I was reading the story of World War II's damage to the cultural and artistic heritage of the countries involved. It was very painful. World War II caused irreparable damage to the world of art and culture. Museums and galleries were forever deprived of some irreplaceable works of art, and art experts spent years searching for missing works. The world witnessed the theft and looting of works of art on a large scale during World War II. What does this have to do with Why Are Persian Rugs Illegal In The US?
However, many of these artworks are still missing. Today, there is a worldwide effort to identify looted Nazi artworks and return them to their original owners.
But do you think this painful story is over? Let me tell you the story of the Persian carpet and other artworks of Iran. This time, read about the art of the Persian carpet and its impending destruction. War is going on not between states but between cultures and states.
While Persian carpets are only banned at the import stage through United Satates customs, their purchase and sale are legal and unrestricted worldwide like in USA, Canada or Europe. So why do some believe that Persian rugs are illegal?
Why is the US an Important Market for Persian Rugs?
Beautiful Persian carpets have adorned spaces from the White House of the US President to noble houses and stunning mansions. Subsequently, people across the United States have recognized the value of these hand-woven carpets, and now, Persian carpets grace the interiors of countless small and large homes.
The United States is one of the world's largest importers of handwoven carpets. Iranian carpet, or the famous Persian Carpet in the United States of America, had its market and a major share in this import for many years until the sanctions took hold of Iranian carpets and the export to this country was stopped. According to the statistics given by the head of Iran's National Carpet Center, in 2010 (before the embargo on Iranian carpets), about 80 million dollars of carpets were directly exported to this country, which made the United States the first importer of this original and beautiful product.
After the cancellation of sanctions, the embargo on the export of Iranian carpets to the USA will be lifted from the beginning of 2016, and we saw the export of carpets to this country. However, during this period and the absence of Iran, competitors were opened to the United States American cities market to take Iran's place. Unfortunately, with the return of American sanctions during President Trump's term, which this time was tougher, it included hand-woven and hand-made goods from Iran, and this exquisite and cultural product was once again out of the reach of the American people. The carpet market was filled with machine-made and non-delicate goods, and Americans now have to be content with having ordinary and cheap carpets.
What is the Big Deal with Persian Rugs?
“The big deal” with Persian rugs is well deserved. Persian rugs are real pieces of art. It's almost like paintings. They are hand-knotted, use natural colors, their material is either silk or wool, the designs are unique and display mythological and cultural figures (animals, flowers, and trees), historical people (like kings and queens), or hunting scenes… they also age well and gain higher value with time.
Non-Persian oriental rugs aren't complex like Persian rugs are. Also, the colors, motifs, and quality do not have the same high standards as Persian rugs. A Persian carpet stands out. You can recognize it with the naked eye.
Weavers who craft carpets in their homes or workshops infuse each knot with their love, passion, and emotion. That's why every Persian carpet tells a story whenever we gaze upon it.
Why are Persian Handmade Carpets Illegal?
Or is it Legal to Import Iranian Rugs Into the U.S.?
Iran has been facing financial bans for years and it has gotten worse over time. Economic bans under the Trump and Biden administrations, along with several key factors have made it impossible for businesses to deal in Iranian goods.
However, when President Obama lifted sanctions against Iran in 2016, the import sector boomed. Since then, North America has been one of the biggest importers of Persian rugs. In 2017, almost $156 million worth of rugs were sold in the US. But the Trump administration’s withdrawal from the JCPOA in 2018, and double whammy sanctions have caused the Iran export industry to plummet. Iranian National Carpet Center has stated that the total rug export slumped from $238.4 million to only $70.9 million in just one year.
It is ironic how banning a cultural product with a history of hundreds of years can help to solve the problem of governments when only the harsh consequences of it affect artistic weavers and beauty-loving buyers. The best hand-woven carpet in the world gives its place to newcomers and industrial competitors.
Is It Possible To Buy Persian Rugs Legally?
Although it is currently illegal to import carpets into the United States through official customs, we hope this restriction will be lifted soon. However, there are still ways to access Persian carpets. First, official shipping is available in other countries, and even in the U.S., despite the restrictions, indirect access to Persian carpets remains easily achievable. I have good news!
Honestly, the buyer who knows the value and difference between Persian carpets from other oriental carpets, should not worry. Although sending many handwoven Persian carpets to the United States through customs has been stopped, there are always two ways.
First, the carpets that entered the American soil before the embargo. Second, direct delivery of carpets to United States American cities from Iran even at the price of the Iranian market! Sweeter experience than the US Persian rug price.
How to Buy a Persian Rug? What Are the Rules and Solutions?
Online business has made shopping from anywhere in the world a pleasant experience. With our many years of experience, we can summarize the process of purchasing authentic Persian carpets in two simple ways:
1. Check Out the Available Stores
Due to bans on Iran in the U.S., it is not possible to formally purchase authentic Persian carpets directly from Iran. The Office of Foreign Assets Control states that the dealers must stop importing Persian handwoven rugs, even if they have been outside the country for a long time. However, stores in the US states like Iranian carpet online shops can sell rugs that were already purchased before the sanctions were imposed. So, if you’re interested in buying a Persian rug, it would be wise to start looking now. Antique carpet shops in New York, Manhattan, and Long Island offer several carpets varying in color, design, and texture. These will cost anywhere between $1,500 to $40,000. Amazon and eBay can also help you. Of course, look for the original Persian carpets with expert approval.
2. Buy Carpets Directly From Iran
The embargo on Iranian hand-woven carpets for years has made sellers who have been hit hard by this find many ways to send Iranian carpets to big countries like the United States of America. One of the easiest ways is to communicate with sellers who now understand the concerns of American buyers. How should they act? Maybe this solution will affect the official statistics of handmade carpets in Iran, but at least it will please the buyer who likes the product of oriental origin, which originates from the stories of one thousand and one nights.
In an era when the market is filled with cheap carpets of poor quality, a handmade and authentic product can never be replaced. But what is the solution? Sending carpets with the help of a third country. Kansorug and its young team can easily ship it all over the United States, fully aware of this challenge and the concerns of its buyers.
There's an old Iranian proverb that goes, "There's nothing wrong with asking. Not knowing is wrong" Feel free to ask us anything for more info! We're here to help.
Bottom Line:
In the end, remember that throughout history, the power of culture has persevered, even amid sanctions that Iranian carpet weavers face. Despite the ebbs and flows of civilizations, culture has always prevailed, untouched by governments. Wars and animosity have failed to diminish humanity's appreciation for beauty. We adorn our homes with Persian carpets, infusing them with love, soul, and stories, much like jewelry enhances human allure. Each Iranian carpet is a tapestry of emotions, woven knot by knot, by weavers who imbue their craft with tears and smiles. Lovers of oriental Persian rugs worldwide understand that they possess not just a simple rug, but a timeless culture. Despite governmental conflicts, this cultural legacy endures. So, continue your search for an original piece, for in time, you will acquire it.