Oriental carpets as art objects – timelessly beautiful

Oriental carpets are not merely a popular floor covering. Oriental carpets have a long and rich history, dating back to the 6th century BC.

It's impossible to say exactly when the first carpets were woven, but one of the oldest carpets found to be in reasonably good condition and analyzed dates back to the 6th century. Carpet weaving is such a rich tradition that it has been protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2010.

The origin of these beautiful carpets likely lies in Central Asia. In these cold regions, they were probably used for protection. Carpets were a more affordable alternative to animal hides, as it was no longer necessary to kill an entire animal, but only to obtain the fur or wool.

Carpet weaving as a profession was mastered and practiced equally by women and men; even women in leadership positions were found in this trade from early times. Carpets were used for decoration and general comfort in the home from the earliest times.

Production in the carpet belt

Authentic Oriental carpets must have been produced in the so-called Carpet Belt. This belt stretches from western Morocco across Central Asia and India. Turkey, northern China, Pakistan, and other regions also fall within its boundaries. Their enduring popularity in America and Europe ultimately arose in the 19th century, when increasingly industrialized production led to a decrease in the prices of these magnificent carpets.

Carpets as art objects

Oriental rugs, provided they are of original quality, are a true work of art. To ensure you make a wise investment and receive outstanding quality, there are a few points you should consider when buying one.

If you're unsure about a seller's reliability, you can consult an independent expert. While this will cost you some money, it's worth it for peace of mind. Experts examine the material under a microscope and check for synthetic fibers. The presence of synthetic fibers indicates that the rug is not a genuine Oriental rug.

Furthermore, an expert in the art tradethe weaving method used and, by examining the color, calculate the age of the carpet. While you can check some aspects yourself, if in doubt, you should consult an expert.

01 The price

A realistic price for a hand-knotted Oriental rug is at least in the four-figure range. An Oriental rug in the three-figure range is unlikely to be genuine, even if reasons like a distress sale are used as justification.

Furthermore, a fraudulent seller will not agree to any tests and inspections and will refuse them for dubious reasons.

02 Flawless? Hardly

Handmade rugs will always have imperfections. It is never possible to work with complete precision and uniformity in handmade rugs. Flaws that indicate handmade rugs include uneven edges, irregular knots on the back, or asymmetries in the pattern.

03 Rely on reputable providers

You can avoid all that stress and worry by consulting experts beforehand and making your purchase from reputable vendors. These types of retailers offer impeccable advice right from the start, and you'll also have a partner who will provide you with sustainable, long-term support for ongoing maintenance.

Proper care

To ensure you can enjoy your fine rug for as long as possible, proper care is essential. A particularly fine Persian rug consists largely of silk. If this is the case, you should never walk on it with street shoes.

You should vacuum the carpet once or twice a week with a standard vacuum cleaner and vacuum the back once or twice a year as well. If in doubt, avoid using cleaning agents and chemicals. These usually put unnecessary strain on the material. Again, if you have any questions, you can consult a reputable seller and/or expert.

A stunning, high-quality oriental rug is a true eye-catcher in any home, adding an elegant and inviting touch. However, these exquisite floor coverings represent a significant investment and should therefore be chosen and cared for with particular care. This way, enjoyment will last for as long as possible, and the rug can last for years and perhaps even delight future generations.

Joachim Rodriguez y Romero

Owner and Managing Director of Kunstplaza . Publicist, editor, and passionate blogger in the fields of art, design, and creativity since 2011. Graduated with a degree in web design from university (2008). Further developed creative techniques through courses in freehand drawing, expressive painting, and theatre/acting. Profound knowledge of the art market gained through years of journalistic research and numerous collaborations with key players and institutions in the arts and culture sector.

www.kunstplaza.de

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