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How to tell if a carpet is handmade
Handmade carpets are luxurious pieces of home furnishings that are more than just floor coverings. They reflect the rich history of craftsmanship, the intricate design process and the personal dedication of skilled carpet weavers. But how can you tell if a carpet is hand-knotted? To understand this, we need to delve deeper into the world of carpet making.
How do you tell if a carpet is handmade or machine-made?
The first step is to examine the knots. The knots in a Handmade carpet are usually uneven and unorganised, whereas the knots in a machine made carpet are regular and even. In addition, if the knots on the back of the carpet appear to be hand knotted, it is probably a hand knotted carpet. The beauty and uniqueness of the fringes at the bottom of the carpet also indicate the authenticity of a handmade carpet. There is bound to be a flaw in the design and knotting of a hand knotted rug. The higher the knot density, the more valuable the rug. Knot density is measured by the number of knots per square centimetre of carpet.
How can you tell if a carpet is handmade by its pattern and material?
Handmade carpets are usually made of natural materials such as wool, silk or cotton. Natural materials often have a better feel than synthetic materials and are more resistant to time. It is worth examining the fibres and the material of the carpet to determine its authenticity and quality. Handmade carpets often have intricate, unique patterns. The symmetry and precision of these patterns is not perfect, which indicates that the carpet is handmade. The various symbols and motifs in the designs may also refer to the culture and history of the carpet making. The colour shades of handmade carpets are usually variable The variation in colour shades of handmade carpets is natural, as it is obtained during the final washing process. In machine made carpets, the colours are generally uniform throughout.
The value of a hand knotted carpet
Last but not least, the value of hand knotted carpets increases over time, while the value of machine knotted carpets decreases. A well maintained hand knotted carpet is an investment that can serve its owner for many years. Just think of antique carpets, which are very valuable.
Identifying a handmade carpet is not always easy, but the tips mentioned above can help you with the task. Such carpets can be a luxurious addition to your home and can serve for many years to come. After all, a hand knotted carpet is not just a carpet, it is art, history and culture. Man-made carpets are amazing. Even a single carpet is made up of hundreds of thousands of knots, each one made by the hand of an artist. These carpets can serve for many years and remain beautiful if well cared for. So, the next time you're shopping for a carpet, examine the knots, the material and the pattern, and you too may find the perfect hand-knotted carpet for your home.
Certificate of origin for our oriental carpets
We are pleased to welcome you as the owner of unique and carefully selected pieces from our Oriental rug collection. For us, it's not just a rug; each piece is a work of art, backed by centuries of tradition and authentic handmade art. It is in this context that we would like to show the importance of the certificate of origin that you receive when you buy an oriental rug.
Why is a Certificate of Origin important?
A Certificate of Origin is an official document that certifies the origin, quality and the manufacturing technique used to make an Oriental rug. This certificate serves as a guarantee that you have purchased a genuine, authentic oriental rug and not a mass-produced or counterfeit version. The document also details the material of the oriental rug, the type of fibres, the density of the knotting, the origin of the dyes and the design features.
What does the Certificate contain?
Place of production: the exact place of origin of the carpet, often a specific city or region.
Materials: the raw materials used, such as wool, silk, cotton
Manufacturing technique: e.g. hand knotting, hand weaving
Knotting density: Number of knots per square metre.
Dyes: use of natural or synthetic dyes.
Design and motifs: Names of the patterns and symbols used, which are often part of a particular culture or tradition.
How to Use the Certificate?
A certificate of origin is not only a proof of the authenticity of an oriental rug; it is also a document that adds value. If the Oriental rug is to be sold, the certificate can help to establish its market value. It can also be useful for caring for the carpet, as knowledge of the materials and the manufacturing techniques will help to choose the right cleaning products and methods.
Read about cleaning and care of oriental carpets in our article. We also offer a 12-month warranty on all our oriental rugs.