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Antique Kerman Oriental Rugs and Carpets

Common Sizes: 4' x 7'6" thru 12' x 18'.

Approximate KPSI: Generally 180 thru 225 kpsi (latter are generally finer examples.)

Materials: Wool pile with cotton foundation.

Common Motif: Somewhat more ornate design with overall floral and curvilinear. Commonly feature a center medallion. This vintage Kerman is among the more 'regular' to feature pictorial motifs of Shahs, European figure heads, etc.

Distinguishing Characteristics: Thin carpets, ornate designs, cochineal red dye (purplish tinted red).

Typical Price Points**: $20 - $400 per square foot.

Signatures/Dates: Not entirely uncommon

Alternative Spellings: Kerman, Kirman

An antique* Kerman (sometimes spelled Kirman) is a Persian Rug which exceeds 100 years of age. While there are several types of antique Kermans, Kermans are perhaps one of the more easily identifiable carpets (especially when in person), as the antique vintage tended to be highly defined in several areas. First, these were very thin carpets, with a very low pile height. Second distinguishing element about Kerman carpets is the types of colors used which were almost always "vegetable" dyes or natural sources (as seen below). How this translated into the carpets themselves was it brought a very distinct color palate that is consistently seen in antique Kermans more so than other types of rugs.

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Kermān, Iran is located next to the mountains in south central Iran

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The final and other most distinguishing elements to Kerman rugs is the designs used. Some Lavar Kermans may feature tree, deer, plants, birds and other wildlife, although not all do. It's not uncommon for the center of attention to be a pictorial image woven into the medallion of the rug of a Shah or other important icon. Milfleur Kermans also implement some of the natural world of animals trees and birds, however have more flowers woven into the border designs and field as well. One of the more common types of antique Kermans are simplified versions of Kermanshah designs, which usually have a very simple colors in the earth tone family. These types of rugs often are of good quality (around 225 KPSI) have large medallions in the center of the field and high detail. antique kerman rugs are almost always wool pile on a cotton foundation. Colors are carefully contrasted with darker blues, and sometimes a burnt rose color.

*An antique Oriental rug or carpet is defined by the ORRA (Oriental Rug Retailers of America) as a piece which meets or exceeds 100+ years of age. This 100 year old rule reflects a more conservative evaluation, which is a nod to an old internationally accepted customs law. To this day, most museums, reputable sellers and collectors alike will only consider an Oriental Rug as being "antique" if it is, in fact, 100 years or older.

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