“Quality is never an accident. It is always the result of intelligent effort.” (John Ruskin 1819 – 1900).
When buying a quality antique or vintage handmade rug, it is useful to be familiar with the raw ingredients of the effort. After all, a handmade rug is considered the focal point of a fine design scheme.
Buying quality goes against the ephemeral nature of possessions and “throwaway Society”; it appeals to the growing legions of ethical consumers who want ethical Products. By purchasing a vintage or antique rug you don’t just get something unique for your home; you are also a more environmentally-friendly consumer, as it reduces landfills and reduces carbon emissions.
Be it an antique kilims, Isfahan, Oushak or Aubusson rug. Key determinants of quality are the:
- Intricacies of design and the execution of a master weaver
- The durable lustre of hand-spun wool
- Depth of colours unique to natural dyes
- Knots per square inch (KPSI)
What makes an antique rug valuable?
Additional factors come into play when buying an antique piece. Conventionally a minimum of 100 years has been the threshold put in place by major antique fairs and showrooms.
Key determinants of the value of an antique include:
- Age
- Rarity is a principal determinant
- Condition
- An antique’s provenance can add substantial value
- Fashion
Our 3C table goes a long way to help you determine these factors
Buying future Heirlooms
The Disposable culture of recent decades where items are regularly replaced has become unpalatable to most. Consumers want furnishings that endure. The discerning customers are after quality handmade rugs that can be cherished for generations and passed on as family heirlooms.
You need not spend the moon in search of quality. There are antique or vintage Persian rugs that now compare so well at price to the modern rug that may sooner or later end up in landfills.
If purchased wisely, Good-quality pieces will retain their value and appreciate over time
- Remember, quality will never go out of style.
- Condition is key, one must be aware that this will affect the value greatly
- Buy from a reputable seller. A reputable dealer will always tell you if a handmade rug is restored or altered
- Buy the best your funds will allow. Over time you will see a better return from one quality handmade rug for £2000 than 5 average pieces for £400 each.
At Sharafi & Co we have over three decades of experience in constantly replenishing our stock of antiques and vintage handmade rugs. The best advice we can pass on is buying what you love, buying quality, and buying the best you can afford.
