Vintage Persian Karajeh Runner — 1950s | 3'6" x 9'5"

Vintage Persian Karajeh Runner — 1950s | 3'6" x 9'5"

Sale price  $1,300.00 Regular price  $2,000.00
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Vintage Persian Karajeh Runner — 1950s | 3'6" x 9'5"

The Mehdi

★★★★★ 4.9 STAR SELLER RATING
An heirloom rug from the Karajeh collection

Vintage Persian Karajeh Runner — 1950s | 3'6" x 9'5"

Sale price  $1,300.00 Regular price  $2,000.00
Authentic
Authentic Vintage
Hand-knotted
Persian handmade
Professionally cleaned
professionally cleaned

The Vintage Persian Karajeh Runner is a mid-20th-century hand-knotted wool rug that brings bold geometry and confident color to elongated spaces. Woven in northwest Iran circa the 1950s, this runner features a rhythmic sequence of hooked medallions set against a saturated navy field—architectural, expressive, and unmistakably Karajeh in character.

  • Origin: Persia (Iran)
  • Age: Vintage, circa 1950s
  • Type: Runner rug
  • Construction: Hand-knotted
  • Pile: Wool pile
  • Use: Indoor
  • Size: 3'6" × 9'5"

Each rug is handcrafted and timeworn. Variations in size, color, and weave are natural characteristics of vintage handmade rugs and reflect their authenticity rather than imperfections.


Description

This vintage Persian Karajeh runner features a strong sequence of hooked medallions arranged in a linear, symmetrical composition. The angular drawing and stepped forms are hallmarks of Karajeh village weaving, offering clarity, rhythm, and a distinctly architectural presence.

A rich navy blue field anchors the design, while accents of burgundy, deep red, light blue, and pink-red provide contrast and visual warmth. Serrated leaf-and-flower borders frame the composition, adding texture and movement without softening the rug’s bold geometry.

With its elongated proportions and confident palette, this runner is ideally suited for hallways, entry corridors, kitchens, or narrow living spaces where color and structure are meant to energize the room.


History

Karajeh rugs originate from a small village in northwest Iran, near the major weaving centers of Heriz and Tabriz. While geographically close, Karajeh designs are distinct—favoring bold geometry, stacked medallions, and angular forms over the curvilinear florals found in neighboring regions.

By the mid-20th century, Karajeh runners were widely appreciated for their durability and strong visual identity. Woven with robust wool and practical proportions, they were made to withstand daily use while maintaining expressive tribal character.

The hooked medallions and serrated borders seen here are classic Karajeh elements, reflecting a weaving tradition rooted in village life, symmetry, and functional beauty.


About the Name

Mehdi is a Persian name associated with guidance, clarity, and being rightly directed. Its meaning carries a sense of inner alignment—of knowing the path and moving forward with quiet assurance rather than force.

That idea of guided movement is echoed in the rug’s design. A steady sequence of hooked medallions advances along the length of the runner, each form repeating with intention and balance. The composition feels purposeful and assured, architectural in its geometry yet softened by the hand of the weaver and the warmth of wool.

The deep navy field grounds the piece, offering depth and stability, while accents of red, burgundy, and pale blue introduce rhythm and contrast without breaking the flow. Serrated floral borders trace the edges like markers along a path, framing the journey rather than distracting from it.

Mehdi is a runner that leads the eye—and the room—with confidence. Placed in a hallway or transitional space, it brings a sense of direction and continuity, anchoring movement with color, structure, and the enduring character of Karajeh village weaving.


Materials & Composition
  • Primary material: Wool
  • Construction: Hand-knotted
  • Foundation: Traditional woven foundation
  • Pile height: Approximately 1/3"
  • Finish: Professionally cleaned and inspected

Condition Details

This vintage Persian Karajeh runner is in very good condition for its age. The wool pile is well preserved, with strong color saturation and clear definition across the medallion motifs.

The rug is free of stains, odors, discoloration, tears, or structural issues. Wear is consistent with light, careful use and does not detract from the design or integrity of the piece.

It has been recently professionally cleaned and is ready for immediate in-home placement.


Care Instructions

Rugs are professionally cleaned prior to shipment. Minor loose fibers may be present upon arrival and will settle with gentle vacuuming.

We recommend pairing this runner with a quality rug pad for added stability and longevity.

Vacuum gently without a beater bar. Spot clean as needed. For deep cleaning, consult a professional rug cleaner experienced with vintage and hand-knotted rugs. Avoid excessive moisture and prolonged direct sunlight.


FAQ

Is this rug one of a kind?
Yes. Each vintage Karajeh runner is unique in drawing, coloration, and proportion. The rug shown is the exact piece you will receive.

What distinguishes Karajeh rugs from other Persian rugs?
Karajeh rugs are known for their narrower proportions, stacked medallions, and angular geometry, offering a more architectural look than many Persian designs.

Is the rug ready for use?
Yes. This runner has been professionally cleaned and is ready for immediate placement.

Where does a rug this size work best?
This runner is ideal for hallways, entry corridors, kitchens, or narrow interior spaces.

Shipping & Delivery

The Leonidas Collection is proud to offer carbon neutral shipping on most heirloom rug purchases.

  • Shipping is calculated at checkout and includes handling and insurance.
  • Select rugs ship free within the continental U.S.
  • Oversized items ship via freight carrier (curbside delivery).
  • Shipping fees are non-refundable.
  • Damage or delivery issues must be reported within 48 hours.
Return Policy
  • Heirloom rugs (including vintage & antique) are returnable within 3 days of delivery, unless otherwise noted.
  • Heirloom rugs purchased on sale or with a discount are final sale.
  • Contemporary rugs are returnable within 14 days of delivery, unless otherwise noted.
  • Return authorization is required.

Please review the full details of our Return & Refund Policy for more information.

We encourage customers to contact us at hello@leonidascollection.com with any questions prior to purchase to ensure confidence in your selection.

Reviews
★★★★★ 4.9 STAR SELLER RATING

"Worth every penny! This is the kind of purchase you never regret." - Selena W.

Read more reviews →

ORIGIN STORY

The Karajeh Collection

Mehdi is a vintage Karajeh rug celebrated for bold geometry, rhythmic repetition, and enduring tribal craftsmanship. Woven in villages surrounding Karajeh in northwestern Persia, these rugs are closely related to Heriz weaving traditions while retaining a more graphic, village-forward sensibility.

Karajeh rugs are distinguished by stepped medallions, angular motifs, and repeating patterns laid across spacious fields. Their palettes favor brick red, navy, camel, and soft ivory, often animated by visible abrash. Confident and architectural, Karajeh rugs function as grounding anchors—bringing structure, warmth, and authenticity to both classic and contemporary spaces.

Over 100+ happy customers

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★★★★★

Worth every penny!

This is the kind of purchase you never regret.

— SELENA W. —

★★★★★

The only place you should be buying antiques from.

These folks are always willing to go the extra mile to help you find what you're looking for.

— JACK P. —

★★★★★

Collector-approved.

Beautifully curated. As a long-time collector, I can say their pricing is very fair.

— PIETRO G. —

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Frequently asked questions

Are your heirloom rugs one-of-a-kind?

Yes. Every heirloom rug we sell is one of a kind. The piece shown is the exact rug you will receive, and it cannot be replaced once sold. Learn more about what makes our rugs heirlooms →

Are your rugs hand-knotted?

Yes. All heirloom, antique, and vintage rugs in our collection are traditionally hand-knotted, not machine-made.

Are your heirloom rugs authentic?

Yes. All heirloom rugs in our collection are genuine vintage or antique pieces—not reproductions. Each is traditionally hand-knotted and sourced from a historically recognized weaving region, with age, origin, and construction verified before listing.

What's the difference between vintage & antique rugs?

Antique rugs are typically over 100 years old, while vintage rugs generally date from the 20th century. Both are traditionally hand-knotted and regionally authentic; the difference lies primarily in age, not quality or craftsmanship.

Are antique and vintage rugs suitable for modern homes?

Most vintage rugs are well-suited for daily living. Antique rugs can also be used with care, depending on age and condition. We note any important considerations on each listing. Learn more about why buying vintage & antique matters →