How to tell if a silk Persian carpet is genuine | 6 tips to choose one you won't regret

Introduction: Is that one genuine? Welcome to the labyrinth of choosing a Persian carpet

When you hear the words "Persian carpets," what kind of world do you picture? "They're breathtakingly beautiful, but they're also eye-poppingly expensive..." "I've heard there are a lot of fakes, and I have no idea which ones are good." "They're like antiques, and I feel like you can't get your hands on one without some knowledge..." To be honest, I often hear people say things like this. It's certainly a deep and complex world.

But I want to say it loud and clear: genuine Persian carpets are undeniable works of art that can enrich your life .

A carpet woven by a skilled craftsman who has poured an incredible amount of time and passion into it is not just 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 deep charm.

However, we don't often have the opportunity to see the real thing, so it's extremely difficult to judge its true value from just photos or information on the internet.

This is because the quality of a Persian carpet cannot be judged by books or knowledge alone. Our specialty store has been working with Persian carpets for many years, and we have seen literally thousands of carpets, and have touched countless carpets one by one with our own hands, checking their feel. It is only through this accumulation of experience, day by day, that one gradually begins to see the "difference" that cannot be conveyed in words alone, and realizes, "Ah, this is the real thing," or "This shine is exceptional." We truly feel that the world of Persian carpets is one in which the true essence cannot be grasped unless one handles many of them .

So, this time, we would like to generously share with you in an easy-to-understand manner the "6 most important points for identifying a genuine silk Persian carpet" that we have derived from our many years of experience. This is not an armchair theory. It is the secret to practical selection based on our reliable "eyes" and "feel" that we have cultivated while seeing many good ones and many not so good ones (unfortunately...) on the ground.

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

Point 1: [Density] - It's not just numbers, it's a world of profound balance

When talking about the quality of Persian carpets, the first thing to be mentioned is the density of the weave. This indicates how finely the knots are packed into the carpet, and is an important indicator of quality. In Japan, it is 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 larger 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 with even more density, 1.4 million knots (more than 12 knots per cm2), but even when you touch them with your fingers, you can hardly 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 equate to absolute quality .

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

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

Point 2: [Shiny] ~ The life of silk, the secret behind its shine ~

When it comes to silk carpets, the most attractive thing about them is their captivating luster and shine ! Where does that unique shine that seems to emit light itself come from?

One of the secrets lies in the structure of the silk thread itself that silkworms produce. When you look at the cross section of a silk thread under a microscope, you'll see that it's not a perfect circle, but rather a slightly distorted triangle. This irregular shape scatters light like a prism, creating a complex, deep shine that can't be replicated 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 trimmed with a special blade. This aligns the direction of the pile, making the light reflect more beautifully. This shearing is actually an extremely delicate process, and even a slight difference in the craftsman's use of force 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 techniques... Only when a number of elements come together perfectly can the impressive luster of silk be created. Every day, we realize the importance of each and every step of the process.

Point 3: [Colors and Patterns] ~ The artistry of colors and designs that tell a story ~

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

In particular, Kumu has a short history as a production area, but by incorporating techniques from other production areas, it excels at producing very vivid, innovative, and diverse color expressions . Works with many colors require more work to change the color of the thread and more dyeing processes, so naturally the costs go up. As a result, they tend to be expensive.

What's important here is not just the number of colors or how flashy they are. To be honest , we have seen many carpets that use many colors but do not harmonize beautifully and give off a cluttered impression. The overall balance, the skillful combination of colors, and the depth of color are difficult to explain in words, but a good carpet has a dignity that makes you feel, "Ah, this is different" at first glance. This may also be a feeling 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 has good, deep dye been 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 something I can say from my experience of having seen many carpets.

Point 4: [Weave] ~You can tell everything by looking at the back? The honesty of the craftsman~

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

There is an old saying 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 of a carpet honestly reveals information that cannot lie, such as the weaver's skill level and the carefulness of the 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 really good silk carpet has a beautiful underside that is just as soft to the touch as the front, and an amazingly even weave . What's more, try lightly scratching the knots with your fingernail - a good carpet will have a pleasant, dense feel, without any harsh, scratchy sounds.

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

Point 5: [Softness] ~ What? It's a carpet? It has a surprising feel that is different from how it looks. ~

When you think of silk carpets, you might have an image of them being "hard and sturdy." Or, you might think, "Because they are delicate, they need to be handled with care..." and feel like displaying them in a glass case.

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

Of course, this amazing softness is largely due to the characteristics of the silk itself , but that's not all. The weaver's technique, especially the way they beat the finished product, also has a big impact on its softness. The weft thread is passed through, and then tapped with an iron comb, and then passed through again, and tapped again... this painstaking process of compressing the threads evenly and with just the right amount of pressure results in a silky smooth texture.

It's as if each carpet has its own "character," and each one is truly unique, which makes them even more lovable. This is another interesting thing I can only feel by having come into contact with so many carpets.

Point 6: [Touch] - Feel with all five senses for an innate comfort

And the last deciding factor is, of course, the "touch". No matter how much we try to describe it, there is no better way to explain it than to actually touch it.

Many people are captivated by the cool, smooth feel that only silk thread 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 and keep out the cold, so even if you lay it on the floor, your feet will feel slightly warm. Another reason we recommend silk carpets is not only their beauty, but also their practicality, which allows them to be used comfortably all year round .

If you have a chance to touch a silk carpet in a store, please do not 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 should be an important clue to finding the perfect carpet for you. The difference speaks louder than words.

Summary: Cultivate your eye for discerning the real thing and discover the perfect "photo"

Well, what do you think of these 6 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 (Honest Truth)
5. Softness (materials and craftsmanship)
6. Texture (comfort for the five senses)

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

What I have shared with you today is by no means knowledge you can get from simply 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 by actually dealing with countless carpets, sometimes making mistakes, and 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 of them. For this reason, I would be very happy if this article can serve as a reliable "yardstick" for you when choosing a carpet, and help you find a wonderful piece that you will not regret.

But, 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 to just choose a carpet as a product, but to "get acquainted 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 backstories of carpets, the stories each carpet holds, and the craftsmen who made them , which you wouldn't find in a catalog or online.
• After understanding your preferences, lifestyle, and the atmosphere of your room, they will be happy to help you find a piece that they truly believe "suits you."
• They will be a reliable source of advice on post-purchase maintenance and cleaning, helping you to enjoy your carpet for a long time with peace of mind .

Through this communication, you will be able to understand not only the superficial beauty of the carpet, but also its deeper value, such as the culture, history and people's 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 is not just a simple purchase, but 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, the Persian carpet specialty store, also wishes to be a "trusted advisor" for all carpet lovers. Please feel free to contact us anytime, 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 times with that carpet.

[For advice on choosing a Persian carpet, please contact our experienced staff]

At Golestan, a Persian carpet specialist, we use our many years of experience to help each customer find the perfect carpet. We have a wide selection of high-quality carpets, and our expert staff will provide you with detailed guidance. Please feel free to visit us and ask for any questions. Let's enjoy choosing the best carpet while building a good relationship.

• Check the size and texture at a physical store: Store address and access information
• Check out our online store for carpets in various sizes: Visit our online store
• Inquiries regarding size selection and stock: To the inquiry form
  

We look forward to seeing you all.