Product Description
About This Zanjan Rug
This remarkable semi antique Zanjan Persian rug at 10'4" x 3'11" showcases the masterful artistry of northwestern Persian weaving through its intricate medallion design and sophisticated nine-color palette. The dominant navy blue field creates a striking foundation for the central toranj medallion, while crimson and madder red accents dance alongside rust red, gold, ivory, teal, orange, and black in perfect harmony. This exceptional piece represents 40-60 years of gentle aging, allowing the natural wool fibers to develop that coveted patina that makes semi antique rugs so treasured by collectors and interior designers alike.
The historic city of Zanjan, strategically positioned along ancient trade routes in northwestern Persia, has been renowned for centuries for producing rugs of exceptional quality and distinctive character. Master weavers from this region developed their own interpretations of classical Persian motifs, creating pieces that blend the geometric precision of tribal traditions with the sophisticated elegance of court designs. The symmetrical Ghiordes knots used in this rug ensure remarkable durability while creating the dense, lustrous pile that Zanjan weavers are celebrated for throughout the rug world.
The central medallion, known as toranj in Persian, serves as the focal point of this magnificent composition, surrounded by the traditional herati pattern, also called mahi for its fish-like motifs that symbolize abundance and good fortune. The geometric borders frame the design with mathematical precision, creating a sense of order and balance that reflects the Persian philosophy of harmony between earth and heaven. Each motif carries centuries of cultural significance, transforming this functional art piece into a storytelling medium that speaks of Persian heritage and artistic excellence.
The rich interplay of navy blue with vibrant crimsons and warm earth tones creates a color symphony that can anchor any room's design scheme while adding depth and sophistication to your living space. The gold and ivory highlights provide luminous accents that catch and reflect light, while the subtle teal and orange notes add unexpected warmth and complexity to the overall composition. This one-of-a-kind hand-knotted masterpiece elevates any interior with its authentic Persian character and timeless aesthetic appeal, making it a perfect choice for discerning homeowners who appreciate genuine artisan craftsmanship.
At Los Angeles Home of Rugs, we understand that a Persian rug of this caliber deserves to be displayed where its beauty can be fully appreciated, and this runner's proportions make it ideal for hallways, entryways, or as an accent piece in larger rooms where its elongated form can create visual flow and movement throughout your home.
Placement Suggestions
Full Specifications
| Original Name | Zanjan Rug |
| Alternative Name | Zanjan Carpet |
| Origin | Zanjan, Persia |
| Category | Village |
| Common Designs | Medallion (Toranj), Herati (Mahi), Geometric |
| Dyeing Method | Natural, Synthetic |
| Pile Material | Wool |
| Foundation Material | Cotton |
| Knot Type | Symmetrical (Ghiordes) |
| Trust Signals | 100% Authentic Hand-Knotted — Certificate of Authenticity included with every purchase |
| Availability | Only One Available — This exact rug is unique. Once sold it cannot be reordered or replicated |
Features
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this Zanjan rug genuinely hand-knotted?
Yes. This rug is 100% hand-knotted. Every single knot was tied individually by hand by a skilled weaver in Zanjan, Persia. It is not machine-made, hand-tufted, or hand-hooked. The knot structure is clearly visible on the reverse side of the rug, confirming its authentic hand-knotted construction.
What does the age classification mean for this Zanjan rug?
This Zanjan rug is classified as antique, meaning it is 100 years old or more. By international convention and U.S. Customs standards, a rug must be at least 100 years old to qualify as antique. Antique Persian rugs are the most prized category among collectors, valued for their historical significance, natural dye patina, aged wool softness, rarity, and the way their colors have mellowed and deepened beautifully over a century or more of careful use.
Where does the Zanjan rug originate?
This Zanjan rug originates from Zanjan, Persia. The Zanjan region has a long and distinguished history of rug weaving, with local artisans developing their own distinctive design vocabulary, color traditions, and technical approaches that set their rugs apart from other Persian weaving centers. The village rug category from this region is particularly known for its medallion (toranj), herati (mahi), geometric design traditions.
What knot type was used to weave this Zanjan rug?
This Zanjan rug was woven using the symmetrical Turkish knot, also known as the Ghiordes knot. In this technique, the pile yarn is looped symmetrically around two adjacent warp threads, producing a more robust and raised pile than the asymmetrical Persian knot. This knotting technique is characteristic of some Kurdish, Caucasian, and tribal Persian weaving traditions.
Is this rug one of a kind?
Yes. This is a one-of-a-kind piece. As an authentic hand-knotted Persian rug, no two examples are identical. Only one of this exact rug is available in our collection. Once sold, this specific piece cannot be reordered or replicated. Every hand-knotted Persian rug is a unique artifact of its weaver's skill, materials, and creative expression.
Does this rug come with a Certificate of Authenticity?
Yes. Every rug purchased from Los Angeles Home of Rugs includes a Certificate of Authenticity documenting the rug's origin, age, materials, construction method, and appraised value. This certificate is accepted by major U.S. insurance providers and supports resale, estate, and auction documentation.
How do I care for this wool rug?
Vacuum gently without a beater bar once a week in the direction of the pile. Rotate the rug every 6 to 12 months to ensure even wear. For spills, blot immediately with a clean white cloth without rubbing. For deep cleaning, use a professional Persian rug cleaning specialist who uses hand-washing methods appropriate for natural wool fibers and aged dyes. Avoid steam cleaning or harsh chemical treatments.
What is the shipping policy for this rug?
Los Angeles Home of Rugs offers free standard shipping on all orders to the contiguous 48 U.S. states and Washington D.C. For orders to Alaska, Hawaii, P.O. boxes, or international destinations, real-time shipping quotes are provided at checkout via UPS, FedEx, and USPS. All rugs are carefully rolled and packaged to ensure safe delivery.
What is your return policy?
We offer a 30-day hassle-free return policy on all rugs. If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, contact us within 30 days of delivery to arrange a return. Refunds are processed within 3 to 5 business days after we receive the returned rug in its original condition. Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the buyer unless the rug was received damaged or incorrectly described.
At Los Angeles Home of Rugs, we only stock hand-knotted rugs. We do not carry machine-made, hand-tufted, hand-hooked, or hand-woven rugs. Every rug in our collection is certified authentic and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. Read More
