How to Identify an Authentic Handmade Persian Rug

Buying your first handmade Persian rug shouldn’t feel risky. Use this beginner-friendly guide to spot genuine hand-knotted craftsmanship — and learn why buying from a trusted expert like Ali at ShopARug gives you confidence when shopping online, Australia-wide.

1) Turn It Over: The Back Tells the Truth

• See the knots: individual knots visible on the back are a hallmark of hand-knotting.
• Pattern on both sides: the design should mirror through — not look printed.
• Small irregularities: tiny asymmetries = human craftsmanship.

Further reading: Britannica – Persian carpet weaving

2) Check the Fringe (Warp), Not a Sewn-On Trim

In authentic rugs, the fringe is the warp foundation — it runs through the rug and continues past the edge. If fringe looks stitched or glued on afterward, it’s likely machine-made.

Visual guide: The Rug Society – Handmade vs Machine-made

3) Feel the Texture & See the Sheen

Natural wool or silk feels supple and alive, with depth and gentle sheen. Expect micro-variations in pile and tension. Machine-made pieces often feel overly smooth, stiff or synthetic.

Compare authentic examples in our curated Handmade Wool Rugs.

4) Colours & Dyes: Depth, Not Flatness

Authentic Persian rugs often use natural dye traditions that age beautifully (subtle tonal shifts known as abrash). Colours should show depth under different light — not look flat or pixel-printed.

Background on dyes & tradition: The Met – Persian carpets overview · The Spruce – Buying an Oriental rug

5) Origin & Provenance Matter

Legitimate listings state country and region of origin (e.g., Nain, Kashan, Isfahan, Qom, Tabriz), materials, and weave. Avoid vague “Persian-style” or “inspired” descriptions.

Reference: Carpet Encyclopedia – Persian carpet types · Wikipedia – Persian carpet

6) Trust Experience & Reputation

Even with a checklist, the safest route is buying from an expert you trust. At ShopARug, every rug is hand-selected by Ali, who has decades of experience and direct relationships with weaving families and workshops across Iran and Afghanistan.

• Accurate descriptions & multiple photos on every product page
• Authenticity guaranteed with fair, transparent pricing
• Australia-wide delivery and post-purchase care

Our reputation speaks for itself — see our customer feedback:
4.8★ Google Reviews (180+)

Further reading:
• UNESCO – The art of carpet weaving in Iran
• Britannica – Persian carpet
• The Met – Persian carpets
• The Spruce – Buying an Oriental rug
• Carpet Encyclopedia – Persian carpets
• Rug Society – Handmade vs Machine-made