Antique Rugs & Carpets
Antique Rugs & Carpets
Auction
Persian, Turkish, Caucasian, European, Indian, and Chinese examples from private collections, each assessed by a specialist with over 45 years of experience.
Categories
Six weaving traditions,
one standard
Persian
Tabriz · Heriz · Sultanabad · Kashan · Isfahan
The broadest and most collected tradition. We regularly offer examples from Northwest, Central, and Southeast Persian workshops, spanning the mid-19th to early 20th century.
Turkish
Oushak · Hereke · Ladik · Gördes
Anatolian weaving traditions from village and court workshops. Oushak examples are among the most sought-after for their palatial scale and soft palette.
Caucasian
Kazak · Shirvan · Karabagh · Kuba
Geometric designs and bold dye work from the South Caucasus region. Kazak and Shirvan examples are regularly featured in our sales.
European
Aubusson · Savonnerie · Bessarabian
French and Eastern European flat-weave and pile examples. Aubusson and Savonnerie works from private estates are accepted for specialist review.
Indian
Agra · Amritsar · Lahore · Indo-Persian
Formal palace carpets and export rugs from British India, primarily late 19th to early 20th century. Agra and Amritsar examples are among the most collected in this tradition.
Chinese
Peking · Art Deco · Ningxia
Peking workshop rugs and Chinese Art Deco examples from the 1920s–1940s, designed for Western export. A distinct and actively collected category with strong auction demand.
Our Process
What a specialist looks for
in every rug
Age & Origin
Construction,
dye, and structure
We assess construction, dye type, and weave structure to establish region and period. Synthetic dyes, introduced after 1870, are noted in all condition reports.
Condition
Pile, reweaving,
colour run
Pile height, reweaving, re-piling, and color run are documented honestly. We do not minimize condition issues, bidders price condition themselves.
Provenance
Collection history
and prior records
Collection history and prior sale records are included where available. Private collection provenance is noted and welcomed.
For Sellers
Consign your
antique rug
We accept Persian, Turkish, Caucasian, and European examples from private collections. Free preliminary assessment. No upfront fees. Your piece is reviewed by a specialist with over 45 years of experience before any commitment is made.
FAQ
Common questions
What is an antique rug?
In the auction and collector market, a rug is generally considered antique if it is over 100 years old — woven before approximately 1925. Rugs from 1925 to 1950 are typically described as semi-antique, and those from 1950 onward as vintage. At HeritageBids, we focus primarily on antique and semi-antique handwoven examples in wool or silk. Machine-made rugs are not accepted.
What types of antique rugs do you sell at auction?
We specialise in Persian, Turkish, Caucasian, and European handwoven rugs and carpets, generally pre-1940. Examples include Heriz, Tabriz, Sultanabad, Oushak, Kazak, Shirvan, Aubusson, and Savonnerie works drawn from private collections.
How do I know if my rug is genuinely antique?
A specialist assessment considers construction method, dye type, wool quality, and weave density. Synthetic dyes, introduced from around 1870, and machine-spun wool are diagnostic indicators of period. Submit photographs and we will provide an honest preliminary opinion.
What is the buyer's premium on antique rugs?
HeritageBids charges a flat 15% buyer’s premium on the hammer price. There are no online surcharges, processing fees, or tiered markups.
Can I bid on antique rugs if I'm outside the US?
Yes. All HeritageBids sales are simulcast on LiveAuctioneers, and bidders from most countries can register. Lots ship insured from consignor to buyer worldwide; shipping costs and import duties are the buyer’s responsibility.
How do I consign an antique rug?
Submit a brief description and a few clear photographs through our consignment form at heritagebids.com/consign. No professional photography is required at this stage. A specialist will respond within 5 business days with a preliminary estimate.
How are rugs shipped after the sale?
Lots ship directly from consignor to buyer, fully insured at hammer value. We coordinate shipping details at invoicing and provide the consignor with the buyer’s delivery address.