Quick takeaways
- Qom is an established center for fine handmade and silk carpets.
- Ask what exactly is silk: pile, warp, weft or all of them.
- The back can reveal construction and repairs but is not a substitute for expert assessment.
- Written sales details matter on a high-value purchase.
Why should a Qom carpet purchase be slow?
Visit Iran and Encyclopaedia Iranica both document Qom's carpet tradition, including fine silk production. That reputation is meaningful context but does not authenticate an individual rug.
A non-expert should use clear questions, careful inspection and documentation, and consider independent assessment when the price is high.
Clarify what 'silk' means
Ask whether silk is claimed in the pile, warp, weft or throughout the piece, and whether other fibers are present. General labels should become specific written descriptions.
Shine and feel alone are not conclusive material tests.
Inspect the face and the back
Look for overall consistency, borders, color changes, stains, tears and repairs, then inspect the back for construction and unusual areas.
Handmade work can contain human variation; the goal is to identify material issues or differences from what was represented, not machine-like perfection.
Put important claims in writing
A serious invoice should record dimensions, claimed materials, price, seller details and important condition or origin claims. Verbal descriptions are harder to verify later.
Avoid being rushed into a high-value payment without clear documentation.
Plan transport before paying
Ask how the carpet will be rolled or protected from moisture and pressure, and how delivery will be handled. Shipping insurance and customs are separate from carpet quality.
This guide is not valuation, authentication or customs advice; use specialists for those decisions when needed.
Frequently asked questions
Is every silk rug sold in Qom a Qom carpet?
No. The place of sale alone does not prove origin, materials or authenticity.
Does shine prove real silk?
No. Appearance alone is not a conclusive fiber test.
What matters most in an expensive purchase?
Time, clear written specifications, a detailed invoice and independent expertise when appropriate.
Sources and notes
The date beside a source is its recorded access date, not confirmation that the link works today or that the whole article has just been reviewed. The article’s update date is shown separately.
- Qom — Visit Iran
Recorded source access: - CRAFTS — Encyclopaedia Iranica
Recorded source access: - CARPETS ii. Raw materials and dyes — Encyclopaedia Iranica
Recorded source access: