An informative guide on handmade Oriental carpets
If you’re in the market for a handmade Oriental rug, you should know as much as possible about what you are planning to buy. The more knowledgeable you are about the subject of Oriental rugs, the more you’ll get for your money. And, the greater will be your appreciation of the time, effort, and workmanship that went into your own personal work of art.
Learn the basics of construction
An Oriental rug is made on a frame called a loom. Columns of thread are stretched from the top to the bottom of the loom. Each column is called a warp. Once the warps are arranged up and down the loom, the weaver makes sideways rows. To do this, he merely takes a thread and passes it over the next until he comes to the end of the loom.
After making about 10 rows across the warps and pressing the rows close down to each other, the weaver is ready to do his main job. Using a piece of wool, he ties one or two warps together to the next one or two warps in the same row, and makes a knot.
The weaver works meticulously, knot by knot, row by row until he completes a magnificent, hand crafted Oriental rug.
Learn what happens before weaving begins
A weaver can only start his job after a design has been created. He needs to know the color of the wool he must use for each individual knot. So, first a design is conceived by a master designer. Then the design is plotted out in color on graph paper, with one square on the paper equal to one knot on the rug. This serves as the weaver’s guide.
Learn how to tell a handmade rug from one made by machine
If you’re planning on spending thousands or even tens of thousands on your purchase, you’re obviously going to buy a rug made by hand - not one that has been made by machine. Nevertheless, it’s worthwhile knowing how to distinguish between the two.
A sure way to tell the difference is by looking at the pile. Pile is the name for the strands of material that stand above the base of the rug. Spread the pile apart and look down. If you see knots at the bottom of the pile, the rug was made by hand. It’s that simple.
Just for the record, there’s also a sharpness and clarity to the design of a handmade product that can never be duplicated in a machine made rug. Also, the fringes are sewn on to either end of a machine-made rug.
Learn about the various names given to Persian and Oriental rugs and what they signify
Tabriz, Kashan, Mashed, Heriz, Bokhara, Qum, Isfahan, Sarouk, Kerman. These names tell you where a rug was made. Different areas are noted for different kinds of designs - florals, medallions, scenes or geometric patterns. Weavers in those various locales and cities use different kinds of knots and differing numbers of knots per square inch. They also use different kinds of wool or combinations of wool and silk.
Study your décor. Know the size of your room or wall
It will help you know what to look for.
Expect your rug to last more than one hundred years
Fine Oriental rugs can take an incredible amount of wear. With proper vacuuming and maintenance, your rug will last more than your lifetime. Your great-grandchildren will enjoy it as much as you do.
Buy on a trial basis only
Seeing a rug in a showroom is not the same as seeing a rug in your home. The rug may not match your décor as well as you thought or may simply not please you. In any event, make sure you can get your money back.
Deal with a reputable, long established firm.
Zaven Kish Oriental Rugs has been in business since 1937 in Memphis, owned and managed by the 3rd generation of our family.
Expect to pay more for an Oriental or Persian rug than for broadloom
Fine Oriental or Persian rugs are not inexpensive. But, they offer exceptional value because of their durability.
Buy a book on the lore of Persian rugs or get one from the library
Persian rugs have been made for about 3,000 years. There are many fascinating stories about them. If you want to purchase a book, we suggest "The Splendor of Persian Rugs" by E. Grans-Ruedin.
Buy for pleasure, as well as investment
Yes, some Oriental rugs have increased substantially in value. Yes, we live in inflationary times. Yes, you may sell your rugs for a profit in the future. But, the first reason for buying a fine rug is for enjoyment…the increase in value should not be your motivation.