What to Look for in a Silk Persian Rug

Whether you are referring to a silk Persian rug or cotton Persian rug, they may still hold the same amount of value. This is because there are a few different factors that affect the overall value of a Persian rug, and which you are going to want to be aware of before heading out to buy your own.

Are you on the hunt for a silk Persian rug? If so, there are a few aspects that you are going to want to be concerned with. The main reason that this is so important is because you want to be aware of a rug’s actual worth, and never get tricked into paying more for a rug than it is actually worth.

Whether you are looking for a Persian wool rug or silk Persian rug, there are certain elements to a Persian rug which will confirm its value, and which will be discussed here to you in more detail.

Where the Carpet is Made

One of the most important aspects to consider when you are buying a silk Persian rug is where it was made. This will play a huge role in terms of its overall value, and it is believed that the best quality is hand knotted in Iran. This is because the Persian knot is different than that of the rugs made in Iran, and the quality of wool is also different.

Knots Per Square Inch

Another element that you will need to be aware of when shopping for a silk Persian rug is knots per square inch. First, you should understand the actual concept of knots. Tribal rugs do not have a knot structure but the city carpets use knots as an indication of value. As the number of knots in a rug increases, usually the value does as well.

Age

Of course one of the biggest factors affecting the value of a silk Persian rug is its age. The older a rug the more valuable it will be, which is why you need to be keen on the different tricks of how to tell the age of a carpet. Keep in mind that there are things some dealers will do, such as a washing, to their rugs in order to make them look more aged and therefore more valuable.

It can be very difficult to the newcomer to understand these elements and really get a grasp on how to tell an authentically valuable Persian rug from a fake, but as you progress and get more experience and knowledge, you will start to understand it better.

The bottom line is that Persian rugs are absolutely beautiful, but if you are shopping for value of course you are going to want to ensure that your money is being well spent. This means taking the time and putting in the effort to ensure its value.

Rugs
Learn about the many uses of a rug.How to choose the right carpet for your home and its installation.Where to fing rugs with discount & lots more info.

By Gargi Nath Published: 9/29/2008

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Persian Rugs - Machines Can’t Tie Knots

The difference between a hand made persian rug and mass produced ones are many. From tribal art to sumptuous palaces, learn about and enjoy the persian rug.

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Gazing at a fine Persian rug, one cannot help but become lost in the beauty and wonder that is true art. Art that is made by the peasant, enjoyed by the masses and prized by kings and the elite in every society. A Persian rug is from what is known today as modern day Iran. These types of rugs have been made and prized now for thousands of years. At first Persian rugs were born of necessity and the need to cover an often earthen floor. The kilims or flat weave rugs are an example of the utilitarian aspect of many rugs.

As time went by the Persian rug became a symbol of prosperity and an ornament for decorating the homes of the rich and famous as well as the common man. Even today Iran or Persia maintains a very high volume of productivity. A testament to the continued high quality of these rugs is their ability to keep their price over time. Many rugs are kept over lifetimes and treasured through generations.

Persian rugs are named after the area in which they are produced or if made by nomadic tribes, the name of the tribe. Rug experts can usually identify a Persian rugs origin by its design, material and dye. The materials from the nomads would be of a much coarser material and their dyes are usually brighter and often changes midway through the piece as many tribes cannot afford to have large batches of dye on hand as they are traveling and must make do with what they have at the time.

This is one of the particular fascinations of the tribal rugs as they reflect the lives of the people that made them more directly than that of the Persian rugs made in large, controlled environments. No less beautiful are these Persian rugs made in a larger setting of course, but some of the ambience is lost if you will.

The materials for Persian rugs are all natural and are mostly wool, cotton and silk.

Some rugs are sold as silk but are in fact rayon which look a lot like silk to the untrained eye. Ask your dealer or someone familiar with the Persian rug business to look for you. Be wary of fraudulent dealers offering something too good to be true, it often is exactly that.

The essential element in a Persian rug is that it is hand made. This may seem like an obvious point but it is one which cannot be stressed enough, machines cannot tie knots!

Only people can tie knots.

Buy a hand made Persian rug and enjoy it for a lifetime.

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Create Perfect Storm in Rare Rug Market

Increasingly savvy clients and decreasing availability combine with Internet to create perfect storm in rare rug market.

Internationally-recognized antique rug expert Jan David Winitz today said that “a perfect storm” of conditions exists in market for the finest antique Oriental carpets.

“Frankly, the rapidly increasing scarcity of great 19th-century rugs,” he said, “combined with our clientele’s escalating knowledge and the ability to view and purchase one-in-the-world, investment-level rugs on our website have created a unique confluence of factors during my nearly 30 years in the business.”

Winitz, said that his clients are increasingly willing to invest in “collectible to museum-level rugs that are both rare works of art and still in the superb condition that they can be used on the owner’s residences.”

Winitz is the head of an investment group that has employed an international team of expert buyers for the past 27 years. They continually purchase entire private collections and fine estates to fuel the voracious appetite of the clients at his two galleries and have assembled the extensive inventory, described by the Financial Times of London as “art for the floor.”

He says, “Potential clients, who have been drawn to great antique rugs over the last three decades, often come to him with a seasoned eye and a great hunger in drought-like conditions in the international market.”

He added, “Many clients continue to purchase spectacular pieces, more than they could possibly display in their homes, and either ask us to store them or are putting them into private museums. We often revolve clients’ rugs over periods of time at one or more of their residences.”

The author of “The Guide to Purchasing an Oriental Rug,” Winitz predicts that the bull market conditions in the rare rug market will continue. “Our clients soon discover that the quality of carpets we consistently offer is virtually never found elsewhere, and when they occasionally do appear at auction, they often sell for prices that exceed the established market value. Seeing this, their confidence that the rarity and value of their collections will continue to increase substantially grows.

“The 100 to 200 year-old rugs in our collection can never be duplicated, such as handmade area rugs,silk rugs, Persian rugs,oriental rugs,wool rugs etc. They were created at time when the artistic sensitivity of the weavers and their craftsmanship were unmatched,” he said. “In that sense, rug collectors view their pieces in the manner that a collector of paintings views a Monet or Van Gogh.”

The rugs in Claremont’s collection sell in the range of $25,000 to more than $500,000 per piece. Individual transactions with collectors, Winitz says, sometimes reach $2 million. “Additionally, the market for rugs of this quality does not fluctuate depending on external economic conditions,” he said. “The intrinsic value of this kind of art and its ‘one-of-a-kind quality’ separates it from other kinds of investments.”

“There appears to have been a significant amount of investment money on the sidelines,” Winitz said. “The Collection, with its extensive inventory of top 19th century carpets, has allowed our clients to diversify as well as enjoy their investments.” He added that antique rugs always have been of major appeal during times of economic insecurity and inflation.

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What to Look for in an Area Rug

The many different area rug styles can make shopping for one of these home necessities less than fun. Much less. There are numerous styles, materials and shapes to keep straight, not to mention the sizes. It seems every manufacturer has its own take on which sizes to offer. Well, we can’t help where the sizes are concerned, but we can go over some of the popular rug styles and what to look for when you are shopping for a new area rug.

Oriental rugs are widely considered the finest area rugs available anywhere. These works of art are handmade carpets that are either knotted with pile or woven without pile. Only hand knotted or hand woven rugs are considered authentic oriental rugs. Less expensive oriental-design rugs are made by machine and are not considered authentic oriental rugs. These make a good option for budget-conscious individuals while still providing the look of a true oriental rug, however. Oriental rugs come from a wide geographic region extending from China and Vietnam in the east to Turkey and Iran in the west.

Persian rugs are actually a type or classification of oriental rug, but generally are thought of as their own genre. Wool is the primary material used in Persian rugs, but silk is also used for finer rugs that usually end up as wall tapestries instead of floor coverings. Some Persian rugs will have an all-over pattern while others will have a central medallion with a pattern radiating out from the center. Colors can vary widely in these rugs, but common hues include shades of red, brown, gold and tan. When purchasing an authentic Persian rug, it is important to validate the origin of the rug and ensure it is indeed a hand-made carpet from Iran. Do your research and always buy from a reputable dealer who can provide a certificate of authentication. It is also a good idea to get the rug appraised shortly after you purchase it.

A well-made area rug can last for generations if cared for properly. These practical, usable heirlooms can even appreciate in value, making them an investment that you can enjoy on a daily basis.

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Buyer Beware, Some Wool Rugs Do Come with a Price

If you’re looking for a high quality rug for either your office or home, start by looking at wool rugs. But buyer beware, where your wool comes from and how it was harvested should be of concern.

If you’re looking for a high quality rug for either your office or home, start by looking at wool rugs. Heavy in weight, rugs made from wool are usually made by hand or are machine tufted, ensuring that the quality of craftsmanship isn’t compromised. Ideal for protecting your floors and adding a decorative touch of style to your home, consumers need to be wary about where their wool comes from.

Naturally, wool comes from sheep; however, it’s the process of how the wool is shorn off the sheep that should concern consumers. Clothing, carpeting and other production industries usually get their wool from Australia and New Zealand, but not all are aware that a sheep shearing technique known as mulesing is used. Mulesing began in the 1930s in Australia, mulesing is considered a cheap sheep shearing surgical technique, removing the wool and cutting the skin off the sheep in the process. It has been noted that the sheep do feel pain from the method, considering that anesthesia is rarely if ever used.

Used as a method to prevent flystrike, a disease in which flies lay their eggs around the tail end of animals, resulting in the growth of maggots and ultimately death, mulesing requires the sheep shearer to remove the wool around the hind quarters and tail of sheep. As mentioned earlier, the process cuts the skin of the sheep along the way, which then lead to open sores making it susceptible to infection. The practice of mulesing is still going on in parts of Australia, but as of early November 2004 the Australian wool industry has resolved to phase out this practice by 2010 after deciding that alternative and non-harmful methods of shearing can be used.

Until this practice is phased out, it’s a good idea to purchase wool rugs in which the wool is from New Zealand. New Zealand wool is known as the best in the wool industry because basic shearing, non-mulesing techniques are used. With the gradual phasing out of mulesing, the wool industry moving forward; it won’t be long until everyone can enjoy high quality wool rugs, clothing and other housing products without having to worry how their wool was harvested.

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Persian Rug or Kilim - To Weave a Masterpiece
It is quite amazing to note that for thousands of years the Persian rug or kilims that we so admire and treasure today were made with only a few basic materials and tools. Has the modernization of society improved upon the past? You decide. Look closely at your Persian rug or kilim and tell me what you see.

The tools need to create some of the worlds most intriguing rugs are surprisingly few.One is a loom. It may be large as in a modern industrial factory or it may be small enough to carry on the back of a horse.The loom’s role is to hold the warps (longitudinal strands) under tension so that the weaver may weave the wefts (horizontal strands) between the warps to fabricate the rug. The earliest portable looms were backstrap, ground,warp-weighted or frame.. A backstrap loom is used while the vertical warp thread is attached to a branch or some other appropriate object and tied around a tree and around the weavers back. Tension is adjusted by leaning back, hence the name.

The ground loom would be strung between rows of pegs with the weaver being forced to work while leaning over the loom. This lead to the “pit loom” being developed (necessity being the mother of invention) whereby the weaver could be level with the loom while her legs were in the pit in the ground.

The warp-weighted loom has the vertical “warp” thread suspended from a branch or a tree and attached to the ground or weighted down as the name suggests. The “weft” thread (horizontal) would then be woven across the warp threads by hand or with the aid of a rod. A frame loom is based on the same principles as other looms with the addition of a frame enabling the loom to be carried easily.For the purposes of this discussion we will not delve into modern looms.Also required for the production of early rugs were a few more tools. The beating comb is much the same as our modern day comb,except it is of course much larger. It can be made of wood, bone, horn, metal or a combination of these. Its function is to compress the wefts lines to get the resulting tightly woven Persian rug or kilim. A knife or scissors are used for obvious reasons. The shuttle is a stick with notches in the ends. The weft end is put in the notch and the shuttle is inserted between alternate warps to produce a weave. However, most weavers prefer to do this with their own hands.

Persian rug materials

Fine rugs are always made with natural materials, cotton, wool and silk are the most common; silk being the most expensive of course and the most highly prized.The popularity of wool as the prime material used to make a Persian rug or kilim lies in its inherent properties. Wool is flexible, durable, readily takes on dyes and easy to handle when it is spun or woven. Also it must be noted that wool is readily available in the regions where Persian rugs and kilims are made due to the nomadic life of the peoples in these regions.

This is one of the intriguing characteristics of rug making peoples whereby the Persian rug or kilim can be ascertained to come from a certain tribe based on the wool that is used and the dye also. Some sheep’s wool is more highly sought after and makes a more lustrous Persian rug or kilim.

Cotton is commonly used for warps because its high strength makes it keep its shape. Also it retains its natural whiteness through the passage of time. A third reason is that as cotton can be spun into thin strands. Animal hair (goat, horse or camel) is used in the making of Persian or kilim rugs to create certain effects. Camel hair is sometimes used to give extra strength to a woolen rug. Horse hair is used to provide attractive bangs or tassels. Fine goat hair when mixed with wool gives a silky sheen. Silk will always be a luxurious material which is why silk rugs are rare but still produced. As part of a bride’s dowry a silk rug or kilim will be jealously treasured as a status symbol and protected as family wealth.

Gold or silver thread, beads and baubles and other decorative items may be included in the design of a Persian rug or kilim.

Persian Rugs |Kilims |Antiques.Enjoy the mystery of the past.

By Bill Kernodle Published: 10/29/2006

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Contemporary Designer Rugs For Stylish Decorating

If you haven’t already noticed, contemporary designer rugs are an item found in many homes today. People have the goal of making their home beautiful and comfortable with an area rug. Modern area rugs are a great decorative addition to your home or office.

Modern designer rugs are popular in domestic settings today. Many people are in search of a an ideal rug to beautify their living areas. Modern area rugs can add beauty to your home or office. They serve the purpose of adding color as well as shielding the floor from damage. Almost everyone will agree that a rug will be the perfect addition to any room.

You can visit many places to purchase contemporary designer rugs. However, with some research online, you can save time and energy, and you can look at hundreds of places that sell these modern area rugs. You will find all shapes, sizes, colors and designs from a large variety of rugs. Online shopping is the perfect way to find the perfect rug for your home.

Shag rugs are very versatile. They are a popular choice of rug because they are plush, cozy, soft, comfortable and durable. Shag rugs stand the test of time and will last until you change your decor. This rug will complement any room of your house. The hand made shag rug is very easy to clean and maintain.

There are many options when you are looking to purchase a contemporary designer rug. While these may cost a bit more than the unknown designers, they are that much more beautiful. These rugs are usually of a higher quality than lower cost rugs. These rugs are sure to be treasured and to last a very long time.

Contemporary designer rugs are usually designed to evoke a certain atmosphere within a room. While some rugs contain cool and soothing colors, others are created with warm and spirited colors. This means that you can find a rug to fit every single mood or room. While the ultimate choice lies in your preference, there is no shortage of choices in this market.

If you have children, you will want to look into area rugs that are made just for children. These are created just for kids, and may be resistant to stains or tearing. The bright colors make children fall in love with these rugs. Adding this kind of rug to your child’s room is always a great choice!

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The Creative Voice of The Nomads Shine Through in Their Tribal Rugs

Rug enthusiasts seek out these tribal rugs made by hand by the Nomads of Asia. They are one-of-a-kind, unique and beautiful creations. It takes approximately three months working full time, six days a week to hand-knot a 3′ x 5′ Kazak rug by the Nomads, and maybe longer.

Nomad Tribal Rugs: Going for Their Real Meaning

When you want to increase the value of your home, or add more beauty to your space, you can purchase a rug. There are many that you can find in the market, even in home improvement centers. They are all beautiful, elegant, and classy. But if you want to go for those oomph types of area rugs, you should learn to rummage for nomad tribal rugs.

As the name suggests, the manufacturers of these rugs don’t have any company to speak of. They don’t even have a website where they can sell their goods online (unless, of course, the tribe we are talking about is highly civilized). In other words, these are individuals who basically don’t have the technology available for them, but they can produce brightly colored intricately patterned area rugs. They only rely on their artistry and their relationship with their history and culture. Nevertheless, you should also not forget another adjective. They are nomads, which means they don’t get to stay in one place. They have to move around, in search for better life.

But how does being a nomad affect the rugs they produce?

Being a nomad pose certain limitations for them. First of all, they cannot work on large patterns, which will take them more than 3 months to complete. Hence, like Kazak rugs, they are not especially large. Besides, they need to carry everything—including the loom—once they start to travel. Second, if they want to gain some profit out of their creation, they should ensure themselves that they can finish their work before they settle in the other place. But they do not, so the rug midway goes along still attached to the loom. A 6′ x 8′ tribal rug is about the largest size they can manage for travel.

The good thing about owning a nomad tribal rug is that there is almost zero possibility that you can find the same pattern in the market. You may, however, find some that will try to replicate the design, as there are no copyrights to think about. But having the original will always be more valuable than the imitation.

Choices of Nomad Tribal Rugs

Almost every tribe in Asia and Europe has come up with their very own nomad tribal rug. Some of them, though, share the same characteristics. What you can do to make it more special is to go back to the history of the creator, or the place the rug was manufactured by hand-knotting. From there, you will be able to relate the patterns with the changes and events of those times.

Nomad tribal rugs can come from Peshawar, where the process is more of a means of honoring a very long tradition than producing something for retail. The materials used come from the environment they’re living in, such as wool and vegetable dye.

The Nomads speak to us through their rugs. It is their voice and their creative abilities to create these works of art. They are sought after by rug enthusiasts all over the world for their history, creative voice and beautiful bold colors and design.

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Andean Rugs

Andean Rugs are found throughout the Andes mountain range, but mostly in a couple of cities in the mountains of Ecuador. Experience the beauty and artistry displayed by the indigenous Indians of the region, especially in the town of Otavalo.

The Andean rugs, art, and tapestries crafted by the indigenous Indians of the Andes are like a window into the past and the history of these hardworking people. Every rug, picture, and tapestry is a “one of a kind” creation and a collectible. People all over the world value the beauty and craftsmanship of these very industrious people. These artistic treasures are for sale in many open air markets throughout the Andes. The largest market to find a selection of these crafts is in the market in Otavalo. For generations these Indians have produced these woven goods in their homes.

They raise the animals that yield the wool that they die naturally and then spin into yarn. They then weave these treasures through traditional techniques that have been used for generations. In my estimation this yields a timeless treasure that belongs in a Museum. It is almost a shame to walk on these rugs because they are so beautiful.

There are less expensive copies and “knock offs” that are marketed in other countries and over the internet but they are not the same as the originals. To find an original, one needs to fly to Ecuador and then travel from Quito, the capital to the town of Otavalo where one can attend the largest open air market in South America. Not only can you purchase rugs and tapestries, but you can buy livestock and all of the vegetables that your heart desires. Some of the more famous weavers have their own private shops in some of the neighboring villages. This seems like a lot of work to purchase one of these beautiful rugs or tapestries, but it is worth it. Or you could visit one of the web sites that sells Andean arte. andean arte

By Craig Gibson Published: 6/26/2008

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Area Rugs : Tips on How to Buy

Tips on how to buy an area rug that reflects your personal style. Ways to help you find the right rug to meet your needs buy looking at rug size, color and style.

purchase a new rug.

Do some research to find the right size for your needs. There are a few common sizes of rugs: 2’x 3’, 4’x6’, 5’x8’, 8’x10’ all of which work well in different scenarios. Let’s use this example: you want to buy a rug to fit under your coffee table in the living room. You want to make sure that the rug fits under the whole seating area, not just under the table itself. The rug should be under the front legs of the piece of furniture and typically extend about a foot around the table. You may find it helpful to mark these locations with masking tape or even lay down a newspaper to give you a visual of the area you think you’ll want to cover; it makes measuring a little easier. If you are thinking of putting a rug under your dining room table, make sure that you can pull out the chairs and still have them on the rug. Use the same principles for measuring to get the size you need. One of the most common reasons rugs are returned is that they are too small for the area they are intended for. If you’re on the fence, you may consider going to the next size up.

Colors are important for any aspect of home decoration, not just when it comes to picking an area rug. Area rugs can blend in to your existing decor or become a new focal point of a room. Colors can invoke emotions: reds give energy but can also create angry feelings, blue calls to mind feelings of calmness and security, green also has a calming effect and symbolizes nature, yellow is cheery, warm and grabs attention. Keep in mind if shopping online for a rug that screen resolution settings may vary causing the colors to not exactly what you see on the site. However, don’t avoid shopping online, many sites have lower prices than you could find in a store and the color descriptions given are pretty spot on.

The style of the rug is another factor to consider and there are many to choose from: contemporary, shag, traditional, braided, southwestern, the list goes on and on. This is perhaps where your personality is allowed to shine through the most. Every style has different patterns or characteristics that make them unique. If you have a modern loft a colorful, contemporary rug may be the best fit for you. Shag, or flokati rugs, also have a very modern feel. Traditional rugs may work best in a more formal area of the house. The important part of choosing the style of rug is to find a design that you like and blends in with your existing decor.

One final thing to keep in mind when considering an area rug for your home is the material of which the rug is made. Different materials stand up to wear and tear, sunlight and foot traffic differently. Find out what the rug is made of and do some research as to whether that material has qualities that will work in the space you are planning to put it in.

Area Rugs
Featuring Area Rugs from the top brands in a variety of styles- from contemporary to traditional- at every price point.

By Laura Winstead Published: 3/20/2008

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