When someone says Afghan rug, the inevitable picture comes into our mind is the authentic tribal rug. These rugs are the result of a wide array of sophisticated designs and techniques. With the advent of globalisation, it is now hard to find out which Afghan rug is actually made in Afghanistan and which are manufactured in somewhere else in the world by Afghan refugees. However, it is all possible to locate the authentic Afghan rugs wholesaler in UK so that you can pick a rare kind of Afghan rug for your home.
Features of Authentic Afghan Rugs
The craftsmanship of an authentic Afghan rug can only be traced in the handmade rugs, not in machine-made rugs. Some features like the knot count, source of the dyes and expertise of the artisans determine the quality of Afghan rug. Even the price of those handmade rugs is also influenced by those factors. Let’s have a look on some determining factors for buying an Afghan rug and shop like a pro –
• Craftsmanship of Authentic Afghan Rug
Don’t expect to evaluate the true craftsmanship of authentic Afghan rug as it takes several years of knowledge. But as a beginner, you can use some basic knowledge. Firstly, a perfect Afghan rug must lie flat and straight. There should not be any crooked or raised corner. Secondly, you should focus on the edge of the rug. Make sure the edges are tight and even. Then, you should also observe the knots at its back. If you find the rug’s back absolutely perfect in line, you should consider it as machine-made rug.
• Natural Dyes
Traditional Afghan rugs must be made of natural dyes where the colours are mostly derived from the plant and animal sources. Artisans bring a rich look to those handmade rugs by mixing colours for a harmonious blend of shades. Natural dyes often bear the variation in colours so that the artisans can add the right charm and warmth to the rug.
• Knot Count
The number of knots found in one square inch of a rug is called its knot count. Don’t think that lower knot count always means lower quality of a rug, though many times it is true. Sometimes, tribal Afghan rugs may have as low as 50-knot counts that make them coarser in quality. These rugs usually have geometric patterns with bold colours. On the other hand, the city made rugs may have more than 1,000-knot count with intricate curved designs and tighter weave.
Follow these basic features to identify an authentic Afghan rug once you contact an Afghan rugs wholesaler in UK and purchase a genuine Afghan product that would pass down from generation to generation.