Real hand-knotted rugs are treasured pieces of art that can withstand decades. Many collectors and fanatics look for these rugs in thrift stores and estate sales, but how can you tell if it’s authentic? We have some helpful tips that can assist you in determining if your rug is authentic or not.
Backing
A hand knotted rug will not need an additional backing, because the strength of the knots will hold the design together. The back of an authentic rug will be soft and flexible, as the wool has not been covered by an additional backing. A machine-made rug, however, will typically have a backing because the fibers are looped, not knotted. This backing is usually a plastic mesh and will feel hard. If your rug has this backing, it is not an authentic Persian rug.
Imperfections
An authentic Persian rug is always hand knotted. This means that there will be imperfections within the knots that will not exist in a machine-made rug. An easy way to check this is to flip the rug over. If you see small imperfections in the design and knots, it is likely to be authentic. If the knots are perfectly uniform, with no visible imperfections, it is most likely machine made.
Fringe
Another way to check the authenticity of a rug is the fringe. In a hand knotted rug, the fringe is a part of the body of the rug itself. It would be formed during the weaving process and appear as a natural extension of the rug. A machine-made rug often has the fringe sewn onto the body of the rug after it has been completed. If the fringe of the rug has a sewn or attached look, it is probably not authentic.
Appraisals
There are indications at a rugs authenticity that can be seen by an enthusiast. However, if you really want to be sure that your rug is authentic, the best solution would be to take it to a professional. At Azari Rug Gallery, our team has been handling authentic rugs for over 30 years. Through our detailed appraisals, we can provide you with a detailed written evaluation that includes the origin, age, construction, condition, and current market value of your rug. We also offer free verbal appraisals. If you are interested in this service, you can email us at info@azarirug.com clear photos and dimensions of your rug, with a picture of the backside of one of the corners to show the rugs weave.
