One-of-a-kind

Antique Qum ca. 1930Hand KnottedRug

Brown / Dark red229 x 359 cm

Ghom, a holy city located south of Tehran in Persia, is relatively young in the context of rug-making compared to older weaving centres, yet it has earned a global reputation for exceptional refinement. Weaving traditions in Ghom began to flourish significantly in the early twentieth century, drawing on classical design repertoires from across the region to create works of remarkable intricacy.

The 100% wool pile used in traditional Ghom rugs is carefully spun to achieve a balance of softness and resilience. Artisans select fine natural fibres that take dye evenly, allowing the rich red and blue tones to develop a beautiful, deep patina as the rug ages gracefully over the decades.

Stylistically, this piece draws on classic medallion and floral design traditions, featuring densely packed boteh and botanical motifs across the central field enclosed by an ornate framing border. The motifs are arranged with precise symmetry, reflecting the high level of technical skill mastered by the weavers of this tradition.

Collecting a vintage Ghom rug means acquiring a tangible piece of Persian textile heritage. The combination of historical age, high knot density, and traditional craftsmanship makes these rugs valued heirlooms that celebrate human skill and cultural continuity.

Crafted entirely by hand using a meticulous hand-knotted technique, this rug represents months of dedicated artisan labour. Each of the approximately 2,052,000 individual knots across the 359 x 229 cm expanse was tied by hand to secure the 100% wool pile to the foundation.

Weighing 24.7 kg, the substantial construction reflects the high density of materials used by the weaver. This generous weight and careful knotting process result in a robust, tightly packed structure that retains its shape and resists wear even in well-used areas of the home.