I think we can all agree that a hand knotted rug is a luxury item, and owning one is a dream come true for many. These beautiful rugs do not come cheap and nor should they. When you purchase a hand knotted rug you are buying a truly unique product, lovingly hand woven from the finest materials, each one a beautiful example of a craft that literally dates back thousands of years. As with any large purchase there are a number of things to consider when buying a luxury rug. Below we have outlined some of the key pitfalls you need to consider to ensure you get the best return on your investment.
Hand Knotted Or Not?
First and foremost you need to determine whether or not your chosen rug is the genuine article. Part of the attraction of owning a hand knotted rug beyond the aesthetic value is the history, the craftsmanship, and the art of a hand knotted weave. The simplest way of determining whether or not the rug is genuine is to look at it’s imperfection. A hand knotted weave will not be uniform, some knots will be larger and some smaller, differently shaped and sized knots are the mark of a human hand as opposed to the uniformed knots produced by a machine.
Hand Tufted Or Knotted
Hand tufted rugs are often beautiful pieces in their own right and well worth the investment. However they do not hold the same value as a hand knotted rug as they are not totally hand made. Identifying the difference between the two can be tricky. The key elements to look for include a canvas or coated back which is a strong indication the rug is hand tufted or even machine made. The strength or robustness of the rug is also a good clue, as hand knotted rugs are generally stronger. The fringe of the rug is also worth looking at, if the fringe looks sewn on it is more likely to be hand tufted.
Rug Materials
One of the most attractive features of hand knotted rugs is the quality of the materials used. For the discerning buyer the feel of the rug is just as important as how it looks. The finest wool from the Tibetan highlands and Chinese silk are some examples of the type of materials often used in the production of a hand knotted rug. The quality of the material has a huge bearing on the durability of your rug, and as these items are often considered to be antiques in the making, you want something you know is going to last. In addition to this you want something that feels unique against your skin, that has that “luxury” touch. So the quality of the material is definitely something you should consider when purchasing a hand knotted rug.
Knot Density
The more knots a rug has the longer it took to produce, the more intricate the work and the greater the skill of the craftsman. The number of knots in a rug can range from twenty five to three hundred per square inch. Obviously it goes without saying that the more knots the greater the value of the rug, and likely the greater the price tag.
Choosing The Right Hand Knotted Rug
Does this all sound a bit daunting? It shouldn’t, at RugArt we firmly believe that part of the joy of owning a hand woven rug is learning about these amazing products. The more you research the more you will come to understand the real value of this art form. Of course if you don’t know where to start and you would like some expert guidance to ensure you make the best choice we would love to help. Why not give us a call on 012690505 for a chat, or make an appointment to visit our showroom.