A handwoven oriental carpet is created using one of a few knot styles, painstakingly worked, knot by knot, with each knot leaving a tuft of pile to create the soft surface. Fine quality oriental oriental are woven very tightly, with knots very close together, giving the oriental more durability, and lasting value.
The total knot count of a oriental is one of the markers for quality. The total knot count can be calculated by counting the knots in a square inch and then multiplying that number by the total size in square inches. Oriental oriental generally have a knot count of 20 to 500 knots per square inch, sometimes more. Larger carpets have more knots, and hence take longer to weave, and are generally higher priced. Unlike machine made carpet, where a few more feet of length just means a few more minutes of clatter, larger handwoven carpets take significantly longer to weave, and the total knot count can be staggering.
An average oriental carpet will have a knot count of at least 100 knots per square inch. Carpets that have 100 knots can be of good quality and can still last for many years. A higher knot count can make a carpet more durable.
Besides quality, the knot count is one of the key factors for valuation of an oriental carpet. The higher the knot count the higher the base value of the carpet. Other factors influence value as well; age, the design, the materials, the condition, current popularity trends, and size also influence the value of an oriental carpet, and with antique carpets, the design may have a stronger influence on value.
While knot count is a key factor when choosing a carpet, you’ll also wish to consider the material used to make it, the dyes (natural vegetable dyes are traditional), weave consistency, and condition. These elements will help you know how to care for it, and how well it is likely to wear over time. Choosing an oriental rug can seem extremely overwhelming at times but with a little bit of knowledge and the help of a professional Oriental carpet dealer, the task is not so daunting. A good dealer can discuss these issues with you, and explain how they will influence your enjoyment of your treasure.
Professional Oriental carpet collectors, or traders have often been in the industry for a very long time, sometimes operating family businesses for generations. Much as the weavers of the carpets are taught early to create a carpet, a professional is often brought up in the business with his family. Their eyes are trained to see the condition, to recognize the characteristic patterns of regional origins, and in caring for and handling the carpets. They are also trained to quickly be able to judge the knot count without having to sit down and count each knot. A glance will give them a fairly accurate approximation of the total knot count in an oriental carpet.
Understanding what the knot count is, and how it influences the value and durability of a handwoven carpet, can help you choose a higher quality carpet.
If you are purchasing a carpet as an investment, or anticipate that it will become a family heirloom, talk to a specialist and they will be able to help you find a carpet that suits your tastes aesthetically, and which will appreciate in value if properly cared for.
Written by Tracy Collins, marketing assistant for Handmade Oriental Carpet, a New York based company which has sold high quality handwoven contemporary Oriental carpets for 4 generations. Visit their showroom in New York, or their store online for a wide selection of lovely handmade carpet
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Tracy Collins – EzineArticles Expert Author
