How Do You Recognize a Real Persian Rug? <span class="text-color-secondary">Certificate of Authenticity & The Difference Between Original and Imitation</span>

At Gallery Persepolis, we bring the magic of hand-knotted Persian rugs to your home. From our atmospheric gallery in the historic heart of Maastricht, at Sint Pieterstraat 34, we have been sharing our passion for these works of art for four generations. But how do you know if you're buying a real Persian rug or a cheap imitation?

One certificate of authenticity is important for any serious collector or interior enthusiast. It guarantees the quality and authenticity of the carpet. Without this certificate, the value of the carpet may be questioned.

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What Makes a Persian Rug Authentic?

An authentic Persian rug is a work of art made with love in Iran. These rugs add warmth and character to any space. Imitations often lack the soul and durability. Each carpet is hand-knotted according to old traditions. They reflect the soul of a region, tribe, or family.

<span class="heading-style-h6 text-color-secondary">Authentic Persian Rugs</span>

• Hand-knotted Craftsmanship: Each rug is hand-knotted, a process that can take months or even years. This ensures unparalleled quality.
• Natural Materials: Made of high-quality wool, silk or cotton, with natural dyes that make colors shine, even after years.
• Unique Stories: From floral designs depicting a Persian paradise to geometric patterns that reflect tribal traditions, each carpet tells a story.
• Investment value: A real Persian rug, like our Isfahan rugs, is an heirloom that increases in value, especially antique or rare pieces.

<span class="heading-style-h6 text-color-secondary">Imitations with Persian Motifs</span>

Many rugs mimic Persian designs but lack authenticity:

• Machine-Made: Often mass-produced in countries such as China or India, with uniform patterns that have no soul.
• Synthetic Materials: Made of polyester or acrylic, which is less durable and discolours quickly.
• No Cultural Depth: They miss the heritage and stories that make an authentic rug special.

Why Choose Real?
An authentic Persian rug not only adds beauty, but also value to your interior. It is a sustainable investment that will last for generations. Explore our exclusive collection of hand-knotted rugs and find the perfect piece for your space!

Get inspired! Visit our gallery in Maastricht or browse through our online collection for a carpet that tells your story.

<span class="text-color-secondary">Hint:</span> An original Persian rug is always handmade, you can feel this on the back, where the pattern remains visible and slight irregularities in the buttons occur.

What Does a Certificate of Authenticity Say?

One Certificate of Authenticity is your proof that you are investing in a real Persian rug. At Gallery Persepolis, we ensure that each carpet comes with a detailed certificate, so you know exactly what you're buying.

<span class="heading-style-h6 text-color-secondary">What's in a Certificate</span>

• Origin: The region or city, such as Isfahan or Tabriz.
• Materials: Wool, silk or cotton, with natural or synthetic dyes.
• Technics: Hand-knotted or flat-woven (like a kilim).
• Age: New, semi-antique (50-100 years) or antique (over 100 years).
• Buttons per Square Centimeter: More buttons mean more detail and craftsmanship.
• Dimensions: Exact size of the carpet.
• Maker or Workshop: If known, the name of the artist or workshop.
• Salesman: A reliable source such as Gallery Persepolis guarantees traceability.

<span class="heading-style-h6 text-color-secondary">Why is a Certificate Important?</span>

• Authenticity: Confirms that your carpet is not an imitation.
• Value: Increases investment value, especially for collectors.
• trusting: Provides certainty that you are buying a unique piece.
• Maintenance: Sometimes includes tips, such as our professional cleaning service.

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Want to know more about our certificates? Get in touch Join us for a free consultation and find out how we guarantee authenticity.

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<span class="text-color-secondary">Please note:</span>
Watch out for vague certificates with no details. At Gallery Persepolis, transparency and quality come first!

The Diversity of Persian Rugs: Styles and Origins

Persian rugs are a celebration of art and culture, each with a unique story. Here are some of the most popular styles in our collection:

1. <span class="heading-style-h6">Isfahan Carpets</span>

• Origin: Isfahan, the center of Persian art.
• Design: Elegant floral designs and central medallions in deep blue, red and ivory.
• features: Very fine buttons (300-600 per square centimeter), often with silk for a luxurious shine.
• Why Special?: Elegant and durable, perfect for collectors. Check out our Isfahan collection.

2. <span class="heading-style-h6">Tabriz Carpets</span>

• Origin: Tabriz, Northwestern Iran.
• Design: From medallions to hunting scenes and Herati motifs in pastel or jewel tones.
• features: Fine to medium buttons (150-400 per square centimeter), with wool and silk.
• Why Special?: Versatile and popular for their blend of tradition and modernity.

3. <span class="heading-style-h6">Kashan Carpets</span>

• Origin: Kashan, known for silk production.
• Design: Classic medallion patterns with floral patterns in red, blue and cream.
• features: Fine knots (200-400 per square centimeter), often with silk.
• Why Special?: Luxurious and vibrant, ideal for elegant interiors.

4. <span class="heading-style-h6">Gabbeh Carpets</span>

• Origin: Nomadic tribes like the Qashqai.
• Design: Bold, minimalist patterns with geometric shapes or animals in earthy tones.
• features: Lower knot density (50-150 per square centimeter), thick wool for comfort.
• Why Special?: Rustic and modern, perfect for a warm atmosphere.

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Customer Stories: Experiences with Our Rugs

Each carpet at Gallery Persepolis has a unique destination. When a carpet finds its perfect spot, something extraordinary happens. Our customers love to share their experiences and how our carpets touched their homes and hearts.

“We bought a beautiful Bidjar and our living room has completely changed — a real WOW effect! Thanks for the expert advice and great service.”
— Nina Nieste

“We were looking for a Nain carpet and decided to visit this store. What a surprising choice they have here! The selection was impressive and exceeded our expectations. We are very happy with our purchase. Thanks for the excellent service!”
— Elise de Smet

Explore the extensive history of our gallery on our website.

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Carpets vs. Tapestries: What's the Difference?

Although Persian rugs look great on the floor as well as on the wall, they differ in function and design:

<span class="heading-style-h6 text-color-secondary">Carpets</span>

• Goal: Made to withstand daily use, such as in your living room.
• features: Thicker, with a dense pile (e.g. Isfahan, Tabriz) or flat-woven (kilims). Higher knot density ensures durability.
• Design: Symmetric patterns that look good from all sides.
• Maintenance: Regular professional cleaning keeps them beautiful.

<span class="heading-style-h6 text-color-secondary">Tapestries</span>

• Goal: Decorative art to beautify your walls.
• features: Often lighter, like kilims, or finer, like silk Isfahans, for detail.
• Design: Sometimes narrative or vertically focused, perfect for a fixed perspective.
• Maintenance: Less wear, but protect against sunlight to prevent discoloration.

<span class="heading-style-h6 text-color-secondary">Overlap and Versatility</span>

Many carpets, such as kilims, are suitable for both floors and walls. A fine Tabriz rug can also shine as wall art with the right suspension. The choice depends on your interior and taste.

Tare you hesitating between a floor or wall carpet? Book one free design consultation and let our experts help you choose the perfect piece.

A tapestry usually has a hanging system or loops at the back.

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Why Invest in a Persian Rug

An authentic Persian rug is more than just decoration; it's a piece of history that enriches your home. Why choose a Gallery Persepolis carpet?

• Timeless Beauty: Adds elegance to any interior, from modern to classic.
• Sustainability: Hand-knotted carpets last for centuries with proper care.
• Increase in value: Antique carpets often become more valuable, especially with a certificate.
• Cultural Heritage: Each carpet tells a story of Persian tradition.
• Flexibility: Use them as a rug, wall art, or heirloom.

Discover the benefits of our lease plans for a flexible way to own a Persian rug, including delivery and installation.

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Frequently asked questions about sustainable Persian rugs
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‍<span class="text-size-medium">How can I be sure that a carpet is real?</span>‍

Always ask for a certificate of authenticity and check the origin. Buy from an authorized gallery with a good reputation, such as Gallery Persepolis.

<span class="text-size-medium">How much value does a certificate add?</span>‍

It not only offers certainty when determining the value, but also when selling and insuring the carpet. A certificate acts as a guarantee of authenticity and quality, making the carpet more attractive to potential buyers and insurers.

<span class="text-size-medium">Is a carpet without a certificate useless?</span>‍

Not necessarily, but it is more difficult to sell, insure or have it valued. A certificate provides security to you and future owners.

<span class="text-size-medium">Can an old carpet still be certified?</span>‍

Yes, contact us for a free assessment and valuation. Our experts can determine the authenticity and value of your carpet, even if it's many years old. Request an expertise.

<span class="text-size-medium">Which rugs are worth the most?</span>‍

Carpets from top regions such as Qom, Isfahan and Tabriz, especially in silk, are particularly valuable — especially if they are well maintained and have a clear certificate.

<span class="text-size-medium">What does “knot density” mean exactly?</span>‍

The higher the knot density per square meter, the more detailed and valuable the carpet is considered. This is because a higher knot density requires more time and skill, resulting in a finer and more complex design that increases the beauty and durability of the carpet.

Maintain the Beauty of Your Carpet

At Gallery Persepolis, we not only sell carpets, but also their upkeep. Our traditional cleaning and traditional restoration bring back the shine to your carpet so that it lasts for generations.

“I bought a Gabbeh carpet privately and brought it to Persepolis for cleaning. They use traditional methods, and the carpet is beautiful now. Ilia explained the traditional cleaning method very clearly and let me know approximately how long it would take. Excellent service and communication.”
— Kaveh Tahmasebi

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Why choose <span class="text-color-secondary">Gallery Persepolis</span>?

In the heart of Maastricht, we combine four generations of passion with unparalleled craftsmanship. Our collection offers both classic and modern rugs, imported directly from Iran, India and Afghanistan. From affordable pieces to exclusive masterpieces, we have something for everyone. With our personal service, free advice and home visits, we ensure that your carpet fits your interior perfectly.

At Gallery Persepolis, we're here to help you find the carpet that not only enriches your interior, but also reflects your personal values.