The use of area oriental rugs started in 500 AD in the Middle East. It’s only later that they were introduced in Africa and the rest of the world. The rugs are made of a variety of materials such as wool, silk, and cotton. Initially, they were used for religious rituals connected with Islam but the purpose has now shifted and they are now used for decorative purposes. The rugs have two primary designs: geometric and floral. The difference is in the figures used. In floral designs, the figures are more realistic, fluid, and complicated. Geometric designs are angular and bolder.

Buying a high-quality Persian rug

For you to make the most of the Persian rugs you need to ensure that the rugs you buy are of high quality. One of the signs that the rug is of high quality and truly “ancient” is dying. Traditional dyes were obtained from plants and insects, but after the invention of synthetic dyes, people stopped dying the rugs using the traditional way. In the 1880s in Turkey, the natural dying tradition was revived and rugs started being produced and colored the same way as they were centuries ago. A high-quality rug will have a durable dye that doesn’t fade. If you can’t tell whether the dye is natural or not, you should consider requesting a chemical analysis.

Another factor to consider when buying a high-quality rug is the weaving technique. Oriental rugs come in three main classes: machine made, hand woven, and hand tufted. Handmade rugs are the best quality rugs that you should go for. From their name, these are rugs that are 100% handmade. The wool is woven through the warp strings or onto the warp strings forming a weft. The easiest way of telling that the rug is handmade is looking at the fringes along the edges of the rug. In a handmade oriental rug, the fringe is a warp of strings and an integral part of the rug. It isn’t an applied ornamentation as it’s the case with a machine-made rug.

Conclusion

The key to buying high-quality antique rugs is taking your time to make the purchase. No matter how convincing the businessman sounds, don’t be fooled. Take your time to research and visit a number of rug stores until you find a reputable store stocking high-quality rugs. The store should also sell the rugs at an affordable price.