These Rugs, like all of Kashmiri’s Handicrafts, originate from Persia, using tradional production methods and original Persian designs – though some have been modified through the ages to encompass more Kashmiri elements too.
There are many Rugs that are produced in many parts of the world, from Afghanistan and Pakistan, to Persia, Morroco, Tunisia, Turkey and China. However, most of these are made from Wool, either knotted or embroidered or piled. It is true that there are still some production of these Rugs from Iran to this day, and even from Turkey, but it is the Kashmiri’s who produce these in the mainstream.
These Rugs are created with tiny knots that make up the design, and are usually produced within the family home of the craftsmen, with the father normally taking the lead craftsman's role. Each strand of silk yarn is looped through the warp & weft (horizontal & vertical cross threads that make the spine of the Rug), knotted and then cut.
There are several qualities that are produced, with the highest being termed Silk on Silk. This is because the weft is also made from Silk. However, it is worth noting that the warp is always made from Cotton in order to keep the knots firmly in place. If this thread was also made from Silk, the Rug would quite literally fall apart after some time. As it is, these Rugs literally last 100’s of years.
There are important factors that dictate the overall value and of course cost of the Rugs. These are the size, quality, and knot count. When I say quality, this is indeed 2-fold. Firstly the quality of the fabric/silk used, as not all Rugs are 100% silk. And secondly, the quality of the craftsmanship – both in terms of the intricacy of the design and the accuracy of the knots in the rows.
The knot count is fundamental to the cost, as the counts vary from 18x18 knots per sq inch (totalling 324), all the way to 38x38 knots per sq inch (totalling 1444). A typical high-quality Rug will have around 24x24 knots per sq inch, which I write as 24:24. The number of knots per square inch count is exactly like resolution of a photograph, the more the knots count the finer the picture.
Each and every row of knots has a corresponding piece of paper that states the colour code of each silk thread to use. The main craftsman (usually the father) takes each strip of paper (I say strip but they’re sometimes metres long depending on the size of the rug) and reads out the code for the other craftsman/men to knot. It is the job of the main craftsman to ensure the correct colour is used, and the accuracy of the knot. The knotting craftsmen work each row from outer to middle, and literally have to double-knot the thread in place. Remember, if each row has 24knots per sq inch, then a row on a 7’ x 5’ Rug would have 1440 knots, and that’s going width-ways.
The base of the Rug is mounted on a frame, and starting with the bottom, the craftsmen work up the rug, ONLY seeing it from the reverse. The front of the Rug is not looked upon until the end of the process, which at that time it is rather messy as the threads are at different lengths. So, at this stage, the pile is clipped to a specific length (which varies according to the design – some designs look better with a deep pile, whereas some more detailed designs dictate a more delicate, shallow pile). The Rug is then cleaned and made ready for sale.
Other than feeling luxuriously soft to touch, one of the magical elements to these Rugs is the way they change shade depending on the direction of the pile as you look at it. From one side, the Rug will appear dark and elegant, from the other it will look more vibrant and clear. Indeed, as you walk around any of these Rugs, it will constantly change giving the impression of 2 different Rugs.
As a testimony of the lifespan of these items, please visit the Royal Albert Museum in London to see what these Rugs look like 400 years down the line. Unlike a Wool Rug, these Silk Rugs last a lifetime, which is why I tell people, hand on heart, that they are purchasing an heirloom, in the literal sense of the term. Unlike wool, Silk has a very long lifespan, and ages impecably well especially when its constantly used. Yes, I am saying its gets better with age the more you use it.
I make this point as most people who see these Rugs think they are too extravagant for use on the floor, and often say they would hang them on the wall instead. This is actually quite common, however, I want to point out that they are designed as Rugs, and I would encourage people to use them as such. To walk on Pure Silk is a feeling few people will experience, but those who do never forget.
Plus the dyes used are colourfast, meaning you can clean these Rugs with chemical cleaners without harming the Silk or the colour. Hence they are easier to maintain than people would imagine.
The Personal Touch
There are literally hundreds of designs available, and if you do not want to purchase one of the fabulous Rugs I have at the time, the method I use to select the perfect Rug for you is to hold a consultation together, whether it’s at a show or at your convenience (house/office/etc), and show you what is available from photos. From here, you can say which size you would be interested in and which designs/colour schemes are the most favourable. My supplier will then scout around the showrooms and warehouses to match your requests, he’ll take photos of which I will send to you, and only when you are satisfied that he has found the right Rug for you, we will then proceed with the order.
I give you the personal guarantee that if you pay for 50% of the rug initially, the second payment will be made on delivery. That is, I will personally deliver the Rug to your home, and ONLY if you are 100% satisfied with it, you will pay me the difference. If you are dissatisfied for any reason, I will either return your first payment, or we can discuss how best to proceed – obviously sending a replacement will be considered.
I am truly that confident that when you see the amazing quality of these Rugs, you won’t have a problem. And as I will be quality checking everything carefully before delivering the item, I’m confident there will be minimum problems.
