market DemandModerate
C
F
D
C
B
A
Declining (-4%)

Persian silk rugs are among the highest achievements of Islamic decorative arts. Tabriz, in northwest Iran, has been a carpet-weaving center since the Safavid dynasty (16th century). Silk rugs from this region were luxury goods traded along international routes and collected by European aristocracy.

Price Trend (5 Year)
Comparable Items
Antique Persian Silk Tabriz Rug$8,000
Antique Silk Kashan Rug$12,000
Semi-Antique Tabriz Wool Rug$3,500
Antique Hereke Silk Rug$20,000

Antique Silk Kashan Rug

$12,000

circa 1900

All-silk prayer rug from Kashan with exceptional knot density

Similar all-silk construction from another prestigious weaving center

Semi-Antique Tabriz Wool Rug

$3,500

circa 1940

Wool pile on cotton foundation, similar medallion design, room size

Same design tradition but wool construction at lower price point

Antique Hereke Silk Rug

$20,000

circa 1910

Turkish court-quality silk rug with exceptionally fine weave

Comparable luxury silk rug from Ottoman Turkey; often higher valued

Expert Summary

A fine antique silk Tabriz rug with classic medallion design and natural dyes, representing the peak of Persian weaving tradition. The all-silk construction is rare and luxurious, though the market for traditional oriental rugs has been softening as interior design trends shift toward modern aesthetics. This rug's value lies in its craftsmanship, materials, and cultural significance. Collectors and connoisseurs continue to appreciate such pieces even as the broader market declines.

Provenance: Tabriz has been a center of Persian carpet weaving for centuries. Silk Tabriz rugs represent the pinnacle of the weaver's art and were typically commissioned by wealthy patrons or for export to European markets.
Authentication Guide

Examine knot structure — Tabriz rugs use the Turkish (Ghiordes) knot. Silk pile and foundation confirm high-quality production. Burn test a single fiber to verify silk (smells like burnt hair, forms a crisp ash). Natural dyes can be confirmed with a damp white cloth test. Beware of artificially aged machine-made copies from China.

Care & Preservation
  • Professional cleaning only — never machine wash
  • Rotate every 6 months to even wear patterns
  • Use a quality rug pad underneath to prevent slipping and reduce wear
  • Store rolled (never folded) in acid-free paper with moth repellent
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