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What Is That Color?
Before the late 1800's, antique rugs were hand woven and hand dyed using vegetable dyes. Some artisans who hand loom or hand tie knotted rugs still use vegetable dyes to dye the fibers of the rugs, but chemical dyes create a more even coloring and offer a wide variety of color options that are more difficult to achieve with vegetable dye baths. Though many individuals often associate chemicals with negative connotations, the chemical dye baths used to color modern area rugs are no more harmful than most of the vegetable dye baths that have been used throughout the centuries. Modern chemical dyes are often even more safe for the natural fibers that make up the rug than some vegetable dyes. The vegetable dye bath sometimes used in rural areas to make hand woven and hand dyed antique Persian rugs was often a very corrosive substance that ate away at the natural wool fibers that it colored, thus significantly shortening the lifespan of the rugs.
While chemical dyeing had become quite standard over time since first introduced in the late 1800's, Turkish rug makers revitalized the use of vegetable dyes during the 1960's. The use of natural materials to create vibrant colors for rugs was quickly rejuvenated, and spread throughout the region through the late 20th century. Now both synthetic dyes and natural dyes are widely used, often at the same time by many rug artisans. Though the Turkish government did attempt to cease the use of synthetic dyes in the 19th century, the regulations were not to much avail. When the use of natural dyes reemerged, both types of dyes remained in heavy use. There does not seem to be an industry standard as to which type of dye is necessarily superior and creates a superior product. This is likely at least partially due to the fact that the hand-made rug industry is in many ways, still a cottage industry, practiced by individuals and collectives in remote villages throughout the Persian region.
The items used to make natural dye baths have changed over the years as different plants and insects have been found to yield different dyeing results. Traditionally, the bright reds and orangey reds in most antique Persian rugs are not made from vegetable dyes at all. Instead, the reds and oranges found in so many antique rugs are created by boiling insect carapaces. Reds are also commonly derived by powdering the root of the madder plant, then turning it into a dye bath by mixing it in water.
It can be difficult for the untrained eye to determine whether an antique rug is dyed with synthetic or natural dyes, or possibly a combination of both. If a rug predates the late 19th century, then it is certainly colored with vegetable dyes, as synthetic dyes did not come into existence until then. The majority of rugs made between the late 1800's and the 1960's used chemical dyes. Newer rugs run the gambit-- even those hand tied in rural areas might be colored using synthetic dyes.
Antique rug, investment or decoration?
Many collectors will talk about the age
and distinction of an Antique rug,
but as with any antique object its value is only what someone will pay for it.
The average customer needs to remember an Antique rug is first and foremost a
decorative object. Just as a cars primary function is to move one from place to
place; an antique rug should be bought to compliment the room it will go into.
Quality is important. Just as one wants
a car that will retain its value, a rug and can should stand up to normal use.
Antique rugs are generally at least 50-80 years old and due consideration
should be made to ensure they are in good condition. If the underlying warp and
weft threads are showing wear and tear or do not seem to be firmly woven, then
the pile of the rug can come off and destroy the entire rug. If the woolen pile
is not tied or woven tightly enough, it can also come off during normal use.
Fringe is the most susceptible to damage
as it is generally made from the same type of fiber as the warp and weft but
lacks the protection of the woolen pile. Care when cleaning the fringe is very
important. Vacuum cleaners can pull at individual threads. Brushing the fringe
also can pull apart the spun fibers and lead to further deterioration. The
fringe may over time need to be replaced; always contact a reputable dealer of
persian rugs for this fringe to maintain the overall value.
If the antique rug is particularly old or
valuable then hanging it might be more practical than putting it on the floor
where gravity pulls most dirt and debris. Investment grade rugs are very rare,
and most buyers will rather be looking at a decorative floor item. Be sure to
look at the rug from the correct perspective. One would not want to buy a car
too fancy to drive on a regular basis. Don’t let the idea that this rug is an
investment cloud good judgment.
A valuable, naturally-dyed antique rug
might be a good investment, but if the room is full of modern bright colors, it
may not look right. Go to as many reputable shops as one can before making a
final decision. Varieties of color and styles can be found even among antique
rugs and limiting your selection to one shop isn’t good from either a
decoration or investment strategy. A
good quality antique rug should last one longer than a car, and if it is taken
care of will become a family heirloom.
Proper care should include rotating the
rug and spot cleaning any spills quickly with water or club soda. Occasionally
beating the antique rug outside to
dislodge dirt and debris from the pile might be more gentle on the edges and
fringe than running a vacuum over it.
Take time to move the rug around seasonally to prevent wear patterns from forming. This will give one the chance to keep the rooms style updated and the rug in good condition.
The Importance of Persian Rugs in History
The Persian Empire, also referred to as the Achaemenid Empire, spanned parts of Asia, Africa, and Europe. At its peak, the Persian Empire was the largest empire in recorded history. Known to exist circa 550 to 330 BCE, the Persian Empire is credited with the creation of many culturally rich artistic works, including antique Persian carpets.
Ancient Persians are renowned for the creation of a method of weaving dyed wool fibers into antique rugs that are true works of art. The sturdiness and beauty of these rugs quickly made them sought after for regions far distant from the Persian Empire. Persian rugs became the number one export of the region, and persist today as one of the top money making exports for the Iranian nation. Historically, Persian rugs turned simple weavers into wealthy artists, and created an ongoing trade income for the region.
It was during the Zoroasterian period, around the 5th century BCE, that wool and silk woven Persian rugs became extremely popular with rulers and royalty. But antique Persian rugs also have historical importance for religious reasons. The 8th century AD saw the rise of Islam, and Persian carpets were put to a new use. Whereas the courts had preferred large, room sized rugs, practicing Islamists needed smaller, more portable carpets for use as prayer mats. During this part in Persian rug history, the rug designs began to incorporate design elements from varying regions. Scrolling vines, medallions, and figural designs became particularly prevalent. Figural designs were popular with people in Islamic regions then. This preference hasn’t changed much, and more Persian rugs with figural designs exist in Iran than are exported elsewhere in the world.
Hand and loom weaving are still prevalent methods of creating Persian rugs, though mechanized manufacturing turns out more, and less expensive rugs than does hand creation. However, hand weaving developed differently in different regions of Persia, and many people still pass down this knowledge to their children as a means of preserving historical culture. It is generally believed that modern Persian rugs are not as strong as antique Persian rugs, though many of the hand weaving processes are the same that have been used for thousands of years. The change in quality is thought to be related to the quality of the raw materials available. Where special sheep were once raised to produce superior wool for use in the carpets, that practice is rare in modern times.
Antique Persian rugs are often sought for their beauty, but they are a rich part of history. The art of creating quality wool and silk, hand woven rugs is responsible for bringing much ongoing wealth to the Persian region. Even small villages with few resources are able to continue to thrive because Persian rugs are a lucrative export. When shopping for an antique Persian rug, consider more than the design—consider the history it has helped to create.
Antique Rug Fringe is More Than Just for Looks
Most antique rugs have fringe on the ends. This is common in antique Persian rugs, antique Oushak rugs, and even many new oriental rugs have fringed ends. Though many owners like the look that this fringe creates, many others do not care for it much at all. Carpet fringe gets dirty and is difficult to spot clean. Fringed ends often get caught in vacuums (tip: vacuum side to side instead of lengthwise to avoid this problem), and caught damage to the precious antique rug that was so carefully selected and purchased. Many customers lament that it is difficult to find rugs, antique rugs in particular, that do not have fringed ends.
What many people may not know is that the fringed ends of antique rugs serve a purpose, which is why fringed ends are so very common. The fringed ends of antique rugs are essentially the skeleton of the rug. Each individual tassel is made of fibers that run through the rug to the other side, where they come out and are tied off into another tassel. The fringe is a series of knots, or tassels, that help hold the entire weaving of the rug in place.
Of course, being vital to the wellbeing and longevity of the rug does not make fringe tassels any less of a cleaning and care hassle. Getting caught in vacuums tears the threads and damages the entire skeleton of the antique rug. Walking on them wears the threads out, and gets them dirty. Tasseled fringe is one of the most common parts of an antique rug that need repair and replacement.
A quality antique rug company can easily take care of any repairs or replacements that a tasseled fringe might need. Both repairs and replacements of antique rug fringe usually start with stitching up the end of the rug to ensure that the skeleton fibers stay in place and intact. Once the overcast stitching is completed, new tassels can be sewn on in place of tassels that are worn out, using careful hand sewing techniques. Hand sewing is important as it helps ensure that the integrity of the antique rug is kept intact. The new fringe is usually put over top of the existing fringe base, and the worn fringe is often trimmed quite short to maintain the look of the carpet. Overlaying new fringe not only refreshes the look of the rug, but it also helps protect the rug edges from additional wear.
Antique rug fringe tassels do take a bit of maintenance and care in order to ensure that the integrity of the rug's fiber weaving remains intact. Though fringe can be a hassle when it comes to cleaning and care, worn fringe must be replaced by antique rug experts. Without maintenance and necessary replacements, the entire skeleton of the antique rug can unravel, leaving the owner with a mess of strings instead of a beautiful antique rug that will last.
The Qualities of Antique Oushak Rugs
Antique Oushak Rugs are a beautiful and unique classification of old rugs named after the city of Usak in Turkey. These carpets are known for being made with great attention to detail and quality, and are steeped in a rich historical tradition. Though many people are not as familiar with Oushak carpets as they are with the Persian counterparts, the rugs are considered to be some of the finest Oriental rugs available. They make a lovely addition to a home’s décor, and knowing more about the characteristics of these floor coverings can be helpful when researching purchasing options.
The history of Antique Oushak Rugs reaches back to the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. Many of the true masterpieces of these old rugs from that time period have been classified as Oushak in origin. The name derives from the city of Usak, as this city was one of the largest in the region of Western Anatolia, where the carpets were made. The patterns common to these floor coverings were made in other regions as well, but are largely attributed to that area. There was a period of decline in the production of rugs from this area during the seventeenth century, as many European markets were choosing to go with rugs created in Europe. When interest re-emerged in these Antique Oushak Rugs in the nineteenth century, the region adapted its techniques, sizes, and designs to become what is most commonly associated with these old rugs today.
Antique Oushak Rugs are most commonly recognized by the distinctive star and medallion patterns that many of them employ. The rugs are created with sumptuous colors, commonly with a soft red as a primary color with bright backgrounds. As the rugs progressed, Persian rug traditions such as floral patterns also became available, as well as a wider range of sizes to suit a broader market. The old rugs are woven with their characteristic high quality, silky wool that brings out the vibrant, unique colors and creates a product that holds up well and ages beautifully over time.
The history and qualities of these floor coverings show an attention to detail and durability that can be a good jumping off point to learning more about carpet choices. When looking for an old rug to use in the decoration of a room in a home, looking toward the various options available can provide a great deal of variety for a purchaser. The unique characteristics of each type of carpet available brings forth an avenue for any design style that fits with the room’s needs. With a beautiful range of design and size options available in Antique Oushak Rugs, they are a valuable avenue to consider when making a buying decision.
Consulting an Antique Rug Dealer
When searching for antique rugs, consulting with an antique rug dealer can be a helpful avenue to making sure the purchase will be enjoyed for years to come. As an antique rug dealer has often specialized for years in this area, they can provide useful guidance and information when navigating the decision making process for what is often a focal decorative item in the home. Asking questions about the size, quality, and price options available in antique rugs is a good start in finding the perfect rug for any home.
When looking for a rug, one of the most important factors would be the size. An antique rug dealer will be best able to help in this regard if he or she is provided with proper measurements. It is vital that accurate measurements for the intended floor space covering to be taken, as guessing can lead to the buyer coming home with a rug that is much too small to properly fill the space, or even worse, one that is too large for the room. The size of these carpets is dependent upon the size of the room, and the intended furniture in the room, so measuring the available space will make it possible to get the product that is best for its intended use.
The quality of antique rugs is an important factor to research properly when deciding on a purchase. Quality is often referred to in terms of how closely the fabric is knotted, expressed in terms of knots per square inch. The higher quality rugs will have a larger number of knots per square inch, creating a denser material that can hold up better over time. Beyond the actual techniques used in the carpet, the quality of the materials will determine how well the item wears, as well as the comfort in can provide. Some rugs use higher quality wools in their construction, cause them to age better and more beautifully than their lower quality counterparts. An antique rug dealer can be helpful in navigating these characteristics so that the purchasers can be sure they are getting the home accent that will last them for years to come.
Finally, price will play a role in the process of making a decision about what rug would be ultimately best for a home’s needs. Antique rugs are available in a wide range of price points and can be chosen to fit many budgets. Of course, higher quality, older, and larger rugs will be more expensive than lower quality, newer, or smaller counterparts. The expense can be worth it for achieving the desired look and durability of a carpet, which makes careful financial considerations of the options a must. Whatever the desired outcome in an antique rug, working with an antique rug dealer can be a great resource in making a decision.
History of Antique Persian Rugs
Antique
rugs can add a look of warmth and elegance to a home’s décor. The beautiful, rich colors and patterns of an
antique Persian rug makes these items among the most well known floor coverings
available. As wonderfully detailed as
these woven masterpieces tend to be, so is the history of their existence.
The art of carpet weaving can be traced through recorded
history. The first written documentation
of antique Persian rugs appeared
in Chinese writings from over 1500 years ago.
An unusual archeological find in 1949 of remnants of what is called the
Pazyryk carpet was found to be over two thousand years old. Though examination of this carpet indicated a
long history of developing advanced weaving techniques, such ancient finds are
unusual due to the properties of natural fiber, which degrades over time. In what remnants that have been found from so
long ago, it is often difficult to tell much about the weaving techniques or
patterns because of their worn out nature.
As techniques and trends changed over time, little is known about the
true origins of these old rugs. As time
progressed, wool and silk antique Persian rugs were valued by royalty and
sometimes cut into fragments to distribute among victorious soldiers as spoils
of war. These carpets were not only floor coverings, but used as wall
decorations and status symbols.
Though
historians believe that most aspects of the creation of these carpets has been
altered slightly over time, the most common materials for the rugs has stayed
the same. Wool and silk are the desired
materials in the newer as well as the antique rugs. Wool carpets are the most common, as silk is
not as durable. The rich history
surrounding the creation of these floor coverings are a large part of the
surprising variety and complexity of the patterns available on the old rugs. The decorative representations of a multitude
of cultural and historical elements make antique Persian rugs a desirable home
accent. Common motifs present include
architecture, plant life, geometric patterns, and other all-over patterns that
make each rug special.
Antique rugs have
traditionally been woven by hand, which is a part of why they have been
considered so valuable. Depending on the
skill and experience of the weaver, rugs can have a wide range of complexity
and quality. The highest quality rugs,
of course, would require more time to complete.
The increased time taken to make the rug by hand meant that each work of
art would take months to complete. When
looking for the perfect rug, research and contact with an antique rug dealer
online or in person can help find the right accent for the home.
Designing a Room With an Antique Rug
Designing a new room or giving a room in need of revitalization a makeover can be challenging. With so many design styles and personal preferences, the choices can get overwhelming very easily. Fortunately, whether the goal of the room is to feel traditional or eclectic, cozy or romantic, often the easiest way to begin planning the room is the use of an antique rug.
No matter the desired look, a vintage or antique rug can be found to tie together a design concept in a room. The popular Persian floor coverings from bygone eras were made in a wide range of sumptuous colors with intricate patterning. These woven works of art can be found in a variety of patterns that depict architecture, plant life, and geometric designs, among many others. Another fine example of beautiful floor coverings are antique Oushak rugs. These often display star and medallion prints in luminous colors that have the effect of warming and enlivening a living space.
The benefits of designing a room around a beautiful floor accent do not end with adding color and pattern. The use of a antique rugs in a space have the tendency to dampen excess noise by preventing sounds from echoing off bare floors. Also, they create a sense of intimacy to conversational spaces and comfort to reflective spaces. The use of coordinating colors in accessories can tie together the room into a cohesive whole that will be inviting and purposeful, no matter the intended use of the area.
When working in a large room, the use of more than one antique rug is possible, and often necessary. The use of multiple mattings can create spaces for separate purposes within one large area. By coordinating the rugs through similar patterns or colors that work well together, a room will look polished and together, even within its multiple separate areas.
An important step before choosing the rug is to know the measurements of the room. Area rugs look best when the bare floor around them can be used as a border, so it is best to keep them from touching the wall in the room. Setting them too closely to other patterned floor accents can also have the effect of causing guests eyes to spend more time looking at the floor than enjoying the visit. After measuring the room, it is easier to determine the size, pattern, and number of rugs that will work well within the space. Then it is easier to determine the other pieces and accents in the room. Using an antique rug as a base makes decorating a room an enjoyable experience and creates a finished product that can be appreciated for years.
Go Green with Antique Oushak Rugs
Reminders to reduce, reuse, and recycle are everywhere. Recycling programs are in most schools and businesses, and new technologies in energy efficiency are making it easier than ever for homes to be comfortable and use less energy. Local, state, and federal governments offer more and more incentives for businesses and homeowners alike to invest in energy efficiency.
Reusing is the best possible way to recycle. By simply reusing, it keeps materials out of landfills, and cuts down on energy costs because the item doesn't have to be processed and cleaned. Decorating with antique Oushak rugs is a healthy way to reuse items that are already Earth-friendly.
Antique Oushak rugs are made of natural fibers including sheep and alpaca wool. The wool in antique rugs has most often been processed into useable fibers by hand and without the use of toxic chemicals. Oushak rugs are traditionally dyed with natural vegetable dyes which also do not contain harmful chemicals. Wool and vegetable dyes are hardy materials that last even through continuous heavy use, which is why antique Oushak rugs are highly sought after for home and office interior design.
Antique Oushak rugs have been knotted by hand by artisans in the Oushak region of Turkey. Non-electric hand looms have also been used historically, though loom use is a more modern way of working. New Oushak rugs can be purchased from Fair Trade organizations that work to ensure that the artisans who spend hours upon hours designing and hand knotting floor mats for export to other countries' interior design markets receive a fair price for their efforts and materials. If antique rugs that suit the room design cannot be found, new rugs made through Fair Trade efforts are an eco-friendly and socially responsible way to go. Purchasing antique rugs is also eco-friendly in that no new materials have to be obtained. This means fewer livestock need to be raised, which means less deforestation to make room for herds.
Rugs made of natural fibers, and dyed with natural vegetable dyes, and manufactured by hand without the use of plastics and chemicals do not give off noxious chemicals as they degrade over time. Of course, antique wool rugs do not degrade very quickly at all, which is why so many are still available. Using rugs that do not give off chemicals is important for the health and safety of the persons who use the rug. It also helps improve air quality, which is better for lungs.
Reusing is the best possible way to recycle, and being green includes considering the methods used in manufacturing as well as the effects on indoor air quality and other indoor health hazards. Natural wool rugs are a great decorating choice for eco-conscience shoppers, and antique Oushak rugs offer a great way to recycle as well.
Reusing is the best possible way to recycle. By simply reusing, it keeps materials out of landfills, and cuts down on energy costs because the item doesn't have to be processed and cleaned. Decorating with antique Oushak rugs is a healthy way to reuse items that are already Earth-friendly.
Antique Oushak rugs are made of natural fibers including sheep and alpaca wool. The wool in antique rugs has most often been processed into useable fibers by hand and without the use of toxic chemicals. Oushak rugs are traditionally dyed with natural vegetable dyes which also do not contain harmful chemicals. Wool and vegetable dyes are hardy materials that last even through continuous heavy use, which is why antique Oushak rugs are highly sought after for home and office interior design.
Antique Oushak rugs have been knotted by hand by artisans in the Oushak region of Turkey. Non-electric hand looms have also been used historically, though loom use is a more modern way of working. New Oushak rugs can be purchased from Fair Trade organizations that work to ensure that the artisans who spend hours upon hours designing and hand knotting floor mats for export to other countries' interior design markets receive a fair price for their efforts and materials. If antique rugs that suit the room design cannot be found, new rugs made through Fair Trade efforts are an eco-friendly and socially responsible way to go. Purchasing antique rugs is also eco-friendly in that no new materials have to be obtained. This means fewer livestock need to be raised, which means less deforestation to make room for herds.
Rugs made of natural fibers, and dyed with natural vegetable dyes, and manufactured by hand without the use of plastics and chemicals do not give off noxious chemicals as they degrade over time. Of course, antique wool rugs do not degrade very quickly at all, which is why so many are still available. Using rugs that do not give off chemicals is important for the health and safety of the persons who use the rug. It also helps improve air quality, which is better for lungs.
Reusing is the best possible way to recycle, and being green includes considering the methods used in manufacturing as well as the effects on indoor air quality and other indoor health hazards. Natural wool rugs are a great decorating choice for eco-conscience shoppers, and antique Oushak rugs offer a great way to recycle as well.
Antique Rug Dyes
In the old rug workshops during the Persian Empire, professional weavers decided on design styles based on the demands of the market, and the color choices available. Certain plants were needed to produce the dyes, and what designs a weaver could make depended on which kind of vegetables grew in their area or that they could afford to buy.
It wasn't until the mid-nineteenth century that chemical dying agents were widely available. Although they are much cheaper and sometimes, at first glance, more vibrant, chemical dyes lack something that the older, natural dyes had. Natural dyes, especially indigo ones, preserve the wool and age just wonderfully. They can create glorious blends of color, and a gorgeous variation in tone. Because hand-spun wool has that little extra heterogeneity in it, it absorbs dye colors at slightly differential rates, resulting in a less even color-tone and more richness in the pattern.
The variability in color is referred to as "abrash", and it adds a hominess and authenticity to any Persian rug or tribal rug. In fact, this old-timey quality is now being recaptures in a re-naturalization movement that brings industrial weaving back to its roots with hand-spinning and hand-dying of materials. A method that could only be found in antique rugs of centuries past is now being produced again.
It wasn't until the mid-nineteenth century that chemical dying agents were widely available. Although they are much cheaper and sometimes, at first glance, more vibrant, chemical dyes lack something that the older, natural dyes had. Natural dyes, especially indigo ones, preserve the wool and age just wonderfully. They can create glorious blends of color, and a gorgeous variation in tone. Because hand-spun wool has that little extra heterogeneity in it, it absorbs dye colors at slightly differential rates, resulting in a less even color-tone and more richness in the pattern.
The variability in color is referred to as "abrash", and it adds a hominess and authenticity to any Persian rug or tribal rug. In fact, this old-timey quality is now being recaptures in a re-naturalization movement that brings industrial weaving back to its roots with hand-spinning and hand-dying of materials. A method that could only be found in antique rugs of centuries past is now being produced again.
More on Persian Rug History
Starting from when the Safavid rulers, we have concrete proof that Persians rugs were being produced not only in rural villages and among nomadic tribes, but in major trade centers as well.
In fact, historians have more than fifteen hundred examples of antique rugs from this era, preserved in private collections, palaces, and museums.
Shah Tahmasp , who came to power in 1524 when he was just twelve years old, became a huge patron of the arts and of Persian rugs in particular. His palace was a happening place for sculptors, painters, and master weavers. Although he did not form a workshop for weaving in the court itself, he helped fund production groups throughout the city and all around Persia.
Due to this diversity, some of the best and most intricate examples are from this Safavid period, and were often dispersed throughout the world as royal gifts. Trade, crafts, and commerce prospered during this time, and the Persian carpet made inroads in Europe and quickly became very popular and a chic new way for European royals and courtiers to show off their wealth. They were especially fond of the more ostentatious silk and gold-thread carpets, and thus these forms of the art flourished.
What is an Antique Rug?
What makes an antique rug an antique besides age?
The process by which old rugs were made is different from how they are
made in factories nowadays. A nine by twelve hand-woven rug would take no less
than three thousand hours of weaving. That's not even including the amount of
time it takes to prepare, dye, and design the pattern, or the spin the wool and
set the loom.
Antique rugs are generally hand-woven on a loom. In the old days,
especially in rural areas where nomadic rug-making was born, these looms were
made of wood and probably weren't perfectly straight.
A loom is strung with threads running vertically called warps. (The
warps are generally wool, cotton, or silk.) Then one ties a loop around the
first pair of warps to create the first knots. One by one the knots are made,
altering color to weave the design. The knots are created row by row, and at
the end of a row, what's called the weft is inserted to hold the structure
while the next row is knotted. And so on.
Many former nomadic or pastoral weavers of yesteryears are now in villages, and many of those are now in cities. But i a rug is truly antique, it must have been made in this fashion or in a similar way- not the high-speed metal factory-work that you find in modern times.
Antique Rug Dealer
The antique rug industry is a world in which rich history, function, and style collide. Trying to figure out fair pricing and good quality in that mix of goals can be tricky. Age is not necessarily the sole indicator of what you should be paying, as much as we'd like to think "oh, the older, the better!" For example, the nineteenth century actually produced Persian rugs that are almost priceless, while many older works were not of such high quality. The material used is also not always a straight indicator- a wool isn't always inferior to a silk. It is a combination of materials, craftsmanship, style, and design methods that contribute to that aspect of price determination.
And of course, individual aesethics and simple supply and demand also alter the prices. Therefore, rarity and current trends will also cause prices to fluctuate over time, sometimes almost nonsensically. What might be all the rage this year (thanks, perhaps to a celebrity endorsment) might be passé by next season.
Antique rugs are odd in that they are a functional piece of furniture, art, and a financial investment all rolled into one. It requires an experienced, smart, and resourceful antique rug dealer to get the prices his wares deserve, and find the right pieces for customers at reasonable prices.
Antique Rug History
The general public tends to be pretty oblivious to the world of antique rugs and the culture and history surrounding Persian rugs in particular.
Antique rugs are so much more than just furnishings, or something to put on the floor. They are works of art that have a unique history woven into the knots. Learning about antique rugs can be just as demanding a discipline as learning painting history, or the history of ballet.
First of all, what does the term "antique" even refer to? obviously it means they're old rugs, that much is clear. But at what point does a rug classify as being old enough to be antique, not just vintage? Vintage rug usually refers to something from this century, while antique usually means at least a century or two old. Antique also generally means that they are handmade and not produced in large factories, and that they used natural dyes. They reflect a mostly-eradicated practice of creating each piece as an individual work, instead of on an assembly line. Remnants of this way of production can still be found in Iran and other places, but for the most part these techniques have been supplanted by the cheaper, more efficient production of modern industry.
The unique, handmade designs reflected the socio-cultural details of the period they came from, and this only adds to their mystique and value as an important part of a historical narrative.
Antique rugs are so much more than just furnishings, or something to put on the floor. They are works of art that have a unique history woven into the knots. Learning about antique rugs can be just as demanding a discipline as learning painting history, or the history of ballet.
First of all, what does the term "antique" even refer to? obviously it means they're old rugs, that much is clear. But at what point does a rug classify as being old enough to be antique, not just vintage? Vintage rug usually refers to something from this century, while antique usually means at least a century or two old. Antique also generally means that they are handmade and not produced in large factories, and that they used natural dyes. They reflect a mostly-eradicated practice of creating each piece as an individual work, instead of on an assembly line. Remnants of this way of production can still be found in Iran and other places, but for the most part these techniques have been supplanted by the cheaper, more efficient production of modern industry.
The unique, handmade designs reflected the socio-cultural details of the period they came from, and this only adds to their mystique and value as an important part of a historical narrative.
Persian Rugs Through the Ages (Part two)
In 1219, the Persian Empire was largely decimated by the brutal conquest of Genghis Khan. The Mongol invaders did not allow for the continuation of their traditional arts, including Persian rugs. It's postulated that throughout this era, making of now antique rugs was limited to nomads and indigenous tribes, and the royal courts lost many of their gorgeous old rugs.
Many cities were sacked and it's likely that many works of art were destroyed. Mongols ruled in Persia for more than five centuries, embellishing their palaces wit ht he remaining Persian rugs. Eventually an opportunity arose for Persian nationals to reclaim their self-rule for the first time in centuries. Finally foreign tule was overthrown. Shah Ismail in the 1500s rove out the foreign occupiers and established the Savañd dynasty.
This liberation led to a new fomentation of Persian art, including rugs. Shash Ismaeil helped to patronize this Renaissance of art throughout the land, paying for new rugs and decorations ofr the palace and establishing many art schools throughout the land. city craft centers became popular, and apprenticeships skyrocketed.
The ascension of the Safavid rulers ushered in the famous era of rug production that led Persia into the modern era as the mecca of rug production.
