Antique Oriental Carpet
Abrash
A change in the color of a rug due to differences in the wool or dye batch. The color change runs across the rug. It is typically found I vegetal dyed village or nomadic rugs and can enhance the character of a rug. It can, however, have a negative effect on the value of a rug, especially in more formal rugs, if it is distracting to the eye.
Aniline Dyes
Synthetic dyes first discovered and used around 1850. The term is now used to describe early synthetic dyes used in rugs.
Antique Wash
A chemical wash treatment that softens colors to simulate aging.
Art Deco
A design style developed in the 1920s and '30s in Europe and the U.S. Typical motifs include geometric shapes, stylized animals, foliage and sunrays in vibrant colors. The style can be found in home decorating and other fashion.
Art Nouveau
A late 19th and early 20th century style of art, architecture, and decoration that followed the Victorian design period. It was characterized by stylized leaves and flowers with flowing lines.
Art Silk
Short for artificial silk, it is usually mercerized cotton, rayon or polyester that appears to be silk. It is more affordable than the expensive silk originals.
Axminster
A type of power loom for making machine woven rugs. The Original Karastan 700 Series Rugs are an Axminster weave. It allows for very intricate designs using many colors. This weaving technique originated in the town of Axminster, England during the industrial revolution. These machine-made rugs are woven onto a flexible cotton frame, the pile is then cut level to one height and the pile tufts are anchored by strong wefts.
Boteh
A pear-shaped figure often used in oriental rug designs, characteristic of the Paisley pattern. The boteh is considered to be representative of many different things including a flame, leaf, and pinecone.
Carding
The technique of arranging and smoothing wool fibers by pulling them between two spiked paddles in order to begin to arrange the fibers. It is a first step before combing, which positions the fibers in a more parallel arrangement.
Cartoon or Nukshah (India)
Graph paper on which a rug pattern has been drawn as a guide for weaving. Each square represents a single knot, the color of which represents the color of the yarn that will be used to weave the rug. They are used in workshop rugs and in some village rugs and are especially useful for rugs made in continuity by groups of weavers.
Cartouche
Design element that contains a date or inscription often enclosed in a panel design
Caucasian
Rugs woven in the Caucasus mountain region, a narrow strip of land between the Black and Caspian seas. These rugs are usually geometric with highly stylized motifs that do not have the intricate adornments of workshop and village rugs.
Chain Stitch - A crochet stitch used in rug construction that consists of successive loops to lock the final weft in place at the end of a rug.
Chrome Dyes
Colorfast dyes that use potassium bichromate to bond the yarn to the dye. They followed Aniline dyes as a much more desirable synthetic medium.
CITY RUG or WORKSHOP RUG: Sometimes these terms are used interchangeable. These rugs are woven with the design or pattern created by the weaver following a “cartoon” which has been carefully drawn down and used as a guide. Workshop rugs are most often woven on metal looms to exact size, color and design specification which allow for continuity of weaving.
CLOUDBAND
A stylized depiction of a cloud resembling a band knotted at its collar. Originally a Chinese design, this pattern resembles a swirling band of clouds and can frequently be found in Persian rugs.
The Gallery of Rugs Directory: Sponsors
Whether you need an appraisal for insurance purposes, a legal matter, or personal value, The MERA Group can provide you with a comprehensive solution to meet your needs.
What is the value of a rug? To find out you’ll need the expertise of the right people—unbiased and professional—to guide you along the process. The MERA Group’s founding partners, Sy Mahfuz and Steve Boodakian each have more than 30 years of experience appraising rugs for Insurers, Public Adjusters, Attorneys, Private Owners, and Restoration Companies.
“…we use The MERA Group whenever the need arises, to provide us with impartial values in order to expedite fair and reasonable settlements with our insureds. Their years of experience have been invaluable.”
PETER J. ANDERSON,
The Andover Companies
With a reputation for being fair, a history of integrity, and a strong consulting business that includes appraising, education and sales training, Sy and Steve have helped hundreds of customers just like you find out the true value of their rugs.
For more information, call us at 603-880-7333 or contact us today.
