6 ways to choose a Persian carpet that you won't regret [Qum Silk]

When you hear the words "Persian carpet," you might think, "They're breathtakingly beautiful, but they're also incredibly expensive..." "I've heard there are a lot of fakes, and I have no idea which ones are good," or "They seem like antiques, so you can't get your hands on one unless you have the necessary knowledge..." To be honest, I often hear comments like these. It's certainly a deep and complex world.

A carpet woven by a skilled craftsman, who has poured an incredible amount of time and passion into it, is not only beautiful, but has an overwhelming presence, as if it has a soul. If you can actually see and touch a good carpet, you will surely be captivated by its profound charm.

However, we don't often have the opportunity to see the real thing, so it's extremely difficult to judge its true value based on photos and online information alone.

This is because the quality of a Persian carpet cannot be judged by books or knowledge alone. Specialist stores have been working with Persian carpets for many years, devoted to this field. It is no exaggeration to say that they have seen literally thousands of carpets and touched countless carpets one by one with their own hands, checking their feel. It is only through this accumulation of experience, day after day, that they gradually begin to see the "difference" that cannot be expressed in words alone, and realize that "Ah, this is the real thing" or "This shine is exceptional." We truly believe that the true essence of Persian carpets cannot be grasped unless one handles a large number of them.

So, in this article, we would like to generously share with you in an easy-to-understand manner the "six most important points for identifying a genuine silk Persian carpet," which we have derived from Golestan's many years of experience. These are not armchair theories. They are practical tips for selecting a carpet, based on our keen eye and feel, which we have cultivated through our experience seeing many good ones and many not so good ones (unfortunately...).

After reading this article, your perspective on carpets will surely change, and your desire to own a real one someday will become even more certain. So, let's explore the deep world of Persian carpets together!

Point 1: Knots

When discussing the quality of Persian carpets, the first thing that comes up is the density of the weave. This indicates how tightly the knots are packed into the carpet, and is an important indicator of quality. In Japan, this is measured by the number of knots per unit area, while in Persian, a unique unit called "RAJ" is used. For example, 70 RAJ means that there are 70 knots in a width of 7 cm. The higher the number, the finer the weave and the clearer the pattern.

In particular, high-quality Qom silk carpets, which we specialize in, generally have 1 million to 1.2 million knots per square meter, which works out to 10 to 11 knots per cm2. There are also ultra-dense carpets that go even further, with 1.4 million knots (more than 12 knots per cm2), but even when you touch them with your fingers, you can barely feel the unevenness of the knots.

However, there is one important thing we would like to convey based on our experience of handling many carpets: fineness of weave (density) does not necessarily equal absolute quality.

Of course, high-density carpets are the fruit of great skill and labor, and are certainly valuable. However, when you look at them for many years, you realize that there is a charm to them that cannot be explained by that alone. If you pursue detail too much, the richness of the colors and the freedom of the design can be lost. It's as if a picture that is too detailed ends up looking cramped...

The density of the weave is important, but it's not everything. What's most important is to see the overall balance and harmony. This is something I can say with confidence, having interacted with so many carpets. Don't be fooled by numbers, but also value your own sense of what you like.

Point 2: Gloss

When it comes to silk carpets, their most attractive feature is their captivating luster and shine! Where does this unique sheen, which seems to emit light of its own accord, come from?

One of the secrets lies in the structure of the silk thread itself, produced by silkworms. When you look at the cross section of a silk thread under a microscope, you will see that it is not a perfect circle, but rather a slightly distorted triangle. This irregular shape scatters light like a prism, creating a complex, deep luster that cannot be imitated by any other fiber.

Furthermore, it is the finishing process that brings out the brilliance to the fullest. As with the "twisting" process we talked about last time, after weaving there is a process called "shirring," in which the surface of the carpet is evenly sheared with a special blade. This aligns the direction of the pile, making the reflection of light more beautiful. This shearing is actually an extremely delicate process, and even a slight difference in the amount of pressure used by the craftsman or the angle of the blade can completely change the gloss of the finished product. This is the moment when skilled techniques truly shine through.

And we must not forget the quality (rank) of the silk thread itself. This is also a difference that can only be seen by comparing many carpets, but the original high-quality silk has a clearly different depth of shine and transparency.

The quality of the material, the twisting technique, and the finishing touches... Only when many elements come together perfectly can the breathtaking luster of silk be created. Every day, we realize the importance of each and every step.

Point 3: Color and pattern

The appeal of Persian carpets is not just their texture and luster. The rich colors and beautiful patterns woven into them are also major elements that continue to attract people. The value of Persian carpets as artisans comes from the fact that they are densely woven with the sensibilities of artisans, designs that have been passed down in each region, and symbols of history and culture.

Although Qum has a short history as a production area, it has incorporated techniques from other areas and excels at producing very vivid, innovative, and diverse color expressions. Pieces with many colors require more effort to change thread colors and dye the fabric, which naturally increases costs. As a result, they tend to be more expensive.

What's important here isn't just the number of colors or how flashy they are. To be honest, we've seen many carpets that use a lot of colors but don't harmonize beautifully and end up giving off a cluttered impression. The overall balance, the cleverness of the color combinations, and the depth of the colors are all important. This is difficult to explain in words, but a good carpet has a dignity that makes you feel, "Ah, this is different" at first glance. This is perhaps something that experience teaches you.

The quality of the dye is also very important. If cheap dyes that tend to fade are used, the beautiful colors will fade over time. Is the color well-established, and is a good, deep dye used? This is something that is difficult to judge from a photograph alone, but it is a very important point if you want to enjoy the carpet for a long time. This is also something I can say from my experience of seeing many carpets.

Point 4: Weave

When we see a beautiful carpet, our eyes are drawn to the gorgeous design on the front, but there's a good reason why we, the professionals, always turn a carpet over when we pick it up, new or old.

It has long been said that "you can tell everything about a carpet by looking at its back," and this is certainly true. We have seen more than enough that the back honestly reveals information that cannot lie, such as the weaver's skill level and the care taken in their work.

If you have the chance, please take a look behind the carpet.

• Is the weave neat and even?
• Are the knots tightly packed and tightly packed?
• Are the weft threads sticking out unnecessarily?

These are some points:

A truly good silk carpet has a beautiful underside that is just as soft to the touch as the front, and an incredibly even weave. Furthermore, try gently scratching the knots with your fingernail. A good carpet will have a pleasant, firm feel, without any harsh, gritty noises.

Because it is an area where deception is not an option, the honesty of the craftsman's work is apparent on the back. A good carpet has a kind of dignified dignity not only on the front but also on the back. This is something we are convinced of, having seen the backs of countless carpets.

Point 5: Softness

A truly high-quality 100% silk Persian carpet is surprisingly soft! It's so flexible that you can roll it up or fold it like a luxury towel. Its soft texture might even make you wonder, "Is it really safe to step on?" Those who touch it for the first time will surely be surprised by the difference.

This amazing softness is, of course, largely due to the inherent properties of the silk material itself, but that's not all. The weaver's technique, particularly the way the thread is beaten after weaving, also has a big impact on the softness. This painstaking process involves passing the weft thread through, tapping it with an iron comb, then passing it through again, tapping again... and when the thread is packed in evenly and with just the right amount of pressure, it becomes smooth to the touch.

It's as if each carpet has its own "personality," and each one is truly unique, which makes them even more endearing. This is another fascinating aspect that I can only appreciate after having come into contact with so many carpets.

Point 6: Texture

And the final deciding factor is the "touch." No matter how many words we use, there is no better explanation than actually touching it.

Many people are captivated by the cool, smooth, and clingy feel that only silk threads can provide. Silk is a natural material that blends well with human skin, so it doesn't get stuffy even in the sweaty season and maintains a smooth, comfortable texture. What's more, in winter, the fibers trap air, shutting out the cold, so even if you lay it on the floor, your feet will feel a little warm. One of the reasons we recommend silk carpets is not only their beauty, but also their practicality, allowing them to be used comfortably all year round.

If you have the opportunity to touch a silk carpet in a store, don't hesitate to try it with your hands, and if possible, with your bare skin. Not only what you see with your eyes, but also the "comfort" you feel with all five senses will be an important clue to finding the perfect carpet for you. The difference speaks louder than words.

summary

So, what do you think of these six points to consider when choosing a silk Persian carpet?

It is often said simply that "high density is good," but in reality,

1. Density (balance is important, not just numbers)
2. Gloss (materials and finishing techniques)
3. Color and pattern (harmony and quality of dyes)
4. Texture (honesty behind the scenes)
5. Softness (materials and craftsmanship)
6. Texture (comfort for the five senses)

These six elements are intricately intertwined and influence each other to create the value and appeal of a carpet. Even if one element stands out, without the others, the true splendor of the carpet may be diminished by half.

What I have shared with you today is by no means knowledge you can get from reading in a textbook. It is "opinions from the field to discern the real thing" that we, as a specialty store, have acquired over many years through our own experiences with countless carpets, sometimes making mistakes, but through sweat and time. The world of Persian carpets is complex, and you may not be able to see their true essence unless you have seen many. That is why we would be extremely happy if this article can serve as a reliable "yardstick" when you are choosing a carpet, helping you to find a wonderful piece that you will not regret.

However, to be honest, it can still be quite difficult to judge perfectly on your own. A good carpet has a unique "aura" or "dignity" that cannot be expressed in words or numbers alone. Perhaps this can only be felt by seeing and touching many genuine carpets.

So, our final recommendation is not just to choose a carpet as a product, but to "get familiar with and become friends with the store manager and experienced staff at a trustworthy specialty store, if possible."

Because if you can build a good relationship,

• You may be able to learn secrets about the carpets, the stories behind each carpet, and the artisans who made them, which you wouldn't find in a catalog or online.
• They will understand your preferences, lifestyle, and the atmosphere of your room, and will be happy to help you find a piece that they truly believe will suit you.
• They will be your reliable source of advice on post-purchase maintenance and cleaning, helping you enjoy your carpet for a long time with peace of mind.

Through this kind of communication, you will be able to understand not only the superficial beauty of a carpet, but also its deeper value, such as the culture, history, and feelings behind it. When you do this, the carpet you have acquired will become more than just a "luxury rug"; it will become an irreplaceable "partner in life" that you will find even more attractive and cherished.

Choosing a carpet can be more than just a shopping experience; it can be a rich experience that allows you to feel a warm connection with others and the joy of gaining new knowledge.

Of course, Golestan, a Persian carpet specialty store, sincerely hopes to be a "trusted advisor" for all carpet lovers. Please feel free to contact us at any time with any questions.

It is my sincere hope that one day you will find a Persian carpet that you truly love, that will make you think, "This is the one I've been looking for!", and that you will spend many rich and beautiful years with that carpet.

Consultation on choosing a Persian carpet

At Golestan, a Persian carpet specialty store, we use our many years of experience to help each customer find the perfect carpet. We have a wide selection of carpets of guaranteed quality, and our expert staff will provide you with thorough guidance. Please feel free to visit us and ask us any questions. Let's build a good relationship and enjoy choosing the perfect carpet.

• Check the size and texture in a physical store: Store address and access information
• View carpets in various sizes in our online store: Go to online store
• For inquiries regarding size selection and stock availability: Contact form
  

We look forward to seeing you all.