What Is a Hand Woven Persian Rug Worth?

Age

• Persian carpets date back to at least the third century, when they were first produced in large numbers during Persia's Sassanid period. Since then, hand-woven varieties have been created by artisans in Iran (which is modern-day Persia) through a painstaking process combining designing, hand weaving and knotting. Antique rugs from that nation are often very valuable. At the time of publication, a certain online discounter is asking more than $125,000 for a large, antique, hand-woven, lamb's wool rug from Meshkabad, Iran.

Detail

• Given that it can take a year or more to produce a large rug that's extremely detailed, hand-woven and knotted, it's not unusual to pay $15,000 to $40,000 for a new one. These rugs come in various motifs and patterns, as well as something specific to Persian rugs: curvilinear design. This particular design element is much more difficult to execute, and it's signified by flamelike curved lines and rhythms. This makes them superior to standard geometric, or straight-line, designs.

Materials

• The materials used to make each Persian rug will also contribute to that rug's overall value. Fine lamb's wool and cotton are the two most predominant fibers used to make hand-woven types. Silk is the most valued fiber, though. When made of it, and when also made in certain provinces in Iran, these rugs can list for impressive prices. For example, another online discounter, at the time of publication, shows a list price of $217,000 for an approximately 5-foot-by-8-foot model.

Affordability

• Surveys of typical hand-woven Persian rug prices in this second decade of the 21st century reveal many that are relatively affordable. Depending on size, design, condition and the province in Iran where they're made, some will run well under $1,500, used and after heavy discounting. A caution is in order, though: Some rugs advertised as being hand-woven and from Iran actually aren't. That's why you should have a certified appraiser check out your rug before you buy it.