
Heirloom Hand-Knotting
Tied knot by knot in Iran to last for generations.
Qum — established in the twentieth century as Iran's pre-eminent centre for ultra-fine silk weaving — produces carpets of unrivalled knot density and chromatic precision, earning them a place among the most collectible textiles in the world.
This large-format piece presents an extraordinary pictorial program drawn directly from the Achaemenid reliefs of Persepolis: the lower register unfolds as a processional frieze of tribute-bearers, spear-carriers, and ceremonial attendants rendered in warm terracotta and slate against an antique ivory ground, while the central field erupts into a dense, bilaterally arranged composition of rearing horses, winged griffins, lion hunts, and columned palace facades — all animated by flowering vine scrollwork that fills every negative space with restless botanical energy.
A bold indigo main border, structured into rectangular cartouche panels and flanked by fine reciprocal guard stripes in ivory and copper gold, contains the composition with architectural authority. The palette — dominated by warm ivory deepening to copper and terracotta at the centre, cooled by precise accents of indigo and slate grey — is characteristic of the high-period Qum silk tradition, where natural dye harmonics are replicated through exceptional yarn preparation. A work of this iconographic ambition and technical density sits at the intersection of carpet and manuscript illumination, equally suited to institutional display or a serious private collection.
Achaemenid royal court processions, winged lion-griffins, rearing horses with chariots, classical Persian columned palace facades (Apadana), ceremonial tribute-bearers, mythological composite beasts, flowering vine scrolls, and a central floral medallion with arabesque fill
Hand-knotted in Iran with pure highland wool and mulberry silk.

Tied knot by knot in Iran to last for generations.

Lanolin-rich wool repels everyday spills and wear.

Highland wool paired with luminous mulberry silk.

Individually sourced from master looms in Tabriz, Isfahan, Kashan, Qum, and Nain—never machine-made or chemically coated.
Pure cotton or silk foundations breathe naturally on timber and marble floors without trapping humidity.
Combed highland wool resists shedding and grows softer and more lustrous with every decade of use.
Months of hand-knotting ensure no two pieces share the exact same tension, border cadence, or abrash depth.
Rug Comparison Guide | ![]() Hand KnottedCrafted knot by knot. Made for generations. Persian · Modern · Tribal This rug’s construction | ![]() Machine MadeFine detail. A beautifully consistent finish. Bespoke collection | ![]() Hand TuftedYour shape, your palette, your feel. Custom rugs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing method | Individually hand tied Each knot is tied onto a woven foundation. | Precision machine woven A powered loom creates a fine, uniform weave. | Tufted by hand Yarn is inserted into a canvas, then backed and finished. |
| Feel | Naturally soft Varies with fibre, knot quality and pile height. | Soft to exceptionally soft Extremely soft in pure silk; soft in wool. Other fibres vary. | Customisable Adjust pile height and density for a plush or firmer feel. |
| Perfect for | Across the home Durable wool for busy rooms; silk-rich pieces for quieter spaces. | Comfort & decorative detail Living rooms and bedrooms. Choose the fibre for your foot traffic. | Across the home, tailored to you Specify wool for everyday use or silk accents for gentler spaces. |
| Lifespan | Can last 100+ years* Heirloom potential with appropriate care and repair. | Around 10 years* An indicative lifespan with suitable use and care. | Up to 20 years* With proper care of the pile and backing. |
| Materials | Natural wool & silk The balance of wool and silk varies by rug. | Varies by design Wool, bamboo silk and other options. Check the listed material. | Wool & bamboo silk Choose your material and blend to suit the brief. |
| Care | Vacuum gently Rotate periodically. Specialist cleaning for silk and deep cleans. | Follow the fibre Gentle vacuuming. Silk and bamboo silk need particular spill care. | Protect the backing Gentle vacuuming; avoid soaking. Use a specialist for deep cleaning. |
| Customisation | Choose your piece Find the right size, pattern and palette in the collection. | Choose your size Available dimensions vary by design. | Fully made for you Shape, size, palette, material, pile height and density. |
| Explore | Hand knottedExplore hand knotted rugs | BespokeExplore bespoke rugs | CustomCreate your custom rug |
*Lifespans are indicative, with suitable use and care. Fibre, construction, backing and foot traffic affect longevity. Silk and bamboo silk need more delicate care than wool. Construction images are illustrative.
Qum Pictorial Persepolis Ivory
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