The words used to describe a rug’s age are not strictly regulated, so it helps to know how they are usually understood in the trade.
Antique normally means a rug that is at least 100 years old. It is the strongest claim and the one that should be backed by clear signs: natural dyes, hand-spun wool, a worn but even surface and a style typical of its period.
Semi-antique is used for rugs between roughly 50 and 100 years old.
Old or vintage describes rugs that are older than a few decades but not yet antique. Both words are looser, and sellers use them in different ways.
Recent or new means a rug woven in the last few decades.
What age tells you. Age on its own does not decide quality or value. A well-preserved newer rug with fine knotting can be worth more than a worn old one. Condition, colour, design, size and rarity all count.
Signs of age to look for.
- soft, even wear on the pile and slightly rounded knots
- colours that have mellowed naturally, with small variations of tone inside one area
- repairs and restoration that were made in a careful, traditional way
- a weave and drawing that match the region and period named by the seller
Be careful with colours that look too bright for the claimed age, an artificially worn or chemically washed surface, and any age statement given without photos of the back.
On this site, a rug’s age is mentioned only when it is part of the title or has been checked. If you want to know more about a piece, contact us and we will send additional photos. See our collectible rugs.