The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1906-04-12
POPULARITY OF ORIENTAL RUGS.
Where They Come From and How
to judge Their Quality.

such a spell on the popular mind that
they have come to be regarded as
outside the pale Of ordinary commo-
dities of life, says the New York
Times. While it has raid shrawd
dealers not to disturb this, to, them
a favorable, condition of public mind,
the average buyer himself Ia in
measure responsible for it's continur
ance.
Tue question of antique" in ORR
entail rugs should be dismissed from
the mind in purchasing rugs for crdi-
nary uses. Among recent importa-
tons, in carpet sizes, there are hard
ly any antiques in the true sense OF
the word. Real antiques that have
found their way to this country have
been secured by private collectors
who were alive to the worth of such
pieces long before the general pub
lie showed any sign Of approaching
the beauty and the charm Of the pro-
ducts OF the Oriental looms.
1t must be understood that in the
countries where Oriental rugs are
made they are treated with more con-
SideratiOn and care than we accord
to them in existing conditions OF our
modern life. First of all the number
Of rugs used on walls, sofas, etc., Tar
exceed those used on the floor, and
the latter do not get any harder wear
than those On touches, from the fact
that in the Oriental countries peO-
pie invariably walk over the rugs
with soft slippers or bare feet. The
native method of cleaning the rug,
which is very simple, also has much
to do with proving the truth of the
statement that Oriental rugs do not
wear out" Within the last ten years
the import of Oriental rugs has
grown from few hundred thousand
dollars to over four millions, and it
is indicative of the advanced state
of our peoples taste no less than
their prosperity that there are more
Oriental rugs in the United States
to-day and Of far better STANDARD
of grade than in the entire Continent
of Europe.
Some of the best-known Persian
rugs in this country are Herman,
Goeravan, Tabriz and SIntanabad.
Kermans-The principal features
of these rugs, which distinguish
them from others, are their soft,
neutral dainty colors, the prevalence
of floral designs in their pattern, a
glossy sheen, and shortcut pile
These rugs represent the highest
standard of the art Of rug weaving
ever achieved.
Goeravan-Next in popularity In
Persian rugs come Goeravan or Sc
rapi. 1t is easy to recognize this
type. A bold medallion, bright col
ors, and lack of detail work in the
pattern are their characteristic
marks.
Tabriz-In point Of texture and
durability Tabriz are probably the
best RUGS made, but from a decora-
tive point of view they lack all the
desired features Of Kermans Col
ore are crude, designs too exact, and
outlines too sharp; the very rfrm-
ness Of the weave and formation of
the pile preclude the wool from TAX
ing on gloss.
Suntanabad--This rug is called af-
ter the city by that name, one of the
principal rug centers of Persia Rugs
woven here are known in our coun-
try under the names of Sultanabad,
Mushkabad ad Sayalan. There is
no apreciable difference between
them.
The present practice of washing
rugs with preparations of lime, etc.,
to reduce the bright colors of the
modern rugs has done much to shake
the faith of the informed public in
these goods, of once undoubted merit.
1t is argued that if an application
of such chemical solutions is strong
enough to affect the surface of the
pile, it may be strong enough to pen
citrate its warp and welt, which
once affected, will sooner or later re-
suit in the decay of the textile fab
ric. Thus the life of the rug is en-
dangered for the sake of bringing it
into stricter harmony with the re-
quirements Of modern decorative
scheme.
Another ingenious practice often in
dulged in by certain dealers is that
of dyeing them with paint and brush,
introducing desirable hues and sub
shutting certain common tints with
colors more sought after, such as
green, rose, etc. These practices are
too recent to furnish sufficient data
for form an opinion as to their ulti-
mate effect on rugs so treated But
they emphasize the need of extreme
care on the part of purchasers in the
selection OF their rugs. The wisesr
as we'll as the safest course would
be, especially when costly pieces are
under consideration, to secure the
services Of q disinterested party
whose knowledge can be relied upon
There is no doubt that with due
care both in buying anil in using
them Oriental rugs will still be found
worthy of the high reputation which
they have uniformly enjoyed as the
standard Of excellence and worth.