General Information & Pictures

Updated 8/5/05

Qom Rug#3090 - Hunting Rug

Size: 4'10" by 3'4"

Color: Main colors are shades of beige, red, light blue, etc.

Material (Pile): Pure Silk

Foundation: Silk

Price: $1700.00

Quality: Very high, about 700 kpsi

Notes: These type of rugs are extremely fine and very popular with my clients. The detailed artwork is as high as the pure silk quality and it's perfect for floors, walls, and even framing. The weaver added his signature to the top, which is a standard feature of all my Qom rugs.

Dear reader,

I have added this page to my website to give you a brief background into Persian rugs and to help you understand some of the facts and myths about these precious art pieces.

If you are a collector yourself, you will probably be bored half way through this, but if you are new to Persian rugs, you may find this to be somewhat of a help. There are several topics in this Information sheet.

1. A brief summary of Persian Rugs & a few pictures of rugs being made
2. Terms commonly used by collectors and retailers
3. How to choose the right kind of rug & how much to spend
4. Important information you should know
5. How to care for your rugs

Please feel free to let me know if you have any questions or comments as to the contents of this page.

Note:

There are some new developments in the Persian rug business that have occurred in the last few years, so even if you are a pro, you may want to scroll to the information summary at the bottom of this page.

1. A brief summary of Persian rugs:

Persian rugs have been around for many centuries and they have always been considered a form of art and also as a means of investment. The word "Persian" has become synonymous with Iranian rugs, since this is what is meant when I talk about Persian rugs. Other countries like India, Pakistan, China, and many others make rugs as well, but when we talk about Persian rugs, we are referring to rugs that are made in Iran and that are handmade. I say handmade, because there has been an unfortunate trend lately to copy real Persian rugs by others countries, who then mass-produce them using machine technology. A real Persian rug is handmade in Iran and only natural wool and fibers are used in the process. One of the reasons, why Persian rugs are so valuable, is because they are handmade by individual weavers, rather than in factories. Also, Persian rugs are made of all natural wool and silk and do not have synthetic silk or wool.

Another reason why many individuals worldwide collect Persian rugs is due to the uniqueness of the rugs. Every Persian is different from another, even when they come from the same city or even weaver. If you notice in my inventory, I have many rugs from the same city, but each one is different. Unless a weaver specifically intended to make a set of identical rugs, you will not find two that are the exact same in every aspect.

The result is that when you are looking at a real Persian rug, you are looking at a piece of art that is handmade and is designed to not only match your home and personality, but also to last for many, many years.

Picture #1

 
Here you see a Tabriz rug being woven by one of the weavers that we do business with and this particular piece will become part of my inventory as soon as it is completed. This Tabriz rug will take several month to complete and it is the main source of income for the rug weaving families. Due to the drop in overall prices of rugs, many weavers can no longer make rugs as a sole occupation and are now making rugs as a supplemental income. You can also see a woman sitting behind the weaver, which is also very common with most families. Most weavers will work in teams of 2 or more on a rug and to find a husband work along with his wife is a very common practice.
The white background you see is the foundation of the rugs, which is basically a whole lot of cotton or silk strings tied to a wooden frame.

Picture #2

Here you see the same rug from a different angle. The person in the front is my mother, who lives in Tabriz and she does most of my purchasing for my business. She apparently enjoys being in the pictures, since you will see her in other pictures as well. There are a couple of interesting points that I would like to share with you. Above the rug is a drawing, which has been folded and then placed there as a reference. Before a rug is woven, the weaver will draw a picture of the rug onto paper and then use the paper as a reference guide. This is very important so that the symmetry of the design is even throughout the whole rug. Another feature is the area that my mother is pointing out, which is called the kelim. Round and oval rugs typically feature a kelim, which is a border that goes around the entire rug and it is basically the foundation only. Most weavers will add some delicate artwork to it, but for the most part it is left exposed to show off the quality of the rug being made. 

Picture #3

 
Here you see a different rug being made by another weaver. You can see the wooden frame which holds the cotton foundation. On top of the frame you see the different balls of wool that the weaver will use and he is also a drawing as a reference point. The entire process is done by hand which is one of the reasons why authentic Persian rugs are so valuable. This particular Tabriz is going to be a fairly large piece, and it can take several month to be completed. Some of the larger weaving families will employ several weavers, who will work on a rug as a team or work on several rugs at the same time. 

Picture #4

 
High end Persian rugs, and especially the Tabriz rugs, feature silk highlights and you can see the young man using a shaver to give them a special treatment. After a rug has been completed, it is cut off the frame and trimmed so that the pile is even. If a rug is a high end piece like this one, then an additional step is taken, which is this one right here. This entire rug has lots of silk highlights and this man is using a special tool almost like a sander and he is polishing the silk. As a result, the silk is much brighter and it also pushes the silk into the rug. Many of my rugs have large silk highlights and they appear to by embedded in the rug. This is the process that makes this happen and it is a very slow and painstaking process. The person performing this task has to be very skilled and careful, since one wrong step can result in the silk being torn or a hole being created, which would render the rug useless. 

My goal is to share more pictures with you and as I receive them, I will post them.

 

2. Terms you should be aware of about Persian rugs.

There are many different words that are used commonly, when discussing Persian rugs, and here are some with a brief description:

Name of the rug:

Persian Rugs are named after the city or the region in which they were made. Among the most popular ones are Tabriz, Bidjar, Nain, Qom, Hamadan, Mud, Meshkin, Mashhad, Kirman, etc. Each region has a unique characteristic and method of making rugs, so take a moment a look up a name on a map to see where the rug is from.

Wool: 

Material used to make the rug, unless otherwise specified it is Sheep wool that is used to make the rug.

Kurkwool:

Kurkwool is a much finer kind of wool than regular Sheep wool. It comes from Lamb. Just like the hair of a child is finer than the hair of an adult, the wool of a Lamb is much finer than a Sheep. Since a Lamb can only generate so much wool before it matures, the amount of wool is much less and therefor much more expensive than regular wool.

Silk:

Most finer Persian rugs have silk included in them, some have silk added to the wool while others are made completely of silk. The silk comes from the plants and is all natural. Some rugs, like many Chinese rugs for instance, use synthetic silk, which is much cheaper and not nearly as luxurious as real silk.

Foundation:

The foundation is the base of the rug. The most visible parts of the foundation are the fringes. Most Persian rugs have a cotton foundation, but there are also some rugs that have a silk foundation. These types of rugs are very valuable and are much more expensive than rugs with a cotton foundation. Some clients have asked me whether a silk foundation would be more fragile than cotton and actually the opposite is true. Either foundation will basically last a lifetime, but silk is one of the strongest natural substances and is extremely durable.

Pile:

The pile is the rug itself and it is the wool. Depending on the quality of the rug, you can have a pile from 1/4 to 3/4 inch thickness.

Raj:

Raj is the measurement of the quality for Tabriz rugs only. Some retailers will list a raj count for every type of rug, and this is absolutely wrong. Every region in Iran produces different type of rugs and different methods are used to classify the quality.

Here are the terms and measurements for some of the more popular Persian rugs:

Raj:
Again, only used for the Tabriz rugs. It is the number of knots over a distance of 1 raj, rawly 7 centimeters or 2.5 inches. The higher the raj, the better the quality and most quality pieces start at about 50 raj. Most high end Tabriz rugs are 50 raj and if you are new to rugs, look at the silk highlights and the quality. The rug should have very fine Kurkwool (Lambwool) and plenty of silk highlights. Also, some sellers will rank the rugs as 60 raj or higher to make the rug more expensive. Please note that virtually all Tabriz rugs in the above 50 raj category should have a silk foundation and they should feel very soft and light. There is a huge price difference between a 50 and higher rug and it's important that you know the actual count before you write the check.

Lah & Tapas:
This measurement is used in Nain rugs only and it refers to the numbers of yarn that make up each fringe. The lower the number, the finer the rug. For example,the most common Nain rugs are known as Tapas. They basically have about 12 yarn in each foundation which typically translates into about 100-140 kpsi. The finer ones are categorized in Lah and you can have either 9lah, 6lah, or 4lah. The lower the number, the finer the rug and esspecially the 6 and 4 lah are extremely fine and valuable. I have had a couple of 6lah and they typically have about 600 kpsi.

Reft:
This measurement is used in Isfahan rugs only. Even though Isfahan and Nain rugs are made in the same region. The reft is similar to the raj and is basically the number of knots over a distance of 10 cm. Most high end Isfahan rugs have a silk foundation and are basically a high end version of Nain rugs. It's like the difference between a Toyota and a Lexus. Both made by the same company, but with different goals and ideas.

Abrisham:

Means silk in Iranian (Farsi)

Alloh:

Means very fine or luxurious in Iranian (Farsi).  Typically, it refers to all silk pieces or very high quality wool rugs like a 60+ raj Tabriz or a 6lah Nain.

 

 3. How to choose the right rug?

Well, I guess I’m suppose to tell you why you should spend all your money on Persian rugs, but since I’m one of the worst sales people (and proud of it), I want to give you some helpful tips about picking the right rug.

The most important advise I can give you is:

ASK AS MANY QUESTIONS AS YOU CAN THINK OF

Why am I telling this? As I mentioned before, I’m one of the worst salesman you will ever come across. Actually, the reason I say this is simple. The more retail stores you go to, the more likely you will come across salespeople who have just graduated from the University of Used Car Salesmen. If I'm wrong, please feel free t to let me know. I do not pretend to be a used car salesman and I do not have the time and patience to belittle you or my merchandise, so what you get are straight forward no nonsense answers. Many retailers will start at one price and then through so called savings, discounts, and other gimmicks will lower the price by half or more. There is no such nonsense here and I find this is to be a very bad way to conduct one's business. How do you know what a rug is worth, if you don't know how much you should pay for it? If in doubt, walk away.

When choosing a rug, take a look at your home and how you treat it. Basic rule is that the rug should match in quality and price of the furniture in the room. 

If, for example, you have several children or pets and your primary concern is keeping your floor or carpet from being ruined, then buy an inexpensive rug that will serve more as a utility rug rather than a luxurious piece. This way you don't spend a fortune and you will still have a nice rug to look at and if your kids run over it with muddy shoes, so be it. A standard Nain or a rug in that quality will do you just fine.

On the other hand, if you evicted the kids by means of college, job, or marriage and can finally enjoy the peace and quality that you have dreamed off, then you are probably ready for a nicer rug. This is also the case for the kids who made it, and are looking for something special in their own homes. Basically, you are looking for a quality and luxurious piece and you took great care in arranging your home, so the rug needs to be of equal statue. A nice 50 raj Tabriz or similar will do you probably just fine and it has the looks and quality that you would like. And if the grandkids come over for a visit, no big deal. Remember, the more expensive a rug, the better the quality and the longer it will last. 

The last category is reserved for the best of the best. These are rugs that will make you scratch your head and say WOW. Among them are rugs from Qom (pure silk), 50+ raj Tabriz, Isfahan, Hereke, or other rugs that are extremely fine and valuable like the metal rugs in my galleries. These type of rugs typically have a silk foundation, and are either made of pure silk or have a large amount of silk added to the design and not just the wool. Some clients have spend a great deal of time and money in designing their homes and typically have a formal area that requires something very special. If you are such a person, than work with the retailer or designer, and place close attention to the rug. A few numbers here and there can put a big dent in your checking account. The very high end rugs can look and feel very similar, so it's really important that you are working with someone who knows what he or she is doing and can point out the differences.
Special note: Some designers like to deal with certain retailers and often there is typically a kickback involved. I have dealt with some very fine and outstanding decorators and also with a few that are somewhat less then honorable.  

What is a good price limit on a rug?

Assuming you are looking for a standard size rug, let’s say about 10 feet by 7 feet.

A nice rug, made of wool and perhaps some silk highlights should cost no more than $900.00 unless you plan to make a salesman very happy.  At this level, the prices can vary greatly depending on the quality and the design of the rug.

A high end rug made of Kurkwool and silk can cost up to $3000.00 and more depending on the quality and make.  For example, a nice Tabriz rug can cost from $2500.00 to $4000.00 even though it has the same quality but due to the difference in design.  At this level, the color and design become as important as the quality and the rarer the rug, the more you will be expected to pay. Keep in mind that these rugs will probably be passed down to the next generation and most clients who buy these rugs, buy them for live.

As to the best of the best, well the sky is the limit. But before you start writing the check, please do your homework first. Make sure you either know your stuff or deal with someone you can trust. In that size, depending on the rug, you can expect to pay at least $4000.00 and up.

 

4. Important information and tips about Persian rugs.

There have been many new developments that have taken place in the last few years and here are just a few.

• Until 1999, Persian rugs were sanctioned under U.S. laws from being imported into this country. This had raised the prices on the rugs that were already in the States and had created somewhat of a shortage of fine Persian rugs. Some retailers chose to smuggle them in, but this was a very expensive and risky operation, as well as illegal. Now that the law has been lifted, prices of Persian rugs have fallen to a more appropriate level. It is my believe, that the prices have stabilized and that there should not be a great drop in the value of the rugs.
• The prices for rugs are dictated by the strength of the dollar versus the rial, which is the Iranian currency. From 1999 to about 2002, the dollar was very strong and accordingly the rugs were cheaper to import. Since then, the dollar has taken a bit of a nose dive and the rugs have become more expensive with the weakening of the dollar. Overall though, the value is still excellent when you compare Persian rugs with other types or artwork and I don't foresee any further price escalation at this time.
• Another reason for the slight rise in prices is that the number of weavers has been steadily declining over the last 10 years due to a slowing demand for Persian rugs, mainly in Europe. The primary market for Persian rugs has been in Europe for decades and only in the last few years have other areas such as the Americas and the Far East emerged. Since the markets in Europe have been flooded and the demand has dropped considerably, many weavers have found it too difficult to make a living in the rug trade and changed care 
• Some retailers will sell Persian rugs made in India or Pakistan as real Iranian rugs. If you have any doubts, get a second opinion. Some retailers like to sell there rugs like cars and it is very unfortunate. My advice to you is to shop around and get to know the seller.

5. Care & Maintenance

Persian rugs are designed to be used and abused and especially the high end pieces will last you pretty much your whole life. The best advise I can give you is to use simple common sense. As you can imagine, my house is full of rugs in every shape and quality and I have never worried about them. Treat your rug like you treat the rest of your furniture and you will get the same results. Also, remember that genuine Persian rugs are made of natural wool, which is much like the human skin and rejects foreign substances. 

Simple steps to take to keep your rug looking as it did the day you brought it home.

• When the rug is dirty, just vacuum it. Don’t use excessive power as it can harm the rug over time. The more suction, the more stress on the rug. Just use a normal setting, unless there is a good reason. Some vacuum cleaners seem to have more power than my truck, and there is just no need for it. I use an inexpensive one and it works just fine and after many years, the rugs still look like new.
• NEVER shampoo the rug or use bleach based cleaners, without consulting a professional rug cleaner. Many cleaners contain chemicals and/or bleach, which can cause damage to the rug or cause the colors to change. If you have a spill, just use lots of clean towels towels and a bit of warm water. Place lots of paper towel under the rug to catch the water and then just tap the top of the rug with a clean, dry towel. Don’t wipe the stain. There is no point in spreading the misery. Also, don’t push too hard. Most of the spill in on the top of the rug so just be gentle. If the stain was caused by red wine or a pet accident, attend to it immediately. The sooner you clean it, the better off you are. Worst case, check with a retailer or a laundry cleaner.
• Turn the rug every few month. Especially if it lies in direct sunlight. Sunlight bleaches out the color on the rug where it directly shines on it. If the rug is near a window or door, just turn it from time to time so that the colors stay even.
• If you hang a rug on a wall, try to use clamps rather than nails. Most textile shops sell clamps and they work great. Depending on the size of the rug, you can also use nails, but make that they are very small ones and use plenty of them along the border of the entire rug. This will keep gravity from pulling on the rug and will not cause any damages. If you are not sure, just with a retailer or myself first.

• NEVER use a comb to straighten the fringes. Combing causes the wool to thin out  the fringes to a point where the knots will come loose at the end of the rug. Simply grab a loved one and on a count of 3 flip the end of the rug over. Ok, it does not have to be a loved one, just stay away with the comb or brush.

• Be careful when you use padding under the rug to keep it in place. Some rugs, especially those with all silk foundation, don’t do well with padding and you may end up causing more harms than good. There are different types of padding available and with with a professional on which type of padding to use.

• If in doubt, ask a professional retailer or a cleaner. It may sound simple but if you had seen the things I have seen, you would understand what I mean!

I hope you find this information helpful. As stated earlier, if I can be of any assistance, please feel free to let me know.

Take care,

Mike