1-408-512-3925
RugStore: Buyer’s Guide
Kashmir silk rugs are made predominantly in the Srinagar area of Kashmir. Kashmiri silk rugs hold a special place in the arena. They are made in the Persian style and are known for their intricate patterns and high knot density reaching upto 400 knots per square inch. Though the craft here has been inherited from Persia, the Kashmir carpets have over the time developed original style.
These exquisite creations are hand-knotted on warp threads, one at a time, in accordance to a strict code of colors and in the order of their appearance in the pattern. Often the code is lyric zed into a song, which is hummed by the knitters at the time of weaving. The kashmir silk rug is clipped with shears to make them smooth and then treated with several brightening and protective chemical washes. A relatively simple kashmir silk rugs 4 feet by 6 feet would take 3 to 4 months to complete. The motifs are generally floral or animals and birds.
The History of the kashmir silk rugs starts in the early fifteenth century. According to early records of Kashmir history, King Zain-ul-Abeedin, better known in Kashmir as (Budshah), brought master kashmir silk rugs weavers from Persia to train the local craftsmen of the Kashmir valley, who already were master weavers of famous Kashmir textile, better known as Kashmir Jamavar, kashmir Pashmina and shahtoosh shawls.
Budshah introduced the assembly line system into Karkhana’s (factories) for weaving, clipping and washing of kashmir silk rugs in the 15th century. Because of his personal interest in the development of this industry in Kashmir the kashmir silk rugs industry flourished during Budshah’s reign.
Originally from the down undercoat of the Asiatic goat (Capra hircus laniger) Kashmir fibers now also come from 68 breeds of goats in 12 countries, which are classified as kashmir because of a fiber diameter of under 19 microns.
The industry suffered badly after this period and its revival came only during the time of Mughal. However, in the mid 18th century the Dogra’s ruled Kashmir. Maharaja Ranbir Singh, the ruler of the time, showed keen interest in the development of carpet industry in Kashmir and it is in his period we see a lot of development in the carpet Industry in terms of quality and production. The kashmir silk rugs became valuable gifts from one King to another and have been found in almost all the palaces in Central Asia.
In the early 19th century, the kashmir silk rugs caught the attention of the west, and it was highly valued among the world’s best rug weaving regions. kashmir silk rugs weaving in the valley got a fresh lease on life when a European companies like The East India Co. and C & M Hador, established karkhana's in the valley and began exporting kashmir silk rugs to Europe & America.
Rug weaving in Kashmir in India arrived with the Mughals. The craft flourished in Kashmir and now Kashmir has become a hub for the quality rugs. One typically Kashmiri Indian pattern is the tree of life which can be found in RugStore. Kashmiri rugs are world renowned for two things- they are hand made and they are always knotted, never tufted and also that they are very colorful.
It is the color of the rug that helps distinguish it from others. The colors of Kashmiri rugs are more subtle and muted. The yarn is dye using vegetable colors. The yarn is either silk, cotton or a combination of the two. Cotton pile is more common. Silk rugs always have a cotton base but silk rugs may have a cotton or silk base. Silk rugs are more common and affordable than the silk though silk is used in the silk rugs for highlights.
Just like Persian rugs, the knotting determines the durability. Other quality aspects include color and design. The kashmiri rugs can be double knotted and single knotted. The single knotted pile is fluffier than the double knotted. The pile of the double knotted rug is less resistant to touch and pressure.
The general character that is seen in kashmir silk rugs is that they are very rich, aristocratic, and highly refined. Basically, the more knots per square inch, the greater its value and durability. It is seen that kashmir silk rugs have greater KPSI (KNOTS PER SQUARE INCH) than the Persian rugs. Therefore, they are known to last for generations, hold their value or even appreciate over time.
That is why kashmir silk rugs are regarded more as an asset, and life long investments. Rug weaving was got to Kashmir by the Persians but over a period of time, the Kashmiris have carved a niche for themselves with respect to color, quality, design and durability of their rugs, overshadowing their counterparts. The rugs provided by RugStore substantiate this point.
The Indian rugs are considered most technically accomplished classical rugs. The rug weavers over the time have grown artistically. Indian Rugs are renowned for their exquisite designs, elegance, attractive colors and workmanship.
Silk rugs were known in India as early as 500 B.C. References to woven mats and floor coverings can be found in ancient and medieval Indian literature. But the most famous type of Indian rugs, pile rugs came to India in the reign of Akbar in 16th century.
He in 1580A.D. brought certain Persian rug weavers to India and established them here. The art grew and flourished here. It was modified as per the royal tastes and mixed with the Indian arts. The Persian rugs were thus indianized. It spread to the whole subcontinent with each area having its own specialties.
From the beginning, silks have been the basic material of the knotted rugs. The silk may have a variety of origins as per the type of rug being made. Silk knots are also used in Kashmir region. The patterns varied from vines and floral patterns, animal and bird figures and geometric and calligraphic patterns.
Rugs from Akbar's reign (1556-1605) used cotton warp and silk pile and color scheme had multiple shades of blues, greens, and other colors on a red base. The patterns were an adaptation of Persian style but latter modified to Indian tastes.
Rugs of Jahangir's reign (1605-27) were more refined. Materials like silk and pashmina were used that allowed greater number of knots to be incorporated. Patterns resembled miniature paintings. Subtle gradations and shadings with yarns were themselves artistic. The patterns were a reflection of manuscript paintings. They were technically refined in both design and construction. The rugs had scrolling vines, flowering plants, and more naturalistic animals in pictorial or overall pattern.
During Shahjahan's reign (1628-58) art of rugs had reached new heights Warps and wefts of fine silk yarns allowed as many as 2,000 knots per square inch. Silk or pashmina piles gave the rugs velvet like texture. Yarn shading was as sophisticated as in Jahangir's reign. Flowers were now the primary elements of design.
Though during the reign of Aurangzeb (1658 onwards), all crafts saw a downfall of almost all crafts, rug craft sustained. Reason may be that they were required for all religious purposes. The patterns were primarily floral all over with at times geometric or calligraphic trims.
Chinese and European patterns also influenced the art in their own way. With their mythical characters finding way in the rugs, it can be clearly seen. Calligraphy influenced the rug craft as it did the other crafts.
Though like all other crafts, rug making also saw a downfall for sometime, the craft sustained in the traditional families.
We at RugStore.in want to take this rich history of Indian rugs forward, so that people all around the world get to buy these art pieces and celebrate the designs, elegance, colors and workmanship of the timeless kashmir silk rugs.
Carpet is synonymously used with rugs. The only difference between the two is with respect to size. Carpets are larger in size than rugs.
Rugs
Rugs have a maximum length of 2m (6.5ft). They used to serve a number of purposes. They may be used as centerpiece flooring, or hung on wall. They may be used as foot rugs sofa or bed throws or as table decor. They usually have a stylish or artistic touch in terms of color, shape or patterns. They may be as per the themes for a kid’s room, prayer rugs, for a lounge for a dressing room etc.
The style of the rug varies with the purpose. Hand knotted rugs may have intricate patterns of traditional Persian style or more contemporary types but have a rather fine finish. As per the size and purpose, they can be used as wall decor, on table tops and sofas or to give an accent to the flooring. Tufted and felt silk rugs are also used in the same manner. Shagged rugs are more commonly used as bed or sofa throws or corner foot rugs.
Carpets
These usually are larger than 2m or 6.5ft. They are primarily used as floor coverings. They accentuate the theme of the room. They may form the plain wall to wall covering to the wide centerpieces.
They may be hand-knotted, tufted, machine made or felt silk. The hand knotted carpets may have intricate patterns or simple geometrical ones over all, in center or in the corner with the traditional appeal or the contemporary style. Machine made plain or with an overall patterns are used for wall to wall coverings.
The Hand-knotted silk rugs are not only eye catching but durable as well. Unlike the other low quality rugs, these hand-knotted silk rugs tend to last for several generations. Hence, in order to buy a rug that is hand-knotted there are certain dos and some donts to be considered with utmost attention and care.
A Right Rug Store Should Be Your Ultimate Choice When you are planning to buy a rug that is hand-knotted the most significant point to look for is where exactly you can get the perfect hand-knotted rugs. Buy a rug from the right rug store and choosing the right rug store is of prime significance, when it comes to buying a rug. It really does not matter as to how much you know about the techniques of buying a rug, when it comes to choosing a right rug store. It all depends on the volume of information you could manage to gather about the stores and their policies.
Fast Decision Making
Taking decision too fast may be awfully hazardous. While you buy a rug, always steer clears of those rug dealers who try to compel you to take decision in haste. The genuine rug dealers will allow you to see their wide assortment and discuss the pros and cons of each of them. They will help you to make the right decision when you are planning to buy a rug. Hence, also try to buy a rug when you have enough of free time.
Materials
Materials for making rugs may be cotton or silk. Once you have decided to buy a rug look for the quality of the materials. While the natural fiber rugs tend to be durable, the silk rugs are not. Silk are of several grades. Finer the silk will be, higher will be the cost. The vital point of misrepresentation is that acrylic rugs are sold as the silk ones and the rayon and mercerized cotton rugs are sold as the silk ones. These points are to be kept in the mind when you buy a rug.
If you are not interested in buying a rug from the online rug sellers then it is always advisable to buy a rug from a dealer having a great deal of experiences. If you are inclined to buy a rug from an auction, then you are probably among the most foolish persons of the world. Remember that these auctions are simply the outlets for the industrys rejected and substandard items. Such purchases may turn to be nightmares within the few forth-coming days.
The silk rugs are used as accent carpets in the rooms. They may be used as a wall hanging or floor decor. They are colorful and lustrous and should be used in low traffic areas. Smaller silk rugs are used as throws or prayer mats.
Maintenance
The purchase and installation of your rug is a kind of investment. It needs sustained care to protect it against wear and tear and the other hazards of daily use. Here are some suggestions provided by RugStore.in on maintaining rugs.
- Use a walk-off mat at each busy entrance to absorb soil and moisture. This mat should be cleaned regularly so that it does not become soil source itself, especially in inclement weather.
- Rotate the rug at least once a year to prevent bright sunlight damaging the dyes.
- Use a good quality underlay below the rug. This will not only give better resilience underfoot, but prolong the life of your rug. And it also can prevent slipping leading to accidents.
- Vacuum your room frequently, at least once a week and more often in high traffic areas. The surface of your rug should be vacuumed lightly in the direction of the pile.
- If you want to store your rug for some time, first clean it and roll it in brown paper. Do not use plastic bags or leave it in a damp place as mildew will form and destroy its foundation.
Cleaning
If properly cleaned, your rug will last for a long time. RugStore.in recommends professional cleaning every two or three years especially for silk rugs. How often you clean the rug yourself will depend on the traffic and weather. Generally, rugs in light traffic areas should be cleaned once a year; in normal traffic areas once every six months and in heavy traffic areas probably once a month. When you are cleaning a rug yourself, the most common problems are over wetting and excessive use of detergents. After cleaning, please ensure your rug is dried within twelve hours, otherwise mold or mildew may grow on them. Careful use of good ventilation, central heating and air conditioning systems will help the drying process. Exercise care with detergents as increasing quantities beyond the recommended solution levels won't enhance cleaning effectiveness while they may leave excess residues in your rug which will lead to a rapid re-soiling.