How To Buy A Persian Carpet -
: The design on the back should be almost as clear and distinct as the front.
: On an authentic rug, the individual knots should be clearly visible on the back. how to buy a persian carpet
: The fringe should be a natural extension of the rug's foundation (warp threads). On machine-made rugs, fringes are often sewn or glued on after production. : The design on the back should be
: Measured in knots per square inch (KPSI), higher density generally means finer detail and higher price. While city rugs (like Tabriz) often have high KPSI, tribal rugs (like Gabbehs) may have lower counts but are still prized for their artistic value. On machine-made rugs, fringes are often sewn or
: Because they are handmade, authentic rugs often have slight variations in pattern or color (called "abrash"). Perfectly symmetrical or uniform patterns are often a sign of machine production.
: Authentic pieces use wool, silk, or cotton. Wool should feel soft and slightly oily due to natural lanolin. Avoid synthetic fibers like polyester or polypropylene.
Buying an authentic Persian carpet involves navigating a market filled with "Persian-style" imitations. To ensure you're investing in a genuine piece of art, you must verify its construction, materials, and origin. 1. The "Flip" Test for Authenticity