Vintage Persian Heriz Area Rug — 1950s | 7'11" × 9'6"

This vintage Persian Heriz area rug features a covered field of geometric floral blossoms, punctuated by ram’s-horn scrolled buds and stylized arabesque vines. A partial Herati and Turtle Samovar border frames the composition, lending structure and symbolic depth to the design.

Natural abrash appears throughout the rug, revealing gentle tonal variation from hand-dyed wool and adding visual dimension. The palette blends ivory and oxidized silver with terracotta, madder-root rust, dusty blush, platinum, and soft powder blue undertones—rich yet restrained.

Heriz rugs are prized for their durability and bold geometry, traditionally woven to withstand daily life while maintaining strong visual presence. This piece balances structure with softness, making it equally suited for modern, European, transitional, and collected interiors.

Woven in Persia (modern-day Iran), Heriz rugs originate in the mountainous Heriz region of northwestern Iran, where village weaving traditions produced some of the most structurally durable carpets in the Persian world. These rugs were made for real homes—crafted to withstand daily life while holding an architectural, grounded presence.

By the mid-20th century, including the 1950s, Heriz weaving carried forward generations of technique: hand-knotting on sturdy foundations, hand-spun wool, and dyeing practices that created the natural tonal shifts known as abrash. Those subtle variations are a hallmark of authentic handmade rugs and a visual record of the human process behind them.

The design language of Heriz rugs is both decorative and symbolic. Geometric florals and scrolling “ram’s-horn” forms are often associated with strength and protection, while traditional border vocabularies—such as Herati-inspired patterning and samovar-related motifs—echo themes of continuity, hospitality, and cultural ritual. The result is a rug that functions not only as décor, but as a living artifact of Persian heritage.

Today, vintage Persian Heriz rugs are collected worldwide for their craftsmanship, durability, and ability to anchor interiors—from modern and transitional homes to European and layered, collected spaces. Each vintage piece holds its own history in the weave, color, and wear—one-of-a-kind by nature and impossible to reproduce authentically.

Shahnaz is a Persian name often interpreted as “royal pride” or “the king’s grace”—a name associated with dignity, poise, and a quietly commanding presence. It felt fitting for a Heriz rug whose composition reads like architecture: structured, balanced, and confident from every angle.

The name also reflects the rug’s design details. The covered field of geometric florals and the ram’s-horn scrolled buds carry a sense of strength and protection, while the flowing arabesque vines bring softness and refinement—much like the duality in the name itself: regal, yet graceful.

Shahnaz is a piece that doesn’t shout to be noticed; it holds the room through proportion, motif, and craftsmanship. In a living room, dining space, or bedroom, it becomes the grounding element that elevates everything around it—an heirloom-style foundation with timeless Persian character.

• Primary material: Hand-spun wool
• Construction: Hand-knotted
• Dye method: Hand-dyed yarns with natural abrash
• Edges: Original and professionally restored selvages
• Finish: Secured sides and ends

This vintage Persian Heriz rug is in strong, well-preserved condition consistent with its mid-20th-century age and traditional use. The wool pile shows mostly even wear down to the knot heads, a common and desirable characteristic in authentic vintage rugs that contributes to its softened texture and lived-in patina.

There are a few small, isolated areas where the foundation is faintly visible, typical of handmade rugs of this type and age, and not structurally compromising. Abrash is present throughout, reflecting natural dye variations rather than wear.

Most of the original side cord selvages remain intact, with professional restoration where needed. The sides and ends are fully secured, ensuring long-term durability and stability for everyday use.

One end of the rug measures approximately 7'8" while the opposing end measures approximately 7'11". This slight variation falls well within normal margins for hand-knotted Persian rugs and is a hallmark of the handmade weaving process.

This rug has been recently professionally cleaned and is ready for immediate in-home placement. With proper care, it offers many more decades of enjoyment as a functional and collectible Persian Heriz carpet woven in Persia circa the 1950s.

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

We recommend placing this rug in low- to medium-traffic areas and using a quality rug pad for added support and longevity. Rotate periodically to encourage even wear.

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.

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

Why are the dimensions slightly uneven?
Slight variation in measurements is normal for hand-knotted rugs and reflects the handmade nature of the craft.

Is this a genuine vintage Persian rug?
Yes. This rug was hand-knotted in Persia and dates to the mid-20th century. We source and offer only authentic vintage rugs, not reproductions.

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

Can vintage rugs be used in everyday spaces?
Absolutely. Rugs like this were woven for daily life and can continue to be enjoyed for decades with proper care.