Types of Oriental Rugs

Handmade/Machine Made

• There is a simple way to tell the difference between man-made and machine-made rugs. Machine-made Oriental rugs tend to be brightly colored on the face side but have faded colors on the back. A genuine, hand-made oriental rug will be brightly colored on both sides with the back appearing nearly the same as the front.

Persian

• Persian rugs---one type of Oriental rugs---date back to the ancient times of Persia. More than 30 percent of the market for Oriental rugs comes from Iran (formerly known as Persia). Persian carpets are divided into three groups according to their size: Farsh, the largest; Qualicheh; and Kilim, the smallest. Typically Persian rugs are made from silk and wool and have a common curvilinear floral pattern. Persian rug designs and materials are often exchanged by Iranian Muslims while making their religious pilgrimages.

Indian

• Varanasi and Jaipur are the two main areas in India where rug weaving is performed. Indian rugs, made from cotton and wool, often feature Persian floral designs and geometric patterns. Smoky and subtle colors are also common. Indian rugs also vary in size from small scatter rugs to large area carpets. These types of rugs are quite similar to Persian rugs.

Chinese

• For centuries, China has been hand-knotting Oriental rugs. This practice dates back to as early as 1696. In modern-day China, many rugs are produced for the American market in the Hebel and Shandog provinces of China. Many Chinese Oriental rugs are also woven in intricate Persian patterns. Sometimes Chinese rugs are made with soft pastel colors, but frequently feature red, black and navy tones.