Ziegler Rugs – Farahan, Mahal, Arijana & Khorjin
Understated luxury for modern interiors
A Ziegler rug is the ideal choice for anyone who values the craftsmanship of an oriental rug but wants a calm, unobtrusive aesthetic. Their characteristically reduced palette of beige, cream and soft earth tones makes them a natural fit for modern living rooms and classic dining rooms. Our collection ranges from the robust Chubi quality to the very fine Arijana (Aryana).
- Harmonious colours – subtle natural (vegetable) dyes that complement a room rather than dominate it.
- Every format – from standard sizes to sought-after oversized pieces (e.g. 400×300 cm or 500×400 cm).
- Finest materials – hand-spun Ghazni wool for an authentic vintage look.
The history of Ziegler rugs: an Anglo-Persian collaboration
The Ziegler phenomenon began in the late 19th century, when the Anglo-Swiss firm Ziegler & Co. established its own weaving operations in the Sultanabad region (today Arak) of Persia. The aim was to create rugs that embodied Persian knotting art yet met Western taste in design and colour. This historical link makes the Ziegler rug a forerunner of today's "Modern Classic" style (company background at Wikipedia).
Variants and qualities: from Farahan to Arijana
Today "Ziegler" denotes a quality category covering several knottings. While Ziegler Farahan rugs often pick up more classical patterns, the Arijana / Aryana line stands out for its especially fine knotting and generous all-over motifs. We also carry rare Ziegler Mahal pieces, prized by interior designers for their soft wool and large-scale patterning.
If you love the light, calm character of the Ziegler, you will find kindred pieces among our Oushak rugs and Loribaft rugs in hand-spun wool. The historic Sultanabad heritage lives on in our old and antique Sarough rugs, while modern knottings today come mainly from Afghanistan. For the right room effect, see our notes on living-room rugs and dining-room rugs.
Inspiration & culture
Ziegler rugs often draw on "Oushak" designs exhibited in major art museums worldwide, such as the V&A Museum, London and The Met, New York. Our expertise as a curator of fine Ziegler designs is internationally documented — for example through our verified presence on Jozan.net.
Care and value retention of your Ziegler rug
Thanks to the use of sheep's wool and natural dyes, our Ziegler rugs are extremely easy to care for. The natural wool grease (lanolin) protects against everyday soiling. A genuine, hand-knotted Ziegler from the Djoharian Collection is a long-lived investment that gains in beauty over decades.
Frequently asked questions about Ziegler rugs
What is the difference between Ziegler, Sultanabad and Oushak?
All three share the large-scale, reduced all-over patterning. "Sultanabad" names the historic weaving region in Persia (today Arak), "Ziegler" the Anglo-Persian manufactory that shaped the style from the 1880s, and "Oushak" the related Turkish design tradition.
Arijana, Chubi or Mahal – which quality suits me?
Chubi is the robust, everyday quality; Arijana (Aryana) the especially fine knotting with generous motifs; Mahal the soft variant favoured by interior designers.
What are Ziegler rugs made of?
Hand-spun Ghazni sheep's wool. The natural lanolin makes them easy to care for and dirt-repellent, while natural plant dyes give the typically soft tones.
Are Ziegler rugs available in oversized formats?
Yes – from standard sizes up to formats such as 300×250, 400×300 or 500×400 cm. Larger palace sizes are available as individual pieces.