Oriental rugs are weaved in the oriental countries that refer to a vast area of Asia including countries like Iran, Afghanistan, China, Nepal and India. They are essentially handmade by the deft craftsmanship of the weavers, the skill of which is handed over from one generation to the next. It should be understood that Oriental rug is a comprehensive idea with each country or area exhibiting its own essential characteristics. Whatever might be the local difference, the essential feature of oriental rugs is that they bear intricate designs and motifs that have the subtleties of the oriental idea of visual art. From floral designs to complicated geometric patterns and even motifs of animals and legends are found in the oriental rugs.

Oriental rugs are in high demand among the elite classes of Europe and America since the 1880s. At that time there had been two exhibitions of oriental rugs that have shown the world what the indigenous cultures of Asia are capable of in terms of aesthetic achievements. The colors used in the Oriental rug vary from one region to the other although a general tendency is shown to have a knack for bright and vibrant colors. For instance, crimson red and blue are seen in abundance in the Afghan and Persian rugs.

Oriental rugs are usually weaved over a base that is either cotton or wool. Raw silk is also used in some varieties and they are usually more expensive. The weaver then weaves a knot over the base and these knots can be either symmetrical as in the Turkish varieties or asymmetrical as in the case of Persian carpets. The authenticity of the oriental rugs can be recognized from the nature of the knots which exhibit minor defects as is obvious in case of hand weaving.