Persian carpet is one of the most beautiful and everlasting elements in many homes all around the world. Persian handmade carpets are globally known for their breathtaking beauty as well as their high quality. In general, Iran is famous for its hand-knotted carpets and carpets are almost always associated with the name of Iran. This kind of carpet is thinner, finer and lighter than machine-woven ones and their value increases with the passage of time leading to their cost being up to millions of dollars. Despite its reputation, authenticity and history, only few buyers are truly aware of the key features needed to be looked for in handmade carpets. So, what are the items to consider before making any purchases when it comes to this marvel? While it seems like an expert’s job to choose the best quality carpet, ordinary buyers can also benefit from knowing some of these distinguishing characters. Here, we will try to get you acquainted with these key features. So, next time you are purchasing a handmade carpets try to have these simple tips in mind.
Persian carpet designs
In general, there are three main designs when it comes to Persian carpet, Toranj, Kheshti and Afshan. Among these, Lechak Toranj design is the most popular. It usually includes a thick margin accompanied with a circular or oval pattern in the center.
A gorgeous and radiant look
The pile in handmade carpets looks smother, more radiant and attractive than machine-made one from both close by and far away. This is because, this elaborate handmade masterpiece is created knot by knot by Iranian artists and so it is absolutely stunning to look at. The huge amount of time and energy spent on each and every handmade carpet is the reason why it is so unique and priceless. This is also the main reason why it costs more than the machine-made types.
Dimensions of the carpet
The fact that dimensions of handmade carpets may vary by up to a few centimeters (3%) is a feature of the type of rugs. It should also be noted that this is mostly seen in smaller rugs. To check the symmetry of your handmade carpet, you can simply fold them in half.
Color consistency and symmetry
Another important factor that should be considered when choosing a handmade carpet is color consistency. To do this, check the symmetrical parts of the carpet under natural light to make sure the color is consistent and has not faded in some parts. However, remember that the colors appear darker while the pile is laying toward the observer. Also, it’s important to check the margins, shapes and geometry of the design to make sure they are complete and symmetrical.
Symmetry of carpets
Originality of the carpet
When choosing a handmade carpet, identifying whether it is original or not is of great importance. Some weaver may use amateurish or even fake patterns which adversely affects the cost of the carpet. Persian handmade carpets typically have an elaborate pattern. This also applies to colors being used. In original handmade carpets, certain colors are used with quite specific dark or light grades.
Pile in handmade carpet
Piles in handmade carpets usually have a shinier and smoother appearance. Remember that, cleaning up a carpets with rough piles would be much more difficult. Handmade carpets cannot be vacuumed like machine-made ones as this could damage their beauty. So, as cleaning them up is a delicate task itself, if the pile is rough it may become an issue. So make sure to check smoothness of the pile prior to making any purchases.
Natural fibers and colors
To ensure use of natural dyes in a handmade carpet, you can simply drag a wet napkin against the front side of it; if the napkin is stained, synthetic dyes have been used. Another key feature of handmade carpets is that they are woven using natural fibers like wool, silk, etc.
Natural fibers contribute to better health as their materials are non-toxic and extracted from the nature. While, synthetic fibers may provoke allergies and are not recommended to customers who suffer from diseases such as asthma. Plus, Static electricity is not a problem in handmade carpets as it is rarely produced.
A big variety of design and colors
Various designs and colors of handmade carpets provide you with an opportunity to choose the perfect carpet which would bring joy to your home. You can go for warmer or colder colors as well as simpler or more elaborate patterns, depending on your taste and home decor.
Back side of the carpet
The backside of a carpet can reflect some features. For instance, the knot count or density of the knots is directly proportional to the quality of carpet. Finer knots result in a greater density and the denser the carpet, the higher its quality. This is determined by looking at the back of the carpet.
You should also check the order of the knots to avoid problem such as lines not being woven straightly or some lines being missed. This is quite easy to notice by looking at the back of the carpet.
Life and longevity
Life and durability is another feature of handmade carpets to be considered. As, this type of carpet is more durable it can be washed and cleaned more frequently without being damaged. In fact, the beauty of the handmade carpets is increased by being washed, being exposed to light and being walk on.This is more specifically seen in carpets with natural dyes. As a result, the financial and artistic value of handmade carpets will increase over time.
A work of art
Persian handmade carpet, this magnificent piece of art, is quite fine, elegant and light. The passage of time does not adversely affect its condition and financial value; it is quite the opposite and actually betters them.
The tips presented here are those you need to know before choosing a handmade carpet; because many small details contribute to the financial value of it. In this article, some of these factors such as life and longevity, pile of the carpets, symmetry and originality, are mentioned which should be considered before making any purchases.