Myths About Oriental Rugs

Are oriental rugs are identified only by design?
Design is only one of many components used to identify oriental rugs. We identify rugs by technical analysis that includes observation of the rug's materials, construction, dyes and design.

Do all oriental rugs appreciate in value?
Most post-World War II rugs do not appreciate in value, nor will most rugs purchased new today appreciate in value. Consumers most likely paid more for some rugs in the 50s, 60s and 70s than they are worth today.

Are all old rugs are worth a lot?
Age and condition are important when determining a rug's value. However, an old rug in poor condition is just an old rug. Also, an old rug in good condition may also be without value if it lacks artistic merit. Some old rugs are worth repairing and their value will increase with proper restoration.

Are Persian (Iranian) rugs are better than rugs from other countries?
Some older, traditional Persian rugs (pre-WWII), such as Ferahan Sarouk, Motashem Kashan, Tabriz, Bijar and Heriz tribal pieces, and other noteworthy examples will always have a market in the right conditions. Since the fall of the Shah of Iran in 1979 and the embargo on Persian goods in 1987 (lifted March 1999), other countries have improved and increased their output of rugs. The quality of Persian rugs since the 1960s has gradually deteriorated. It is my opinion that the quality will return slowly in smaller quantities and higher prices. They have a lot of catching up to do.

Is knot count the best indication of a rug's value?
The value of only a few Persian rugs, such as Nain and Isfahan, and silk rugs, is partially determined by knot count. New, mass produced rugs from China, India and Pakistan, vary in quality and design. Generally speaking, when these rugs are new they have more knots per square inch and a higher price per square foot. Once they are on the secondary market their value is not based on knot count.

Is it common for the latex on the back of a rug to deteriorate?
Latex is an adhesive that anchors tufts to the primary backing, adds dimensional stability, and attaches a secondary backing to the rug. Latex will commonly break down due to things like gases in the air, floor waxes, traffic, and sunlight. This deterioration will appear as bubbles, powdery residue, or backing seperation.

What are the various types of soils found in my rugs and carpet?
Soil found on a carpet can be classified as spots and stains; surface litter (paper, pet hair, lint, etc.); gritty unattached particles; and that which is adhering to the fibers. Surface litter can be picked up with a vacuum and typically does not stain or damage the rug or carpet. Most gritty, unattached soil is tracked in on the feet, and with time can cause damage to the rug or carpet. The gritty soil scratches and produces pits on fibers dulling them and shortening the life of the carpet. This type of soil should be vacuumed at least once a week to minimize damage. The third type of soil is adhering and is composed of sticky oils and greases containing tiny pieces of soil material. Professional cleaning can remove most of this type of soil, however, the longer oily soil remains on the fiber, the more difficult it is to remove. By definition, stains are permanment and spots are removeable.

What causes dye bleeding?
Dye bleeding occurs when a colored fiber loses dye while wet .There are many causes of dye bleeding, including but not limited to, defective dyes methods, after market "painting", sunlight, fumes, common chemicals and spotters,and pet urine. These defects may not be visible at the time of purchase. Once the dyes are weakened, they may run or bleed during cleaning. .

Why is the fringe on my rug darkening and wearing so quickly?

Rug fringes are the Achilles heal of rugs. They are prone to deterioration with normal use due to foot traffic, pre-market chemical washing, vacuuming, animals and other conditions. Over time, rug fringe will wear, untwist, bloom, fray and become rotten. . Bacause of their tenuous nature, cleaning may result in additional fringe lose. All rug fringe will wear out from normal use and care and may need to be replaced or refringed.

Why does my oriental rug have color variations that appear as horizontal bands?

Oriental rugs have many variations because they are hand-made rather than machine-made. Variations in surface coloration, knot density, pile height, shape and end finishes are what makes hand-woven rugs more interesting and spontaneous than mechanical, machine-made rugs. One of the most common characteristics of oriental rugs is a beautiful color variation known as “abrash.” These variations may appear as bands or horizontal bars and can vary from very subtle shade differences to distinct or even bold variations in certain colors of the rug. These distinct colorations are not defects but are characteristics of the many variables and dye lot differences that went into the weaving of the rug.

Is it common for the latex on the back of my rug to have areas of deterioration?

Latex glue is an adhesive material applied by the rug to anchor tufts to the primary backing, add dimensional stability, and to attach a secondary backing to the rug. This latex begins to deteriorate as soon as the rug is made. This breakdown is caused by gases in the air, floor waxes, traffic, sunlight and latex that is made with too many "fillers." The ingredients of the latex mixture, as well as the conditions under which it is used, influence the rate of this deterioration. However, the breakdown will occur eventually and may appear in the form of “bubbles”, powdery residue and backing separation. (ASCR, 1999).

Why did little white knots appear on the surface of my rug after cleaning?

White knots that appear on the surface of a rug are caused when breaks occur in the foundation while still on the loom. The breaks are spliced together with another piece of foundation yarn by tieing two knots at each end of the break. When a rug is new, the full length of the pile can obscure these white knots. Over time, however, foot traffic will reveal these knot as well a thorough cleaning. These knots they should never be cut as it will create a weakness in the foundation.