As defined by the dictionary, an Oriental rug is " ...handmade of natural fiber (most commonly wool or silk), with a pile woven on a warp and weft, with individual character and design made in the Near East, Far East or the Balkans".

How do I Know what to Buy?

Definitely a handmade one.  While machine-made carpets are manufactured to machine-like tolerances, handmade rugs reflect the human element-the individual's own interpretation of color and design-which is the essence of their beauty and singularity.  A good Oriental rug pulls you into the craftsman's vision of the world.  Maybe you are transported  by the devotion and persistence necessary to effect the exactness and precision of fine Persian Tabriz rugs.  Or you may be touched by the passion and intensity of rural rugs such as the Persian Mahl and Heriz.    Perhaps you are drawn by the geometric abstracts of the Caucasian and Turkaman Tribal Rugs or muted palette of Aubusson and Needlepoint.   Whatever your interest, there are objective standards in judging the competence of a handknotted rug.   However if you view a rug and you are transported that is a good indication that you should own it.  Don't be afraid to make mistakes.  As you notice similarity in what attracts you, you will develop confidence in your "eye".  Quality work speaks for itself.  You can not go wrong purchasing a rug that you love.

How do you determine value of an Oriental Rug?

   An oriental rug is hand-woven and varies in quality.   Quality is generally determined by the wool, intricacy of design and knot density.   In addition when examining antique rugs other factors enter in.  Originality, rarity and overall condition are important factors.

Why buy an Antique Rug and what is it about Persian Carpets?

Iran, Persia is known as the original home of the oriental carpet.   The oldest and once the most powerful empire in the Middle East, Persia stood at the crossroads of Eastern and Western civilizations.   Under the Safavid dynasty (1502-1736), Iran attained its artistic height.    Court weaving, together with the art of calligraphy, miniature painting, and tilework, flourished to exceptional heights.  The brilliant era witnessed the development of highly qualified carpet factories in cities including Kerman, Isfahan, Kashan, Tabriz, and Herat (now a part of Afghanistan). Iran is the genesis of most motifs, patterns, and traditional colorations, produced in rugs throughout the world today. Over the centuries, Persian carpets have become treasured heirlooms passed on from one generation to the next.  Although we also deal with new rugs, no new rug can achieve the beauty, luster, look and feel of an Old Persian rug, which throughout the decades has aged and become like a fine wine.

Is an Oriental Rug a Good Investment?

A rug collection is not an alternative to your IRA, however many roomsize original pieces can be purchase for about $5000.00 the approximate cost of a well knotted new roomsize oriental rug.  Original Oriental rugs can be a good investment in this context.   Your antique rug will increase in value since these are harder and harder to find and getting to be very rare.