I have been talking with a woman about this rug here. She says it's antique, but she's uncertain about it's origin... Possibly Heriz? I don't know. There is some damage to one of the fringes as can be seen in the photos. I will post the quarter image when she sends it. Thanks for your help all.

It is lowest grade indian quality. Maybe 1970 or 1980, but not antique. Design is a persian Heriz inspired mix.

The knotting on the back, the way the fringe goes into a kilim, the knots on the fringe, the wefting, the look of the wool, the apparent thickness. Take all these characteristics together and you can manage to determine from experience the country of origin, age, etc. I would agree with KAD, although it could be 1980's up to 1990's given the tones of the colors used. Agree - Heriz design, but inspired by an antique, not actually antique

Some time ago I was studying the uses of certain local edible and medicinal plants, and I found, there being so many thousands of different varieties, that it was often useful to learn most thoroughly the few plants which were dangerous and to be avoided rather than focusing solely on the species which were considered "safe". I wonder if some similar approach may be beneficial here concerning rugs and carpets, where one might learn the tell-tale signs of inferior specimens and in that way also learn what to avoid. From the little experience I've gained on this topic it seems to me I see quite a lot of information on how to avoid machine made rugs, but what about Indian, Pakistani and Chinese pieces? How can they be easily identified? What are the characteristics which give these pieces away? I know carpets made in these places are not always bad, but it does appear that these countries produce more low quality work than some of the others.
Thanks everyone for your input.