The ABC's of
Oriental Rugs
Oriental rugs have enchanted and fascinated owners and viewers
throughout the world for centuries. Their painstaking
craftsmanship, enchanting patterns and magical beauty
captivate everyone. They are dreams made incarnate...twisting
labyrinths of flowers, mystical animals and ancient symbols.
The
traditional patterns have been handed down through countless
generations. Yet they are infused with individuality
when a weaver sits down at the loom and creates his own
interpretation of the dictates of history.
They
are the embodiment of beauty, and when we open ourselves to
their message and take delight in their exotic designs, we
enrich our lives immeasurably.
What Is An
Oriental Rug?
When
stripped of the age-old mystique of magic carpets, Oriental
rugs can be defined as a hand woven rug of natural fiber made
in geographical areas that include the Near East, Middle East,
Far East and the Balkans. True Oriental rugs also share
a common characteristic - the manner in which they're made.
Oriental Rugs are either flat-woven or hand-knotted, threads
form both the rug itself and the design. In hand-knotted
rugs, strands of yarn are tied into the flat-woven fabric,
creating a pile and pattern.
Like
any fine work of art, Oriental rugs appreciate with the
passage of time. During their 2,000 year history,
Oriental rugs have been a standard of luxury and have proved
countless times their value increases over the years.
Antique
rugs are generally the most valuable Orientals. The
reason is twofold: they have a proven record of appreciation
because of their increasing scarcity, and the passage of time
has mellowed and enhanced their beautiful colors.
Collectors prize them not only for investment potential but
also for their loveliness.
A good
quality genuine Oriental rug, properly cared for, can last a
lifetime, often enduring to the handed down to the next
generation. Naturally, when one makes a life-long
purchase of such significance, it is necessary to have a
working knowledge of the product, but with the beginner in
mind, here is a very introductory primers of what factors
affect the value of an Oriental Rug.
AGE:
If you are buying an antique (100 years or more) or
semi-antique (50-75 years old), be sure to examine it
thoroughly. Check for moth damage, stains, brittleness,
patches and repairs. Any damage lowers the value of an
antique rug, although skillfully made repairs will not have a
great impact on the value. As location is to Real
Estate, condition is to the valuations of an Oriental Rug.
BEAUTY: Genuine Oriental Rugs are works of art.
The labor involved is as exacting as that of fine sculpture
and the beauty of the piece is often as personally
interpreted. Still it is valid to say that the overall
beauty of the piece is a determining factor in value.
CONSTRUCTION:
Many Oriental Rugs are categorized by knots per square inch.
The high the knot count, the finer the rug. The
materials employed in the rug whether it is all silk, all
wood, cotton foundation and wool pile or some other
combination help define the value and predict the longevity of
the rug.
DESIGN:
Once upon a time, a rug's design could identify its country of
manufacture. As the world has become increasingly global
in trade, the distinct lines of production have blurred.
Artists borrow inspiration from the world around them,
including the rugs they see from other lands. Popular
designs have been adapted to be reproduced for all the world
to share. It may required an expert eye to identify a
rug's origin.
Click here for Tips for Buying
Oriental Rugs
for Investment Purposes
