ANTIQUE CARPETS
The Ardabil Carpet, at the Victoria and Albert Museum, is an exquisite 16th-century masterpiece and one of the world’s most prized and celebrated Persian carpets.
ARDABIL
Today, “Ardabil” refers to a distinctive design featuring a central medallion, corner spandrels and rich colors.
Shapes & Sizes
While standard sizes and shapes are readily available, carpets can also be custom-made in various colors, patterns, sizes, and shapes to meet specific needs.
RECTANGULAR
2’ x 3’ (61 x 91 cm)
3’ x 5’ (91 x 152 cm)
4’ x 6’ (122 x 183 cm)
5’ x 8’ (152 x 244 cm)
6’ x 9’ (183 x 274 cm)
8’ x 10’ (244 x 305 cm)
9’ x 12’ (274 x 366 cm)
10’ x 14’ (305 x 427 cm)
12’ x 15’ (366 x 457 cm)
SQUARE
3’ x 3’ (91 x 91 cm)
4’ x 4’ (122 x 122 cm)
6’ x 6’ (183 x 183 cm)
8’ x 8’ (244 x 244 cm)
10’ x 10’ (305 x 305 cm)
12’ x 12’ (366 x 366 cm)
ROUND
diameter
3’ (91 cm)
4’ (122 cm)
6’ (183 cm)
8’ (244 cm)
10’ (305 cm)
12’ (366 cm)
OVAL / SEMI ROUND
diameter
3’ x 5’ (91 x 152 cm)
4’ x 6’ (122 x 183 cm)
5’ x 8’ (152 x 244 cm)
6’ x 9’ (183 x 274 cm)
8’ x 10’ (244 x 305 cm)
9’ x 12’ (274 x 366 cm)
RUNNER
3’ x 3’ (91 x 91 cm)
4’ x 4’ (122 x 122 cm)
6’ x 6’ (183 x 183 cm)
8’ x 8’ (244 x 244 cm)
10’ x 10’ (305 x 305 cm)
12’ x 12’ (366 x 366 cm)
PRODUCTION METHOD
The production method greatly influences a carpet or rug’s value.
Hand-made carpets and rugs can take months or even years to craft, whereas machine-made ones are completed in just days or weeks.
HAND-MADE CARPETS AND RUGS
Traditionally crafted on looms using the finest silk, wool, and cotton—often skillfully blended for the perfect result—Kashmiri carpets and rugs provide a luxurious feel and enduring beauty.
PERSIAN KNOT
Kashmiri carpets and rugs are renowned for their intricate designs and exceptional durability, achieved through the use of the Persian (asymmetrical) knot, also known as the Senneh knot.
Symmetrical (turkish) knot
Asymmetrical (persian – “senneh”) knot
KNOT DENSITY
In hand-made carpets and rugs, knot density refers to the number of knots per square inch (KPSI). Higher knot densities signify finer craftsmanship, more complex designs, and increased durability.
FACTORS INFLUENCING
CARPET/ RUG VALUE
Flooring sets the foundation for every beautiful room. Begin with a stunning carpet, and everything else will effortlessly come together.
| Factor | Less Valuable | More Valuable |
|---|---|---|
| MATERIAL / FIBER | Synthetic | Natural |
| ORIGIN | Turkey, China | Kashmir, Iran |
| HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE | Newly made | Antique |
| DESIGN | Simple | Complex |
| CUSTOMISATION | Standard | Custom-made |
| SIZE | Smaller | Larger |
| SHAPE | Usual | Unusual |
| PRODUCTION TIME | Days / weeks | Months / years |
| PRODUCTION METHOD | Machine-made | Hand-made |
| KNOT DENSITY (HAND-MADE) | Low (less than 100 kpsi) | High (more than 200 kpsi) |
