Semi-Antique Hand-Knotted Isfahan Persian Rug, 1960s–1970s, 10'10" x 16'8"
This is an authentic hand-knotted Persian rug from Isfahan, Iran, likely produced in the mid-1960s to early 1970s (pre-Revolution era, considered the "golden age" for quality and dyes). It was purchased by my family about 25 years ago, and the original importer's tag (item #S-4794) states "Age: 30–35 years" at the time of tagging, confirming its current age of approximately 55–60 years. The rug features a classic Isfahan floral-medallion design with intricate symmetrical knotting, in a neutral palette of greens, blues, and soft earth tones. Materials: 100% wool pile on a cotton foundation, with an approximate knot density of 120 knots per square inch, showcasing fine detail in the motifs and borders. The fringes are original and intact. Condition: Very good overall, with even low pile from moderate use over its age and a desirable semi-antique patina (no fading, moth damage, or color run). The pile is compressed and matted in high-traffic areas due to accumulated soil and dust, which is expected to restore significantly in softness and loft after professional cleaning. There are a couple of small threadbare spots (each ~2–3 inches, subtle and only visible upon close inspection, likely from furniture). Additionally, one minor 1x2 ft area of old water exposure on the back only (no bleed-through to the pile, no structural issues, and the foundation remains flexible). No stains or major repairs needed. It has been gently maintained and vacuumed but not professionally cleaned recently. This piece is documented with the original sewn-in label from an Iranian exporter, verifying origin, size, materials, and age at tagging.
508 cm x 329 cm (or 16'8" x 10'10")
Inherited
Yes
Hello, this item is a large hand knotted Persian rug from Isfahan, produced around the 1960s to 1970s. The close up photos confirm a fully hand knotted structure with asymmetric Persian knots, slight irregularities between rows, natural depressions along the weft, and uneven warp spacing, all of which rule out machine assisted production. The rug shows a classic Isfahan floral and medallion layout in a palette of greens, blues, creams, and soft earth tones, typical of mid twentieth century urban workshop work. The foundation is cotton, and the density appears fine for the period, consistent with Isfahan production outside the master workshops that reached extremely high knot counts. The back view shows correct tension and individual knot definition. The condition presents even low pile from age with some compressed areas from foot traffic. The fringes remain intact and stable.
The commercial value reflects its category, size, and condition. Semi antique Isfahan rugs from this period vary in the market based on color strength, pile level, knot refinement, and recent cleaning history. Examples of similar scale, dating, and workmanship usually sell at auction between USD 5,000 and USD 10,000.
Thank you for your message and for sharing your concerns about the knotting method. I reviewed your new close-up photos carefully. These images help clarify several construction details that were not fully visible before, so I appreciate you providing them.
The new photos confirm that the rug is hand knotted. I can see individual knots, slight irregularities in spacing, small natural deviations between rows, and the subtle depressions that form when the weaver beats down each row by hand. The structure does not match a machine assisted loom. Your observations about asymmetric knotting and wavy rows are consistent with a hand woven piece from an urban Persian workshop.
The new visual evidence also aligns with mid twentieth century Isfahan production, which worked with fine but not ultra high knot counts, cotton foundations, and pale pastel palettes. The updated view of the back shows hand tension rather than mechanical uniformity. I am revising the appraisal to reflect this.
Thank you for the appraisal, but I believe there may be a misinterpretation on the knotting method. The report describes it as a "high quality machine assisted loom rug," but the visible details clearly indicate 100% hand-knotting: asymmetric Persian knots, irregular/wavy rows, distinct depressions/valleys between rows, and uneven warp spacing, all of which are hallmarks of traditional 1960s–70s Isfahan workshop production.
Could you please re-evaluate based on these details and issue a revised report? Happy to provide any clarification needed.
Best regards,
Gunnar