Old Handmade Persian Karajeh Rug – Red Wool Oriental Carpet, 360 × 250 cm

Introduction

This impressive old handmade Persian Karajeh rug is a substantial traditional carpet measuring approximately 360 × 250 cm, equivalent to around 11 ft 10 in × 8 ft 2 in. Hand knotted with a wool pile on a cotton foundation, it features a richly decorated red field filled with repeated geometric medallions, angular floral forms and an extensive arrangement of traditional Persian motifs.

Also known in the rug trade as Gharajeh, Karaja or Qarajeh, Karajeh rugs belong to the wider north-western Persian weaving tradition. They are particularly admired for their bold geometric drawing, strongly defined borders and distinctive medallion arrangements. This rug demonstrates those characteristics through its structured field, contrasting dark border and carefully balanced decorative layout.

The generous dimensions make this Persian carpet especially suitable for a large living room, dining room, drawing room, study, bedroom or executive office. Its warm red colouring can visually anchor a substantial furniture arrangement, while the darker border creates a clear frame around the composition.

From a distance, the rug presents a powerful combination of red, deep navy and ivory. At closer range, the intricate pattern reveals numerous smaller flowers, angular leaves, diamonds, crosses, rosettes and tribal-style details. These layered decorative elements give the carpet visual depth and ensure that the design remains interesting from different viewing distances.

The rug’s traditional aesthetic works naturally with antique furniture, timber flooring, leather seating and country-house interiors. It can also be used in a luxury modern or minimalist space, where its colour and pattern can provide contrast against plain walls and clean-lined furniture.

As an old handmade Persian rug, this piece offers more individuality than a mass-produced floor covering. Subtle variations in motif shape, line and colour placement are part of its artisan character. Its substantial size, traditional hand-knotted construction and expressive Persian design make it a distinctive decorative piece for buyers seeking authentic handmade Oriental rugs with heritage appeal.

Design and Pattern Analysis

The design of this Persian Karajeh rug is organised around a sequence of repeated geometric medallions rather than one oversized central medallion. Large ivory-bordered lozenges and angular octagonal forms are distributed throughout the red field, accompanied by cruciform motifs, stylised flowers and compact geometric symbols.

The larger medallions act as the primary visual anchors of the composition. Their stepped outlines create a strong contrast against the warm red ground, while the darker blue and red interiors give each form additional depth. Several medallions contain smaller cross-like devices, angular botanical details and central geometric elements.

This repeated medallion format is one of the defining decorative features associated with Persian Karajeh and Gharajeh rugs. Rather than relying on a single central motif, the rug develops its rhythm through a succession of related forms positioned along the length and width of the field.

Between the larger medallions, the ground is densely filled with smaller decorative motifs. These appear to include:

• Angular floral forms
• Stylised leaves and branches
• Small rosettes
• Hooked geometric shapes
• Cross-shaped ornaments
• Diamonds and lozenges
• Compact tribal-style symbols
• Stepped botanical motifs
• Small square and rectangular details

Many of these motifs may originate from floral or natural forms that have been simplified and translated into geometric shapes through generations of regional weaving. This angular interpretation distinguishes Karajeh-style rugs from formal Persian carpets that use more curving and naturalistic floral drawing.

The composition has strong overall symmetry, but it does not appear mechanically uniform. Individual motifs vary slightly in size, internal detail and colour placement. These variations contribute to the rug’s handmade appearance and give the surface a more organic quality.

A clear central axis is established through alternating geometric medallions and large dark blue motifs. Related designs are positioned toward the sides of the field, creating a sense of balance without making the pattern feel rigid or repetitive.

The rug’s main field is surrounded by a broad, dark principal border. This border appears to be predominantly deep navy or blue-black and is filled with repeating stylised floral and geometric details. Its dark colouring provides a strong visual frame and separates the warm central field from the surrounding floor.

Several narrower guard borders sit inside and outside the main border. These guard borders contain smaller repeated motifs, angular vine-like details and linear ornament. Together, the border system creates a layered transition from the central field to the outer edge.

The outer border introduces warmer salmon, rose, red and beige tones. This helps reconnect the darker principal border with the warm colouring of the central field. The repeated use of related colours across the rug gives the composition unity despite the high level of decorative detail.

The corners of the border appear carefully integrated, allowing the horizontal and vertical pattern bands to meet without disrupting the overall flow. Corner resolution is an important aspect of handmade rug design because it requires the weaver to adapt the border pattern within a fixed space.

The design has clear regional and tribal influences. Its geometric medallions, angular botanical forms and strongly contrasting border are consistent with the broader visual language of north-western Persian village weaving. The pattern also reflects the influence of neighbouring Azerbaijani and Caucasian textile traditions, where bold geometry and compact symbolic motifs are common.

Unlike finely curvilinear Persian Tabriz, Kashan or Isfahan designs, this rug has a more direct and graphic character. The straight lines, serrated edges and hooked forms give it a strong architectural quality.

The balance between large medallions and smaller filler motifs prevents the field from appearing either too empty or excessively chaotic. The larger shapes provide structure, while the smaller ornaments enrich the background and create visual movement.

From a distance, the rug reads as a bold red geometric Persian carpet. At close range, it reveals a detailed network of smaller symbols and colour changes. This combination of large-scale impact and fine surface detail is one of its strongest decorative qualities.

Colours and Decorative Appeal

The primary colour is a rich, warm red. Within the field, this red appears in several related shades, including brick red, rust, terracotta, coral and muted rose. These tonal variations create a layered appearance and prevent the background from looking flat.

The secondary colours are deep navy, blue-black, beige and ivory. Dark blue and near-black tones appear prominently in the principal border and several of the larger field motifs. These darker colours provide definition and create a strong contrast with the red ground.

Beige and ivory are used to outline the main medallions and highlight smaller decorative details. These lighter tones draw attention to the most important motifs and help separate them from the densely patterned background.

Additional accent colours appear to include:

• Dusty blue
• Muted turquoise
• Salmon pink
• Soft peach
• Brown
• Dark rust
• Pale cream
• Rose red

These accent tones are used selectively. They add complexity without overwhelming the main red, navy and beige palette.

The relationship between the warm field and dark border is especially effective. The red centre creates warmth and energy, while the navy border stabilises the composition and gives the carpet a defined outline.

The wool pile may reflect light differently depending on the direction of the fibres. As a result, the rug may appear lighter or darker when viewed from opposite ends. This is a normal characteristic of hand-knotted wool rugs rather than a defect.

In strong natural light, the ivory outlines, dusty blue details and salmon accents may become more visible. Under softer evening lighting, the red field and dark border are likely to appear deeper and more atmospheric.

The colour palette is highly versatile for interior design. It works particularly well with:

• Oak and walnut furniture
• Mahogany and dark timber
• Cognac or brown leather
• Aged brass and bronze
• Cream or beige upholstery
• Deep green fabrics
• Dark blue furnishings
• Warm neutral walls
• Stone fireplaces
• Traditional artwork

In a contemporary interior, the rug can provide contrast against pale stone, polished concrete, white walls or minimalist furniture. In a traditional setting, it can reinforce the character of antique furnishings and architectural detailing.

The warm colouring makes it suitable for rooms that require a strong decorative focal point. Its large size allows the colour to influence the atmosphere of the entire space rather than functioning as a small accessory.

Origin and Historical Background

This rug is identified as a Persian Gharajeh or Karajeh carpet. Alternative spellings commonly used in the international rug trade include Karaja, Qarajeh and Gharajeh.

Karajeh rugs are associated with north-western Persia, within the wider Azerbaijan and Karadagh weaving region. This part of Iran has a long history of village and regional carpet production, with designs often characterised by bold geometry, strong colour contrasts and angular decorative drawing.

The weaving traditions of north-western Persia developed through interaction between Persian, Azerbaijani, Caucasian and local village influences. As a result, rugs from the region may combine recognisably Persian design structures with geometric and tribal-style motifs.

Karajeh carpets are especially associated with repeated medallion compositions. These medallions are often arranged vertically or distributed throughout the field, creating a strong sense of rhythm. The present rug’s repeated ivory-outlined medallions and angular dark blue motifs are consistent with that decorative tradition.

Unlike formal city carpets produced in large workshops, many village rugs were woven within smaller community or family settings. Designs could be adapted from memory, local patterns or previously woven carpets. This allowed individual weavers to introduce subtle variations in motif shape, scale and colour placement.

These handmade variations are part of the visual appeal of traditional Persian rugs. They show that the carpet was not produced through a mechanically identical process. The result is a textile with its own individual character.

The angular drawing seen in Karajeh rugs differs from the fine curvilinear designs found in some Persian Kashan, Qom, Nain or Isfahan carpets. In Karajeh-style weaving, flowers, leaves and vines are often simplified into stepped, hooked or straight-edged forms.

The strong borders found on many north-western Persian carpets also reflect regional preferences. Broad dark borders provide contrast with the central field and give the carpet a clearly structured appearance.

Persian carpets historically served both practical and decorative purposes. They were used as floor coverings, furnishings and valuable household objects. Their designs could reflect local tradition, family knowledge and the aesthetic decisions of individual weavers.

Over time, Persian rugs became highly desirable in international interiors. They were used in country houses, formal drawing rooms, libraries, hotels and private collections. Their popularity came from the combination of durability, colour, craftsmanship and visual complexity.

The cultural significance of a handmade Persian carpet lies not only in its appearance but also in the labour and design knowledge involved in its creation. Every stage—from preparing the foundation to tying the knots and finishing the borders—requires skill and patience.

This rug should be described as an old handmade Persian Karajeh rug based on the supplied product information. However, the exact village, workshop, individual weaver, production date and original ownership history are not confirmed from the available information.

The precise age is also not confirmed. It should therefore be marketed as “old” rather than given a specific date or described as antique unless a professional assessment supports that classification.

Construction and Craftsmanship

This Persian rug is confirmed as having a hand-knotted wool pile on a cotton foundation.

Hand knotting is a traditional and labour-intensive method of rug construction. The weaver ties individual knots around the foundation threads, gradually building the pile and pattern row by row.

The confirmed construction details are:

• Construction: Hand knotted
• Pile material: Wool
• Foundation material: Cotton
• Shape: Rectangular
• Size: Approximately 360 × 250 cm
• Origin: Persian Gharajeh/Karajeh

The wool pile gives the rug warmth, texture and resilience. Wool has been widely used in Persian carpet weaving because it is naturally suitable for creating a durable pile and can display colour with depth.

The cotton foundation provides structural stability and supports the rectangular shape of the carpet. Cotton foundations are commonly found in many Persian rugs and allow for clear pattern definition and controlled alignment.

The large size of the rug would have required considerable labour. At approximately nine square metres, the carpet contains a substantial number of individually tied knots, although the exact knot count is not confirmed.

The design execution demonstrates careful planning. The weaver had to maintain the arrangement of the main medallions while also managing the many smaller motifs, colour changes and border patterns.

The broad principal border and multiple guard borders add further complexity. Each border band had to be woven in proportion to the main field while maintaining a consistent decorative rhythm.

The visible fringe at the ends is associated with the foundation structure of the rug. In hand-knotted carpets, the warp threads often continue beyond the woven area to form the fringe.

The sides appear to be finished with protective selvedges or side bindings. These help secure the outer edges and maintain the structure of the carpet.

Subtle changes in motif drawing, line thickness and spacing are consistent with handmade production. These should not automatically be interpreted as faults. They contribute to the individuality of the carpet.

The exact knot type is not confirmed from the available information. The rug may use a Persian or asymmetrical knot, but this should not be stated without inspecting the reverse.

The following technical details are also not confirmed:

• Exact knot density
• Wool grade
• Wool source
• Dye composition
• Natural or synthetic dye attribution
• Number of wefts between knot rows
• Workshop attribution
• Individual weaver attribution
• Previous restoration history

A well-constructed hand-knotted wool carpet can provide many years of use when properly maintained. However, durability also depends on the rug’s age, pile condition, foundation strength and previous use.

To prolong its life, the rug should be used with a suitable underlay, rotated periodically and professionally cleaned by a specialist when required.

Suitable Rooms and Interior Styles

At approximately 360 × 250 cm, this is a large Persian area rug capable of defining a substantial section of a room.

Living Room

The rug can sit beneath a large seating arrangement, with the front legs of sofas and armchairs positioned on the pile. Its strong border will help frame the furniture and create a clearly defined conversation area.

Dining Room

The dimensions may suit a large dining table, provided there is enough rug extending beyond the chairs. Buyers should measure the room and furniture arrangement before ordering.

Drawing Room

Its traditional red and navy palette makes it especially suitable for a formal drawing room with antique furniture, artwork and decorative architectural details.

Study or Library

The dark border and warm field work well with bookcases, timber desks, leather seating and brass lighting.

Bedroom

In a generously proportioned bedroom, the rug could be placed beneath the bed or used to define a separate seating area.

Executive Office

The rug can add authority and warmth to an executive office, boardroom or private meeting room.

Reception Area

For selected lower-traffic commercial interiors, it may create a more welcoming and established appearance.

Victorian Interiors

The rug complements carved furniture, patterned textiles, dark wood and leather. Its detailed ornament can sit comfortably alongside the layered decoration associated with Victorian rooms.

Georgian Interiors

Within a Georgian room, the carpet can add warmth and colour while balancing pale walls, symmetrical architecture and formal furniture.

Edwardian Interiors

Its red, beige and navy tones work naturally with mahogany furniture, upholstered seating and decorative accessories.

Country-House Interiors

The rug is particularly well suited to country-house interiors containing timber floors, fireplaces, bookcases and mixed antique furniture.

Luxury Modern Interiors

Against a restrained modern background, the rug can function as the principal decorative artwork in the room.

Minimalist Interiors

A minimalist space can benefit from one detailed statement piece. The rug’s pattern provides visual interest without requiring numerous decorative accessories.

Boutique Apartments

Its handmade character can give a boutique apartment a more individual and collected appearance.

Designer Interiors

The colour palette offers multiple tones that can be used for coordinating upholstery, walls, curtains and artwork.

Hotels and Commercial Projects

The rug may be appropriate for hotel suites, private lounges, executive offices or interior design projects. Suitability for heavy commercial traffic should depend on a physical condition assessment.

Collector and Investment Appeal

This old handmade Persian Karajeh rug may appeal to collectors, interior designers and buyers seeking substantial handmade Oriental rugs.

Its artistic value lies in the combination of repeated medallions, smaller geometric symbols and layered borders. The design remains balanced despite the density of ornament, demonstrating considerable skill in planning and execution.

The carpet’s hand-knotted construction distinguishes it from machine-made rugs. Each knot was tied individually, and the design developed gradually across the loom.

Its large size also contributes to its decorative appeal. Large handmade Persian rugs can be difficult to produce and are capable of transforming the atmosphere of an entire room.

The traditional red, navy and beige palette has long-term interior versatility. It can work in both period and contemporary environments, making the rug less dependent on temporary design trends.

The carpet may also appeal to buyers interested in sustainability. Purchasing and preserving an existing handmade rug extends the useful life of a labour-intensive object and reduces reliance on short-lived, mass-produced furnishings.

With appropriate care, hand-knotted Persian rugs can be cleaned, repaired and conserved rather than discarded. This contributes to their potential as heirloom furnishings.

The term “investment rug” should be used cautiously. No financial return or future appreciation can be guaranteed. Market value depends on several factors, including:

• Age
• Condition
• Origin
• Rarity
• Size
• Quality of construction
• Provenance
• Colour
• Design
• Current demand

The exact age and provenance of this rug are not confirmed. Its value should therefore be based on its decorative appeal, handmade construction, size and present condition rather than unsupported claims.

Nevertheless, the rug has qualities associated with long-term desirability: traditional Persian design, substantial dimensions, wool pile, hand-knotted craftsmanship and a strong decorative palette.

Key Features

• Old handmade Persian rug
• Traditional Karajeh or Gharajeh design
• Persian origin
• Hand-knotted construction
• Wool pile
• Cotton foundation
• Large 360 × 250 cm dimensions
• Approximately 11 ft 10 in × 8 ft 2 in
• Approximately nine square metres
• Rich red primary colour
• Beige and ivory secondary tones
• Deep navy and blue-black details
• Repeated geometric medallions
• Angular floral motifs
• Tribal-style decorative symbols
• Broad dark principal border
• Multiple patterned guard borders
• Rectangular shape
• Visible fringe at both ends
• Suitable for large rooms
• Ideal for traditional interiors
• Suitable for selected contemporary interiors
• Individual handmade variations
• Strong statement piece
• One-of-a-kind previously owned rug

Product Specifications

Care Instructions

To help preserve this handmade wool Persian rug:

• Use a suitable non-slip rug underlay
• Vacuum gently in the direction of the pile
• Avoid aggressive rotating brush heads
• Do not vacuum directly over the fringe
• Rotate the rug periodically to distribute wear
• Protect it from prolonged direct sunlight
• Blot accidental spills immediately
• Do not rub liquid into the wool
• Avoid domestic carpet-cleaning chemicals
• Do not machine wash
• Do not steam clean at home
• Do not saturate the rug
• Use a specialist Persian rug cleaner
• Keep the carpet away from persistent dampness
• Inspect periodically for moth activity
• Avoid placing heavy furniture directly on the fringe
• Use furniture cups where appropriate

Professional specialist cleaning is recommended because incorrect treatment may cause colour movement, shrinkage, distortion or damage to the foundation.

Condition and Important Information

This rug is described as old and has been previously owned. It may show natural signs of age, use, surface variation or historic wear.

Such characteristics may include minor differences in pile height, slight irregularities in shape, colour variation or previous areas of use. These can be expected in older handmade rugs and may contribute to their individual appearance.

Customers should review all product photographs carefully before purchasing.

The exact production date is not confirmed from the available information. The rug should not be described as antique unless a professional assessment supports that classification.

The following are not confirmed:

• Exact age
• Individual weaver
• Workshop attribution
• Knot density
• Dye composition
• Natural dye attribution
• Previous restoration history
• Full provenance

Slight differences between the photographed colours and the rug in person may occur because of lighting, camera settings and screen display.

Measurements are approximate and may vary slightly because handmade rugs are not always perfectly uniform.

Short Product Summary

An impressive old handmade Persian Karajeh rug measuring approximately 360 × 250 cm. Hand knotted with a wool pile on a cotton foundation, it features a rich red field decorated with repeated geometric medallions, angular floral motifs and an intricately patterned dark border. Beige, ivory, navy, rust and muted blue details add depth to the traditional composition. Its generous size makes it ideal for a large living room, dining room, drawing room, study or luxury interior project. Also known as Gharajeh, Karaja or Qarajeh, this Persian design is admired for its bold geometry, strong colour contrasts and distinctive artisan character. Exact age, knot count and dye composition are not confirmed.