Genuine oriental rugs: a piece of valuable craftsmanship

BY LAURA, RUG EXPERT AT NAIN TRADING | PUBLISHED: 2026-07-03 | 6 MIN READ

Today, rugs are mostly machine-made and therefore differ significantly from handcrafted pieces. Handmade Persian rugs achieve an extremely high knot density, which considerably extends their lifespan and clearly reduces their susceptibility to dirt compared with their machine-made counterparts. The centuries-old craft of rug knotting is one of calm and composure, a precise eye and a love of detail. Naturally, this comes at a price, as some rugs from the Orient can take over a year to knot. In addition, rising labour and material costs lead to higher selling prices. But that is precisely why a genuine Oriental rug is a good investment. Find out more here.

Hand-knotted Persian rug is traditionally knotted by hand

The History of the Oriental Rug

Many hundreds of years ago, nomadic rugs began to be made for everyday use. In their tents, nomads used them as blankets, wall hangings or seating. The craft of rug knotting originated in pre-Christian times in the Orient.

In the period that followed, rugs were hand-knotted in almost all countries of the ancient world, serving both as status symbols and for everyday use. It was not until the Middle Ages that these valuable rugs found their way to Europe, where they were then found in the homes of wealthy merchants and the palaces of rulers.

Even today, Persian and other oriental rugs are still regarded as valuable items that are worth their price. For example, an old Persian rug from Kashan, a rug provenance in Iran, was auctioned at Christie’s for an incredible seven million euros.

How is an Oriental rug made?

Oriental rugs are hand-knotted on looms and differ significantly in quality and durability from machine-made rugs.

Broadly speaking, there are two types of Oriental rugs: those knotted on vertical frames and those woven on horizontal looms. The former are knotted with the utmost precision and craftsmanship. In the process, warp threads are inserted lengthwise and weft threads crosswise.

The weavers then tie their knots around the warp and weft, depending on the technique used, to create the desired pattern. If you would like to learn more about this technique, you will find a wide selection of hand-knotted rugs in our range.

In contrast, Kilims are flat-woven on horizontal looms. These rugs made by nomads are generally coarser and much flatter in construction, and look the same on both the front and back, so both sides can be used.

Where do Oriental rugs come from?

Oriental rugs come from across the entire Orient as well as China. The finest examples are made in provinces of Iran. It is there, in the Persian Empire, that the best-known and arguably highest-quality Persian rugs originate. World-famous examples include Isfahan , Kashan or Nain . However, expensive rugs also come from other regions.

Hand-knotted Oriental rugs are known and valued worldwide for their durability. Hand-knotted rugs are significantly more valuable than their machine-made counterparts. For the untrained eye, it can sometimes be difficult to tell whether a rug has been knotted by hand.

At Nain Trading you will only find original hand-knotted rugs, so you do not need to worry about buying a “fake”. As a traditional family business, there is direct contact with the rug weavers and therefore precise knowledge of the origin of every single rug.

Orientally dressed men look at an old map

Which countries are associated with Oriental rugs?

Country of origin	Well-known oriental rugs
Iran	Nain, Tabriz, Isfahan, Qom, Kashan, Bidjar
Afghanistan	Afghan, Khal Mohammadi, Mauri
Turkey	Hereke, Anatolian rugs
India	Indo Gabbeh, Indo Bidjar, Ziegler
Pakistan	Bokhara, Ziegler, Chobi
Nepal	Nepal rugs, Tibetan designs

Detail of a handwoven rug on the loom with visible warp threads and traditional patterns

The materials of genuine Oriental rugs

In earlier times, carpet weavers used local wool from their own flocks of sheep. Nowadays, imported wool is also used. Naturally, there are major differences in quality.

Particularly fine rugs are made from cork wool, which is very soft and comes exclusively from the neck area of sheep. In addition to sheep’s wool, cotton is also used for simpler rugs. Very high-quality rugs, on the other hand, are often made from silk.

Rare silk rugs from the Iranian region of Qom are especially renowned, achieving high prices and leaving true enthusiasts in awe.

Material	Advantages
Virgin wool	Durable, soft, temperature-regulating and dirt-repellent.
Cotton	Provides a stable foundation and helps the rug retain its shape.
Natural silk	Gives the rug an elegant sheen and allows for particularly fine patterns.
Vegetable dyes	Create natural shades and allow the colours to age harmoniously.

Hand-drawn patterns

Many of the traditional patterns found in oriental rugs were created long before digital design software existed. Over the centuries, they were drawn by hand and passed down to the next generation using templates or from memory. In this way, distinctive ornaments, medallions and floral motifs were preserved over many generations. To this day, these patterns reflect the cultural diversity and long history of oriental rug craftsmanship.

Traditional carpet weaver at the loom making a Persian rug

The patterns and colours

There is a wide variety of motifs and patterns on Oriental rugs. Traditional patterns include ornaments or floral and geometric designs, woven in an all-over design and framed by a border. Classic central medallions are also frequently found.

There is an almost endless abundance of patterns and colours adorning Oriental rugs. The weavers have only one limit: their imagination. Some of the best-known patterns are the Herati pattern – a diamond enclosing a rosette – or the Boteh pattern, which resembles a curved almond.

The entire colour spectrum can be found in Oriental rugs. Traditionally, red, blue and beige tones are common. Genuine rugs from the Orient are dyed using natural materials in elaborate processes. Synthetic dyes are found in more affordable versions and have less colour depth.

As a result, handmade and original Persian rugs not only have an unbeatable lifespan, but also impressive and vibrant colour depth.

Close-up of a hand-knotted Tabriz rug with floral patterns

Close-up of a hand-knotted Nain rug with a floral pattern

The Meaning of Colours in Oriental Rugs

The colours of an oriental rug were traditionally chosen not only for aesthetic reasons. In many regions of the Orient, they carried symbolic meaning and reflected wishes, values, or a connection to nature. To this day, these colour combinations give every rug its unique character and tell their own story.

Colour	Meaning
Red	Represents joy, strength, good fortune and prosperity.
Blue	Symbolises calm, wisdom and the sky.
Green	Stands for nature, hope and renewal.
Gold and Yellow	Embody light, warmth and wealth.
Brown	Stands for a connection to the earth, stability and naturalness.
Beige and Cream	Convey harmony, elegance and timeless calm.

How do I recognise a genuine Oriental rug?

Look for trusted retailers and certificates. Also inspect the rug very carefully. Are there any imperfections? If so, this indicates a genuine Oriental rug. Industrially manufactured rugs are usually flawless.

In addition, with inexpensive machine-made rugs, the fringes are sewn onto the ends of the rug. Another sign of authenticity is differences in the width of a rug. Genuine Persian or Oriental hand-knotted rugs show visible variations along their width. This is simply due to the handmade process, which extends over several months.

In addition, a look at the back of a rug reveals a great deal about its quality. With hand-knotted rugs, for example, you can count the number of knots per square metre. This measurement can be used to determine the fineness, as well as the workmanship and therefore the value of an Oriental rug.

The meaning of every single knot

Each individual knot contributes to the quality, durability and beauty of an oriental rug. Depending on the size, pattern and fineness, thousands to several million knots are tied by hand. Each knot is carefully placed and, together with the others, creates a richly detailed overall design. This precision and patience make hand-knotted oriental rugs exceptional works of art and give them their remarkable longevity.