magic carpets

I just bought two Persian rugs on ebay and I'm feeling quite fortunate at the deal I got. There were so many unfamiliar, descriptive words associated with the listings that I went in search of their meanings only to be overwhelmed by the information I found.

Persian carpets can be divided into three groups; Farsh / 'Qālii' (sized anything greater than 6x4 feet), Qālicheh (meaning rug, sized 6x4 feet and smaller), and nomadic carpets known as Gelim (گلیم) Kilim, (including Zilu, meaning rough carpet)

Persian rugs are typically designed using one of four patterns: all-over, central medallion, compartment and one-sided. Some abstract asymmetrical design can be found but most of these can be described as one-sided or unidirectional.

One of the rugs I bought is a Tabriz from Iran.

The majority of carpets from Tabriz have a central medallion and quartered corner medallions superimposed over a field of scrolling vine ornament, sometimes punctuated with mounted hunters, single animals, or animal combat scenes.

The rugs I purchased are not as unusual as these. They are most red and blue as is the Persian rug that belonged to my grandmother.

Rug I bought

 The rugs I bought are "semi-antique" and slightly worn which actually adds value if the rugs are the real thing, i.e. not something you got at Kohl's. I love the character the imbue and the classic colors works well in my home.

Do you use area rugs? Have a favorite?