Classic Oriental rugs

Classic Oriental rugs at a glance

• Origin: Persia (Iran), Caucasus, Turkey, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, China
• Technique: hand-knotted, with a pile of wool or silk. You will find flat-woven Kelims in a collection of their own Kelim rugs.
• Material: new wool on cotton or wool; fine pieces with silk or entirely of silk
• Age: new, old (40–99 years) and antique (100 years and over)
• Sizes: small rugs from approx. 60 × 90 cm, runners, standard sizes such as 200 × 300 cm, oversized formats and custom dimensions
• At Zomorrodi: every piece one of a kind, prices shown per rug, 14 days to try at home, free shipping within the EU

What is the difference between an Oriental rug and a Persian rug?

Oriental rug is the umbrella term. A Persian rug is an Oriental rug knotted in Iran – from Isfahan, Nain, Tabriz, Qom or Keshan, for example. Caucasian Kazak and Shirvan rugs, Turkish Hereke, Afghan hand-knotted rugs or Chinese silk rugs are Oriental rugs too, but not Persians. This collection brings together every region of origin; Persian rugs also have a collection of their own.

Patterns and symbols: how to recognise where a rug comes from

Every region has its own visual language. Persian town rugs usually show a central medallion, arabesques and floral vines. Caucasian and Turkmen rugs work with clear geometric shapes, stars and hook motifs. Nomadic rugs such as Gabbeh or Kordi are plainer and more coarsely knotted. Typical symbols include the tree of life, the boteh (paisley) as a sign of fertility and eternity, the vase, and the Herati and Mina Khani scattered-flower patterns.

On our site you will find detailed information on the various patterns and symbols used in Oriental rugs, along with their meaning and origin. That way you can delve deeper into the world of these works of art and learn more about their cultural history.

What to look for when buying an Oriental rug

• Handwork: on a genuine Oriental rug the pattern is just as clear on the back as on the front; the fringes are the ends of the warp threads, not sewn on.
• Material: new wool is hard-wearing and dirt-repellent; silk is finer, more lustrous and more delicate.
• Knot density: more knots per m² mean finer patterns and a longer time at the loom – but not automatically the better rug for your room.
• Condition of older pieces: cleaned, restored or unrestored – we describe this for every rug.
• Size: measure the room first. Our guide to rug sizes covers living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms and hallways.

Oriental rugs at Zomorrodi in Düsseldorf

We have been dealing in hand-knotted Oriental rugs in Düsseldorf since 1979. Every rug in this collection is a one-of-a-kind piece, shown with photos, dimensions, material and origin. If you would like to see a rug before you buy, visit our gallery on Heinrich-Heine-Allee or, anywhere in the Düsseldorf area, have rugs brought to your home with no obligation. Rugs ordered online can stay on your floor on approval for 14 days.

Read more

• Persian rugs
• silk rugs
• Old & antique rugs
• Kelim rugs
• Ziegler, Farahan, Kazak & Mamlouk
• What determines the value of a rug?
• Finding the right rug size
• Personal consultation & delivery
• Delivery, home trial & returns