How to Choose a Silk Persian Carpet | Determine its Real Value by Its Density, Luster, Color and Pattern

Introduction: Welcome to the world of Persian carpets

When you hear the words "Persian carpet," what kind of image comes to your mind? You may have heard things like, "They're beautiful and expensive," "It seems like there are a lot of fakes," or "They seem difficult to make, like antiques." But a real Persian carpet is truly a work of art. Woven with great care and effort, they have a breathtaking grandeur. If you have the chance to see and touch one in person, you'll surely be captivated by its charm. However, many people don't have many opportunities to see a real one.

So, in this article, we will answer the question, "What criteria should I use to determine the quality of a carpet?" by introducing in detail and in an interesting way 6 points to look out for when choosing a Persian carpet (especially a silk carpet from Qom). Before you get caught up in the image of a high price, take a look at its appeal. After reading this, you might be thinking, "I want one someday..."

density

When talking about Persian carpets, the first thing to note is the density of the weave. This indicates the number and fineness of the knots, and in Japan it is the number of knots per unit area, while in Persian it is measured using a unique unit called "RAJ." For example, 70 raj means that there are 70 knots in a width of 7 cm. The larger the number, the finer the weave and the clearer the pattern.

Especially high-quality silk carpets from Qom generally have 1 million to 1.2 million knots per square meter, which works out to 10 to 11 knots per cm2. There are even ultra-dense carpets with 1.4 million knots (more than 12 knots per cm2), but the fact is that "fineness of weave does not necessarily equal absolute quality." If you focus too much on the knots, you may end up losing the appeal of the colors and designs. Weave density is an important factor that determines the quality of a carpet, but it is not everything - so keep that in mind.

Gloss

When you think of silk carpets, the most obvious feature is their sheen. The shine, which seems to absorb and reflect light, is produced by the special structure of the silk thread. The cross section of silk is an uneven triangle, and the light that hits it is reflected at various angles, giving off a unique luster not found in other materials.

In addition, a finishing process called "shirring" is added, in which the surface is scraped with a blade, to bring out an even more delicate luster. This job requires the skilled craftsmanship of the craftsman in charge, as the final finish changes depending on the slightest difference in pressure or angle. The rank of the silk thread and the washing method also affect the final luster, so many factors come together to create that beautiful luster.

Color and pattern

When talking about the appeal of Persian carpets, one cannot leave out the "colors and patterns." The value of these crafts is born from the fact that they are tightly woven with the sensibility of the artisan, the designs that have been passed down in each region, and the symbols of history and culture. Qum in particular has a short history as a production area, but it is adept at innovative and diverse color expressions while incorporating techniques from other production areas. Works with many colors require more work to change thread colors and more dyeing processes, so naturally the costs increase. As a result, they tend to be expensive.

What's important is not just that the colors are flashy, but that there is a good overall balance. No matter how many colors are used, a carpet that is disorganized and untidy will look strange at first glance. Also, if dyes that fade easily are used, the vividness may be lost over time. Points such as the fixation rate and fastness of the dye cannot be ignored in order to maintain the carpet for a long time.

Weave

Carpets tend to be focused on the beauty of the front, but it is said that **"looking at the back will reveal everything about the carpet."** Check to see if the back is neatly and evenly woven, if the knots are tightly packed, and if the weft threads are not sticking out.

A high-quality silk carpet has a soft underside and an evenly-woven weave. Furthermore, when you lightly scratch the knots with your fingernail, it feels pleasant and doesn't make any harsh noises. The evenness of the weave is largely determined by the skill of the weaver. The more skilled the artisan is in the carpet, the more dignity it has on the underside as well as the front.

Softness

When you hear the word "silk carpet," some people may think, "I want to display it in a glass case!", but in fact, it is surprisingly soft. A high-quality 100% silk carpet can be rolled up like a towel. Its soft texture might make you worry, "Is it really safe to step on it?"

This softness depends not only on the luxury of the material itself, but also on the skill of the weaver and the way the carpet is beaten after weaving. The weft threads are passed through, then tapped with an iron comb, and then passed through again, and so on. This painstaking process involves packing the threads evenly and with just the right amount of pressure, resulting in a smooth texture. It is no exaggeration to say that the patience and temperament of the craftsman are reflected in the carpet's "character."

touch

Lastly, it's the feel. Many people are said to be captivated by the smooth feel of silk threads on the skin. Silk is a natural material that blends well with human skin, so it doesn't get stuffy even in sweaty seasons and maintains a smooth, comfortable texture. What's more, it keeps out the cold air in winter, so your feet will be nicely warm even if you lay it on the floor.
If you have the opportunity to touch silk carpets in a physical store, be sure to check them out with your hands as well as your eyes.

Summary: Finding your own unique photo

What did you think? When it comes to choosing a Persian carpet, one may tend to think of a simple image such as "the more knots the better," but in reality, six elements - density, luster, color and pattern, weave, softness, and feel - are exquisitely intertwined. Even if one element is outstanding, if the others are not, the appeal of the carpet may be halved.

In particular, silk carpets from Qum have become increasingly popular around the world in recent years, drawing attention for their innovative use of color and design. If you are thinking of getting a real Persian carpet someday, we recommend starting with a smaller size. Once you lay it down, it will completely change the atmosphere of the room, and you will be able to fully enjoy its presence as an art piece.

Of course, it's best to have a good look at it at a trusted store. Persian carpets are packed with a lot of charm that you can't get just by looking at pictures online. I hope that one day you'll find a carpet that suits your taste and be able to cherish it for a long time.

Well, that's all for this blog. Thank you for reading to the end! In the next blog, I would like to go into more detail and talk about "ideas for incorporating Persian carpets into your room" and "tips for caring for them". Please look forward to it.