The Flooring Guild
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.flooring-guild.co.uk
36 Meadowsweet
Eaton Ford
St Neots
Cambridgeshire
PE19 7GR
Tel: 01480 471476
Consumer Information Service
A
Consumer’s Guide
to
Oriental Rugs
The Flooring Guild is dedicated to raising standards in the flooring industry through the delivery
of high quality training and education. We believe Consumers should be given unbiased
information to help make an informed choice and have produced a series of guides to help in
that process.
The contents of each Guide are believed correct at the time of printing. Nevertheless, The
Flooring Guild cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions or for changes in the
details given in this Guide or for the consequences of any reliance on the information provided
in the same.
Although every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we will always welcome any
information to assist in such efforts and to keep the Guides up to date.
We gratefully acknowledge the information given by various contributors including:
Flooring One
Hand Made Carpets Limited
The National Carpet Cleaners Association
All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any other
information storage and retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from The Flooring Guild.
The Flooring Guild is a company limited by guarantee – Registered in England No. 3803478 at the above address
The Flooring Guild
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.flooring-guild.co.uk
36 Meadowsweet
Eaton Ford
St Neots
Cambridgeshire
PE19 7GR
Tel: 01480 471476
Consumer Information Service
Contents
Page
CHOOSING AN ORIENTAL RUG
Sizes
1
2
IDENTIFYING RUGS BY COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
Afghanistan
Chinese
Indian
Nepal
Pakistan
Persia
Turkish
3
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
COLOURS USED IN ORIENTAL RUGS
5
MAINTENANCE OF ORIENTAL RUGS
6
Caring for Your Oriental Rug
Repairs
Hand Tinting
Problem Stains
Stretching
Remedial Maintenance
Dry Cleaning Solution
Detergent Solution
Detergent and Vinegar Solution
Ammonia Solution
Stain Treatment Guide
Final Rinse Procedure
NO RUG IS STAIN PROOF
6
6
6
6
6
7
7
7
7
7
8
10
10
Reproduced by kind permission of Flooring One Limited
The Flooring Guild is a company limited by guarantee – Registered in England No. 3803478 at the above address
Consumer Information Service
Oriental Rugs
CHOOSING AN ORIENTAL RUG
Historically, designs used in rug making originated from areas in which the weavers
lived.
Each community developed its own designs for its own purposes and the colours and
materials they used reflected their history, geography and culture. The patterns
ranged from simple forms and religious symbols to extremely ornate floral and animal
motifs.
These motifs are, more often than not, a trademark of a particular rug type, thus
making it possible to identify and name the rug through its physical characteristics.
Some designs regularly woven in a particular area are committed to memory. These
designs and patterns are handed down from generation to generation.
For example, in Afghanistan the most typical Afghan design is the Gul, or, as it is
sometimes called, 'the Elephant's foot'. Colours are dark and predominantly red.
Finer pieces come from the Belouch weaving area, a stretch of land straddling Persia
and Afghanistan.
In China, pile knotted rugs were introduced from Mongolia in 1279. Originally, the
symbols used were from the early Taoist religion and from Buddhism.
Later, the Chinese weavers introduced the ornate Aubusson design inspired by the
French Court of Louis XIV.
Tibetan weaving goes back 900 years when carpet art was an expression of the
religious conviction. Their designs remain simple while using motifs whose symbolism
is still clear.
To a Tibetan, a rug was a part of his life - to sit and sleep on, which reminds us that,
whilst these carpets are works of art, their origin derives from more practical purposes.
It should be mentioned that, whilst some designs are repetitious and can be woven
from memory, others are not and there are many methods by which a design is
transferred from the mind to the rug.
Two of the most common methods of transferring these designs are by cartoon or
naksha - a full scale graph paper chart which lets a weaver know what colour each
knot is to be. Each tiny graph square represents one knot.
The naksha is hung on the back of the loom like music on a stand. Or by Talim - the
written code used either to transfer the design to the naksha or, in some countries, one
person reads the colour and number of knots to several weavers.
Oriental rugs are finished off on both sides and ends. The side finishing is known as
the selvedge and is necessary as this part of the rug is most exposed to wear. Usually
the outermost warp threads are made stronger than the others and the weft threads
are passed round them several times.
© The Flooring Guild 2015
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Consumer Information Service
Oriental Rugs
This is then further by reinforced by overcasting with wool, goat hair or, more rarely,
silk.
The ends can be finished in a number of knotways. Generally there is a band of flat
weaving, sometimes decorated with a line of fancy weaving - this is generally known as
kilim.
Beyond this, the fringe is formed from the ends of the warp and can be knotted, plaited
or left loose. The general object of this finishing is to stop the fabric from unravelling.
It is useful to recognise a handwoven rug from a machine made one. A machine made
copy can be recognised because machine stitching can always be found along both
sides of the rug.
This stitching is normally dyed to make it less noticeable. The designs are often vague
and indistinct. The back is covered with perfectly straight lines. The fringe is almost
always sewn and not an extension of the warp.
Sizes
The size of an Oriental rug is dependent on the loom. Rugs produced by nomadic
tribes are usually small and narrow, being made on their portable looms. Seminomadic tribes erected larger fixed looms in their seasonal quarters. The beams on
these looms were often made from branches of a tree.
Hence, when a branch is not straight, this can cause the rug itself to be crooked.
Settled and commercially operated weavers have no such restrictions and can weave a
rug to any desired size.
In Great Britain the word “rug”, applies to a piece with an area of no more than 35 sq ft.
Above this, it is referred to as a carpet. In the USA, all pieces are referred to as “rugs”.
Oriental rugs in general are woven in a limited range of sizes. These are sometimes
identified by a Persian or Turkish name. The most common are listed below:
Name
Approximate size
Pushti or yastik
3'3" x 2'
Zarcherek or cerek
4'3" x 2'9"
Zaronim or namazlik
5' x 3'
Mossul
6'6"x 3'3"
Dozar or seccadeh
6'6" x 4'6"
Long kharak
6'6" x 2'3"
Kelleyi
a very wide runner or long narrow carpet
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Consumer Information Service
Oriental Rugs
IDENTIFYING RUGS BY COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
The main oriental carpet producing areas are: Persia (Iran), Afghanistan, Pakistan,
Turkey, India, China and Nepal. Rugs are given the names of the towns, tribes,
provinces, villages or cities where they are woven.
These are some general design characteristics.
Afghanistan
All rugs from this group have varying shades of red as a predominant colour. They are
all the work of nomadic tribes and as such are seldom large. Design is usually based
on the octagonal 'gul' motif and Afghan rugs are also woven by Turkoman nomads and
have a similar appearance, but the knotting is coarser and the pile longer.
Chinese
Rugs and carpets woven in China are completely different from those from Islamic
countries. They are not made by nomadic tribes, but in organised workshops and
factories. Being more formal and less imaginative in theme, little indication is given of
the origin or place of their weaving.
The quality of Chinese rugs ranges from the very coarse to the extremely fine.
Traditional styles reflected the taste of the ruling emperors eg Ming and K'ang-hsi and
designs are frequently religious. Colours used are also very different - strong reds are
rare whilst soft peaches, yellows, apricots and blues predominate. Shapes and sizes
also vary, with rounds and ovals being common.
Indian
Pile rugs were introduced to India from Persia and China. Original designers were
Persian but Indian weavers developed their own individual pictorial and floral themes.
Colours became lighter than Persian, with a tendency to pastels.
Nepal
Most of the world's 'Tibetan' carpets now originate in Nepal where the Tibetan weavers
settled. The art of weaving in Tibet dates back to the seventh century when East
Turkestan came under Tibetan rule and weavers from Kashgar brought their
knowledge with them.
Patterns tend to be simple with a deep religious (Buddhist) significance in the design.
The swastika and meander border motifs appear frequently and colours reflect the
tones of the seasons - greys, browns, greens and reds. A well-known carpet range
from Nepal is the 'Kangri' - the Tibetan name for the mountains which surround the
country.
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Oriental Rugs
Pakistan
In 1947, Pakistan became independent from India and is now in the mainstream of rug
production. Rugs woven in Pakistan are still to a great extent woven at home following
the influences of Persian, Moslem and Turkomen craftsmen.
Pakistan rugs can be identified by very wide variety of colours and the repetitive (gul)
motif.
Persia
The name 'Persian' is one of the most commonly applied to oriental rugs. The country
was renamed 'Iran' in 1935, but the name 'Persian' is still used when describing its
rugs.
Fine Persian rugs have been traded as good financial investments both inside and
outside the country for centuries. Persian rugs vary enormously in size, from a carpet
as large as the Ardebil to a tiny prayer rug. The designs on Persian rugs are either
rounded and floral in town weaves or mainly geometric in village pieces. Rich indigo
blues and crimson reds are predominant and the shapes of the carpets are rectangular
rather than square. It is common to see 'themes' in Persian rugs such as hunting
scenes and ornate gardens. Gold and silver threads are sometimes used.
A well-known type of rug is the 'prayer rug'. These rugs originated in Persia for use
five times a day by the Moslem faithful in prayer. They are intended to protect
worshiper from the dirt as he touches his head to the ground, facing always towards
Mecca.
These rugs are small and always have a curved niche woven into the design indicating
the direction of the Holy City.
Turkish
Anatolia is the old name for Turkey and is the correct word used to describe Turkish
rugs. The quality of these rugs has always been extremely fine and, until recently in
Europe, the word Turkish or Anatolian has been synonymous with Oriental.
Turkish rugs are quite easily distinguished from Persian rugs.
The designs tend to be geometric and, for religious reasons, no men or animals are
shown.
The prevailing colour is brick-like red, although their prayer rugs are sometimes the
sacred colour green.
© The Flooring Guild 2015
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Consumer Information Service
Oriental Rugs
COLOURS USED IN ORIENTAL RUGS
As well as being a factor in assessing the value of an Oriental rug, colours can have a
symbolic significance.
The following is a general guide to the meanings of Oriental rug colours:
Green
The holy colour of the Prophet Mohammed - it is used sparingly in
places least likely to be trodden on. Hope, renewal, life, Spring.
Red
Fire, wealth, courage, luck, joy, faith
Blue
Power or force, solitude
Orange
Humility and piety
Yellow
The sun, joy of life
White
Purity, cleanliness
Black
Usually only found in outlines, mourning, destruction
Gold
Power, wealth
Brown
Fertility
© The Flooring Guild 2015
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Consumer Information Service
Oriental Rug Maintenance
MAINTENANCE OF ORIENTAL RUGS
Caring for Your Oriental Rug
For day to day cleaning, a light vacuuming will do an excellent job of removing surface
dirt.
A natural enemy of your rug is the moth and it is advisable to use your vacuum
attachments to reach under furniture for protection.
Moths like natural fibres and prefer dark places and so, to help protect against moth
and also colour fading from bright sunlight, the rug should be lifted and turned
especially if any part is under furniture.
When arranging your furniture, it is wise to have some sort of protection under the legs
to prevent the carpet fibres being crushed. Avoid sharp castors or narrow legs and
move furniture from time to time.
Never lay an Oriental rug on a damp floor as the wet can cause rot. Always seek
professional help if the rug needs cleaning. If it is necessary to store a rug for any
length of time, take care to pack it with moth repellent.
Repairs
Damaged areas, burns, splits and holes can be expertly repaired or rewoven.
Damaged or worn fringes can also be repaired or renewed.
Hand Tinting
Colours that have faded or changed over the years can sometimes be restored by
artists skilled in this field.
Problem Stains
Some stains are difficult to remove by conventional methods. Specialist cleaners have
the know-how and can often remove the more stubborn stains that were impossible to
remove at home.
Stretching
Certain types of hand-made carpet, most notably Afghans, can often become
misshapen or ruckled with use but, providing the carpet is sound, these problems can
usually be minimised with stretching. Should a rug become stained, then the following
spotting guide may help:
© The Flooring Guild 2015
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Consumer Information Service
Oriental Rug Maintenance
Remedial Maintenance
Accidents will happen. If something gets spilled on your carpet, take prompt action to
prevent staining. You will need some clean white absorbent cloth, or tissue, and the
four basic solutions listed below.
Please check that your rug is colourfast and safe to clean, by testing all solutions in an
inconspicuous area before application
REMEMBER - ACT QUICKLY
Scrape up solids and blot up liquids, taking plenty of time - it is worth the effort.
Mix the solution accurately and don’t forget to test it on an inconspicuous part of the
carpet or an unused off-cut before you start.
Always work from the outer edge of the stain to the centre. NEVER OVER WET.
Dab or blot rather than scrub, or rub hard.
Even though you may not completely remove the stain, the correct routine will give
your professional cleaner, when called in, the best possible chance of success.
NOTE: Some new rugs have been subjected to anti-static and soil-resistant
treatments. Even when these have been applied, it is wise to follow the stain removal
procedures suggested.
1.
Dry Cleaning Solution
Surgical or White Spirit
2.
Detergent Solution
One teaspoonful of gentle detergent for washing
woollens to half a pint (0.75 litres) of warm water.
3.
4.
Detergent and Vinegar Add one tablespoonful of white (not malt) vinegar
to the Detergent Solution.
Solution
One teaspoonful of branded household ammonia
(available from hardware stores), to one cup of
Ammonia Solution
warm water.
Tackle stains as shown on the chart overleaf.
© The Flooring Guild 2015
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Consumer Information Service
Oriental Rug Maintenance
Stain Treatment Guide
The solutions listed on the previous page may be used to treat the following stains.
Stain
Method
Alcohol
Blot up surplus spillage. Use Detergent Vinegar
Solution. Work from the outer edge of the stain
inwards, using a little at a time, blotting up with dry
cloths frequently. See below for final rinse
procedure.
Scrape up excess with a blunt knife. Use a
Detergent Solution starting at the outer edge. Blot
dry. Follow up with Ammonia Solution. Blot dry.
See below for final rinse procedure.
Scrape up excess with a blunt knife. Use a dry
cleaning solution followed by Detergent and
Vinegar. Blot dry. See below for final rinse
procedure.
Scrape up excess with a blunt knife. Use a
Detergent Solution starting at the outer edge. Blot
dry. Follow up with Ammonia Solution. Blot dry.
See below for final rinse procedure.
Blot up surplus spillage. Use Detergent Vinegar
Solution. Work from the outer edge of the stain
inwards, using a little at a time, blotting up with dry
cloths frequently. See below for final rinse
procedure.
Scrape up excess with a blunt knife. Use a
Detergent Solution starting at the outer edge. Blot
dry. Follow up with Ammonia Solution. Blot dry.
See below for final rinse procedure.
Scrape up excess with a blunt knife. Use a dry
cleaning solution followed by Detergent and
Vinegar. Blot dry. See below for final rinse
procedure.
Scrape up excess with a blunt knife. Use a
Detergent Solution starting at the outer edge. Blot
dry. Follow up with Ammonia Solution. Blot dry.
See below for final rinse procedure.
Scrape up excess with a blunt knife. Use a
Detergent Solution starting at the outer edge. Blot
dry. Follow up with Ammonia Solution. Blot dry.
See below for final rinse procedure.
Blot up surplus spillage. Use Detergent Vinegar
Solution. Work from the outer edge of the stain
inwards, using a little at a time, blotting up with dry
cloths frequently. See below for final rinse
procedure.
Scrape up excess with a blunt knife. Use a
Detergent Solution starting at the outer edge. Blot
dry. Follow up with Ammonia Solution. Blot dry.
See below for final rinse procedure.
Blood
Chewing Gum
Chocolate,
Coffee
Egg
Fats
Glue
Ice Cream
Liquid Foods
Milk
© The Flooring Guild 2015
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Consumer Information Service
Oil
Ointment
Shoe Polish
Soft Drinks
Solids
Sweets
Tar
Tea
Unknown stains
Urine
Vomit
© The Flooring Guild 2015
Oriental Rug Maintenance
Scrape up excess with a blunt knife. Use a dry
cleaning solution followed by Detergent and
Vinegar. Blot dry. See below for final rinse
procedure.
Scrape up excess with a blunt knife. Use a dry
cleaning solution followed by Detergent and
Vinegar. Blot dry. See below for final rinse
procedure.
Scrape up excess with a blunt knife. Use a dry
cleaning solution followed by Detergent and
Vinegar. Blot dry. See below for final rinse
procedure.
Scrape up excess with a blunt knife. Use a
Detergent Solution starting at the outer edge. Blot
dry. Follow up with Ammonia Solution. Blot dry.
See below for final rinse procedure.
Scrape up excess with a blunt knife. Use a dry
cleaning solution followed by Detergent and
Vinegar. Blot dry. See below for final rinse
procedure.
Scrape up excess with a blunt knife. Use a
Detergent Solution starting at the outer edge. Blot
dry. Follow up with Ammonia Solution. Blot dry.
See below for final rinse procedure.
Scrape up excess with a blunt knife. Use a dry
cleaning solution followed by Detergent and
Vinegar. Blot dry. See below for final rinse
procedure.
Blot up surplus spillage. Use Detergent Vinegar
Solution. Work from the outer edge of the stain
inwards, using a little at a time, blotting up with dry
cloths frequently. See below for final rinse
procedure.
Scrape up or blot surplus spillage. Use a dry
cleaning solvent followed by clean lukewarm
water. Blot dry. If further treatment is needed, use
either Detergent or Detergent and Vinegar
Solution. Blot dry. See below for final rinse
procedure.
Blot up surplus spillage. Use Detergent Vinegar
Solution. Work from the outer edge of the stain
inwards, using a little at a time, blotting up with dry
cloths frequently. See below for final rinse
procedure.
Scrape up excess with a blunt knife. Use a
Detergent Solution starting at the outer edge. Blot
dry. Follow up with Ammonia Solution. Blot dry.
See below for final rinse procedure.
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Consumer Information Service
Oriental Rug Maintenance
Final Rinse Procedure
This rinse procedure is applicable to all the above methods of stain removal. Simply
mix one-part white vinegar and four-parts water. Pour mixture into a spray bottle and
spray over the stained area. Blot dampened are (do not rub) to remove excess
moisture. Spread white kitchen towel (stacked 6-8 sheets deep) over the affected area
and place a weight, such as a book, directly on top. This will help moisture residue to
soak into the towels. Leave overnight and repeat if necessary.
NO RUG IS STAIN PROOF
In general hot liquids, bleaches and products containing natural dyes, especially those
with yellow, orange or red colouring, can cause permanent discolouration.
© The Flooring Guild 2015
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