Discover real antique rugs

Antique rugs

History and culture

Antique Rugs – Rare Treasures of Time and Tradition

Antique rugs are becoming increasingly rare. A rug is typically considered “antique” if it is 100 years old or more. But as with classic cars or fine wine, not all rugs age gracefully. For a rug to retain – or even increase – its value over the decades, it must be crafted from high-quality wool, dyed with enduring natural colors, and have been well cared for throughout its life. These factors are seldom found together, making well-preserved antique rugs especially valuable.

In some cases, antique rugs become even more valuable over time when they feature knotting techniques that are no longer in use. While this can make a rug a potential investment, such examples are rare.

Origins of Antique Rugs – Regional Richness

Antique rugs were traditionally hand-knotted in regions such as Turkey, Persia (Iran), India, the Caucasus, Afghanistan, and Turkmenistan. Nomadic rugs were often created for personal use, while finer Persian and Turkish rugs were exported to Europe, where they decorated manor houses and aristocratic estates. Depending on their origin, antique rugs vary greatly in shape, pattern, color palette, and knotting style – each one a unique cultural artifact.

Buchara rugs

Selection of genuine antique rugs

Provenances of antique rugs

Antique rugs of the Orient

Antique Persian Rugs – The Crown of Oriental Weaving

Antique rugs from Persia, the birthplace of floral oriental designs, are still considered among the most valuable and exclusive rugs in the world. Pieces from Sarough, Kashan, and Ziegler are especially popular in Europe and the United States. Their exceptional craftsmanship, long-lasting materials, and deep cultural heritage make them highly sought after. In rare cases, large and exceptionally preserved specimens can sell for six-figure sums at auctions and in the art trade.

Antique Turkish Rugs – Heritage from Renowned Weaving Cities

Turkey also boasts a long-standing tradition in rug making. Cities such as Istanbul, Hereke, Ushak, and Kayseri have produced high-quality rugs that today are considered true antique collectibles. Even Tabriz, located near the Turkish border and historically connected to the Silk Road, contributed significantly to this tradition. These antique Turkish rugs impress with their diversity in design, size, and materials.

Antique Rugs from Southern Russia – Geometric Nomadic Traditions

In the southern Russian regions populated by Turkic tribes, numerous antique nomadic rugs were produced. These rugs are made entirely from hand-spun wool, both in the pile and the warp, and dyed with natural plant-based colors. Their geometric patterns and cultural symbolism make them unique historical artifacts. Originally woven for personal use, these rugs now serve as important cultural records of Central Asian nomadic life.

Rug yarns

Yarns for repairing antique rugs

Antique rugs Wahdat

Wahdat Teppiche - Your expert for antique rugs

Wahdat – Over 40 Years of Experience in Antique Rugs from Hamburg

For more than 40 years, we’ve been active in the wholesale and retail trade of high-quality rugs from our base in Hamburg. Over time, we've built an extensive network of trusted dealers, weavers, and rug experts. In our local warehouse and through our online shop, you’ll find carefully curated pieces such as antique Sarough reimports, original Hereke silk rugs, and authentic antique nomadic rugs.

Custom Search – We Help You Find the Perfect Antique Rug

Looking for a specific antique rug but haven’t found what you’re after? Let us know what you're looking for! Thanks to our broad network, we can go beyond our current selection and suggest pieces tailored to your needs.
Whether you’re searching for a rare provenance, a certain size, or a specific color tone – we’re happy to offer you preliminary advice and help you discover the perfect rug.
Contact us – we look forward to hearing from you!

A. Tamim Wahdat

Your expert for antique rugs

Value of antique rugs

Antique rugs as an investment

Are Antique Rugs a Good Investment?

Antique rugs can be a worthwhile long-term investment – if you know what you’re doing. Before purchasing a rug as a financial asset, it is highly recommended to consult multiple experts to ensure that the piece’s quality, condition, rarity, and provenance meet your expectations.

You should also consider whether you plan to use the rug in your home or store it safely. Proper storage requires a dry, temperature-controlled environment, and precautions against moths should also be taken.

Keep in mind that reselling an antique rug may take time. The market is selective, and selling often involves patience and expertise. For this reason, antique rugs are not suitable for short-term speculation, but may become a valuable asset over a longer time frame – typically 10 years or more.