Grading Rugs

Although weaving techniques and traditions have remained virtually unchanged since the first Oriental Rugs were created two thousand years ago, hand-knotted rugs can, and do, vary greatly both in quality and consistency.

When making reference to quality, the most usual measurable aspect is "knot count"; that is, the number of individual knots in a given area. While China, India and Pakistan each use their own unique system for grading rug quality by knot count, hand-made oriental rugs from any country (except China) are often graded by "knots per square inch". It is possible to convert any particular country's grading system into the more familiar knots per square inch. It should be noted, however, that knots per square inch is used primarily in the United States, as other countries either use their native grading system or the more internationally common "knots per square meter".

It is of special importance to note that although rugs of higher knot counts tend to be priced higher than those of lower knot counts - a reflection of the labor involved - it does not dictate that the higher quality piece wears any longer. In fact, research suggests that wear is comparable under similar conditions. Another interesting point is that as the knot count increases, the pattern complexity likewise can increase; also, the pile tends to be shorter - a necessity to maintain the clarity of the complex patterns. In addition, higher knot counts (i.e. Chinese 300 line) tend to be constructed of silk, as opposed to wool.

Two types of knots dominate rug weaving today: The Persian (or Senneh) Knot and The Turkish (or Ghiordes) Knot. Other variations, including the Jufti knot, are not in common usage today. The Jufti knot consists of tying the knot (Persian or Turkish) around four warp strands, as opposed to the usual two. It is worth noting that neither knot is particularly better than the other, and that it is virtually impossible to discern the difference from a visual inspection of the back of the rug.

Back