How to Identify Oriental Rugs

When you invest in an Oriental rug, you want to ensure that the piece you purchase is authentic. Here at Rug Source, we’re the experts in identifying genuine Oriental rugs. Read on for our advice to guide your selection.

Make sure the rug is unique

Since Oriental rugs are hand-knotted, not machine-made, they’re very hard to replicate. If you’ve seen a rug that’s available in different sizes or it’s available to buy in bulk, this is a red flag.

Your Oriental rug should be a unique piece. This individuality is a big part of its attraction. If there are multiple identical rugs available, it’s unlikely that they’ve been made according to tradition.

A lack of symmetry is a sign of quality

If you’re shopping by modern standards, you might see a lack of symmetry as a “flaw” in a rug. However, when it comes to Oriental rugs, it’s a good sign that they are authentic.

When a rug is handmade, its design will always be somewhat uneven. It’s almost impossible for a human being to create a perfectly mirrored design. Machines can achieve this, though.

Look for irregularities and imperfections before you buy an Oriental rug if you care that it’s genuine.
The fringe should be a continuation of the rug

Oriental rugs can be identified by their fringe borders; however, some machine-made rugs now have sewn-on fringe borders in an attempt to replicate their iconic look.

The best way to determine if yours is real or machine-made is to check the back. If the fringe is formed from the end of the warp yarns, making it an integral element of the rug, then this is an authentic Oriental rug.

Check the structure of the knots

On the underside of a genuine Oriental rug, you’ll be able to see how the individual knots have been formed. From this detail, you can determine the method that was used to create the rug and whether this reflects the ancient artisan tradition of Oriental rugs.

Again, look for the irregularities that confirm your rug was made by hand. If it looks completely regular, as though it was made by a machine, then it probably was!
Verify the materials used

Traditional Oriental rugs use natural materials exclusively. You can expect them to be made from wool, cotton, or even silk, if they’re very high quality.

Although machine-made rugs can also use natural materials, they usually incorporate synthetic fibers to some degree. This is usually the case on the back of the rug. If the reverse of a rug is synthetic, this shows it was made industrially and not by artisans.
Measure the thickness of the pile

The thickness of an Oriental rug is also an indicator of its authenticity and value. Because we often think of a thick pile as luxurious, you may be surprised to learn that thinner hand-knotted rugs are considered higher quality. This is because these rugs require greater skill to manufacture.

Of course, the best way to ensure your Oriental rug is authentic is to buy it from a reputable vendor. You can count on Rug Source’s collection for genuine Oriental rugs.

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