Heriz Rugs Explained: Persian Heriz vs. Indo Heriz and Serapi
"Heriz" is used for rugs woven in two very different places. A Persian Heriz is woven in Iran. An Indo Heriz (often sold as Serapi or "Heriz Serapi") is woven in India in the same style. Both can be beautiful, but they are not the same rug, and they are not priced or valued the same way. Here is how we explain the difference to customers in the showroom.
New to the style? Start with our complete guide to Heriz rugs and their history.
What "Serapi" means
Serapi is not a town. It is a trade name used in the Western market for the earlier, finer rugs of the Heriz district in Iran, generally woven between about 1880 and 1930. Today the word is used loosely. You will see "Serapi" on antique Persian rugs, on semi-antique ones, and on brand-new rugs made in India. That is where the confusion begins.
An example of the older Iranian tradition is our 8 x 11 Authentic Persian Heriz Serapi from the 1950s (#PIX-22383), woven in Iran.
Persian Heriz vs. Indo Heriz and Serapi
Because the Heriz look is so popular with decorators, weavers in India have been making rugs in the same style for decades. They are usually sold as "Indo Heriz," "Heriz Serapi" or simply "Serapi." These are new hand-knotted wool rugs. They borrow the Persian design, but they are made in a different country, by different weavers, at a very different price point. Neither is "fake" when it is described honestly. The important thing is to know which one you are buying.
| Persian Heriz | Indo Heriz / Serapi | |
|---|---|---|
| Made in | Iran (Heriz district, East Azerbaijan) | India |
| Age | Authentic, semi-antique and antique pieces | New |
| Look | Strong tribal drawing, natural variation in color | Clean, even, softened colors made for modern rooms |
| Typical price | Higher; older pieces are collectible | Much more accessible |
| Best for | Buyers who want the real Persian tradition | Buyers who want the look at a friendlier price |
The easiest way to tell is the origin. On every BestRugPlace listing the specifications table states the country of origin. If it says Iran, it is a Persian Heriz. If it says India, it is an Indo Heriz or Serapi, and we say so in the title.
For the Indian version, look at our 10 x 14 New Heriz handmade in India (#F-4609). It has the same bold medallion layout in a brand-new, hand-knotted rug.
And this 9 x 12 New Serapi handmade in India (#F-4603) shows the softer, more open Serapi look that decorators love.
What to look for when you buy
Check the country of origin. It is the single most important line in the listing. Iran means Persian, India means Indo.
Look at the age. New, semi-antique, vintage and antique are very different things, and the price should reflect that.
Choose the right size. A 9 x 12 anchors a large seating area or fits under a dining table with the chairs pulled out.
Want the full story of where Heriz rugs come from? Read our complete guide to Heriz rugs. Ready to see them in person? Browse our Heriz rug collection or our Serapi collection. Every rug ships free, and if you do not love it, you can return it.
Sources: Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Heriz carpet"; Job Youshaei Rug Company, regional guide to Iranian rugs; Surena Rugs, "Heriz Rugs History". Photos of rugs are real BestRugPlace rugs.