Product Description
About This Ardabil Rug
This exceptional semi antique Ardabil Persian rug showcases the refined artistry of northwestern Persian weaving traditions in an intimate 5'1" x 3'7" format. The commanding medallion centerpiece radiates against a field of madder red, creating a focal point that draws the eye while geometric borders in navy blue and cream provide sophisticated contrast. Dating from 40-60 years ago, this hand-knotted masterpiece displays the time-honored Herati motif alongside intricate geometric patterns that speak to Ardabil's centuries-old weaving heritage.
The historic city of Ardabil, nestled in the Alborz Mountains near the Caspian Sea, has been renowned for producing Persian rugs of exceptional quality since the Safavid dynasty. This region's weavers developed distinctive techniques using both symmetrical and asymmetrical knotting methods, creating rugs that balanced artistic expression with durability. The Ardabil carpet tradition reached its pinnacle in the 16th century when master weavers created some of the world's most celebrated Persian rugs, establishing design principles that continue to influence contemporary artisans.
The medallion design, known as Toranj in Persian, represents the cosmic order and divine perfection in Islamic art. The central medallion's burgundy and rust red accents create depth against the madder red field, while navy blue geometric borders provide grounding stability. Camel and ivory highlights throughout the design add luminosity, creating a sophisticated color palette that speaks to both traditional Persian aesthetics and contemporary interior sensibilities. The Herati pattern's fish motifs symbolize abundance and protection, making this rug both decoratively stunning and spiritually meaningful.
This compact 5'1" x 3'7" foot size makes it perfect for defining intimate spaces such as reading nooks, bedroom foot-of-bed placement, or as an accent piece in hallways and entryways. The rich madder red base creates warmth while navy blue and cream elements provide versatility in styling with both traditional and modern furnishings. Dark red and indigo secondary colors add depth and richness, while ivory accents ensure the piece won't overwhelm smaller spaces but rather enhance them with authentic Persian character.
Los Angeles Home of Rugs proudly presents this one-of-a-kind hand-knotted Ardabil rug that elevates any interior with its masterful blend of geometric precision and medallion grandeur. The natural wool and cotton construction ensures generations of beauty, while the semi antique age adds character and authenticity that new rugs simply cannot replicate. Each knot tells the story of skilled Persian artisans who dedicated months to creating this singular work of textile art, making it a treasured addition to discerning collectors and interior design enthusiasts alike.
Placement Suggestions
Full Specifications
| Original Name | Ardabil Rug |
| Alternative Name | Ardabil Carpet, Ardebil Rug |
| Origin | Ardabil, Persia |
| Category | Village, City |
| Common Designs | Medallion (Toranj), Geometric, Herati (Mahi) |
| Dyeing Method | Natural, Synthetic |
| Pile Material | Wool, Silk |
| Foundation Material | Cotton |
| Knot Type | Symmetrical (Ghiordes), Asymmetrical (Persian) |
| 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 Ardabil rug genuinely hand-knotted?
Yes. This rug is 100% hand-knotted. Every single knot was tied individually by hand by a skilled weaver in Ardabil, 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 Ardabil rug?
This Ardabil 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 Ardabil rug originate?
This Ardabil rug originates from Ardabil, Persia. The Ardabil 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, city rug category from this region is particularly known for its medallion (toranj), geometric, herati (mahi) design traditions.
What knot type was used to weave this Ardabil rug?
This Ardabil rug was woven using both the asymmetrical Persian (Senneh) knot and the symmetrical Turkish (Ghiordes) knot. The asymmetrical Persian knot, which wraps around one warp thread, allows for finer curvilinear design detail. The symmetrical Turkish knot, which wraps around two warp threads, produces a more robust pile. The use of both techniques reflects the weaver's mastery and adaptability within the regional weaving tradition.
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, silk 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, silk 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
