Natural silk, Artificial silk and the rugs made from them

Silk rugs are the height of luxury and opulence, made as much for display as for daily use. Natural or real silk is made by unwinding to cocoons of the silk worm (Bombyx mori). To produce 1 KG (2.2pounds) of silk yarn, 104 kg (230 pounds) of mulberry leaves must be consumed by 3000 silk worms.

Thus a rug weighing 10 kg., assuming an all silk foundation, and considering that 2/3 of the silk knotting yarn is lost in the surface clipping, 30 kg. Of silk, the work of 90000 busy silk worms is required. Combine this with the laborious processes of the unwinding the cocoons, spinning the yarn and the dyeing it, the very fine knotting (300,400,500 or more knots per square inch) and the cost of a detailed cartoon for the weavers to follow), and one can easily see that a quality silk out to be expensive.

Beware, therefore, of cheap imitations! In Turkey, India and Pakistan the unwary can be trapped into buying a “silk” rug not made from real silk, but usually of mercerized cotton instead. Cotton, a plant fiber composed of cellulose not protein, is mercerized ( a process developed in 19 the century) by treating the yarn with caustic seta which it is stretched under tension, this imparts a glossy surface finish which is further enhanced by calendaring it, e.g. passing it through heated rollers. But the cotton does not change chemical composition and it still does not have the high tensile strength or iridescent colors of dyed silk.

The simplest, most direct way distinguish them is a simple burning test. Select a knot or bit of fringe, any part is asserts to be silk, and apply a lighted match. Cotton, being cellulose, like trees and paper burns to a grey, powdery ash, which silk composed of protein, shrivels up into a black ball with the odor of burning hair (another protein fiber). This test is always definitive; if one is not sure of the result, repeat it on another bit of the suspect rug.

Silk rugs are primarily a non-functional decoration and do not wear well under shoe traffic because the silk fibers lack the elasticity of wool, the ideal carpet fiber, they are for the wall or as a throw over furniture. Silk rugs must be in excellent condition with the full pile to have a real value. A worn silk, unless it has a substantial documentary, aesthetic or period significance, should be avoided.

To see more silk rugs please see www.imagecarpets.com

Natural silk, Artificial silk and the rugs made from them

Silk rugs are the height of luxury and opulence, made as much for display as for daily use. Natural or real silk is made by unwinding to cocoons of the silk worm (Bombyx mori). To produce 1 KG (2.2pounds) of silk yarn, 104 kg (230 pounds) of mulberry leaves must be consumed by 3000 silk worms.

Thus a rug weighing 10 kg., assuming an all silk foundation, and considering that 2/3 of the silk knotting yarn is lost in the surface clipping, 30 kg. Of silk, the work of 90000 busy silk worms is required. Combine this with the laborious processes of the unwinding the cocoons, spinning the yarn and the dyeing it, the very fine knotting (300,400,500 or more knots per square inch) and the cost of a detailed cartoon for the weavers to follow), and one can easily see that a quality silk out to be expensive.

Beware, therefore, of cheap imitations! In Turkey, India and Pakistan the unwary can be trapped into buying a “silk” rug not made from real silk, but usually of mercerized cotton instead. Cotton, a plant fiber composed of cellulose not protein, is mercerized ( a process developed in 19 the century) by treating the yarn with caustic seta which it is stretched under tension, this imparts a glossy surface finish which is further enhanced by calendaring it, e.g. passing it through heated rollers. But the cotton does not change chemical composition and it still does not have the high tensile strength or iridescent colors of dyed silk.

The simplest, most direct way distinguish them is a simple burning test. Select a knot or bit of fringe, any part is asserts to be silk, and apply a lighted match. Cotton, being cellulose, like trees and paper burns to a grey, powdery ash, which silk composed of protein, shrivels up into a black ball with the odor of burning hair (another protein fiber). This test is always definitive; if one is not sure of the result, repeat it on another bit of the suspect rug.

Silk rugs are primarily a non-functional decoration and do not wear well under shoe traffic because the silk fibers lack the elasticity of wool, the ideal carpet fiber, they are for the wall or as a throw over furniture. Silk rugs must be in excellent condition with the full pile to have a real value. A worn silk, unless it has a substantial documentary, aesthetic or period significance, should be avoided.

Natural silk, Artificial silk and the rugs made from them

Silk rugs are the height of luxury and opulence, made as much for display as for daily use. Natural or real silk is made by unwinding to cocoons of the silk worm (Bombyx mori). To produce 1 KG (2.2pounds) of silk yarn, 104 kg (230 pounds) of mulberry leaves must be consumed by 3000 silk worms.

Thus a rug weighing 10 kg., assuming an all silk foundation, and considering that 2/3 of the silk knotting yarn is lost in the surface clipping, 30 kg. Of silk, the work of 90000 busy silk worms is required. Combine this with the laborious processes of the unwinding the cocoons, spinning the yarn and the dyeing it, the very fine knotting (300,400,500 or more knots per square inch) and the cost of a detailed cartoon for the weavers to follow), and one can easily see that a quality silk out to be expensive.

Beware, therefore, of cheap imitations! In Turkey, India and Pakistan the unwary can be trapped into buying a “silk” rug not made from real silk, but usually of mercerized cotton instead. Cotton, a plant fiber composed of cellulose not protein, is mercerized ( a process developed in 19 the century) by treating the yarn with caustic seta which it is stretched under tension, this imparts a glossy surface finish which is further enhanced by calendaring it, e.g. passing it through heated rollers. But the cotton does not change chemical composition and it still does not have the high tensile strength or iridescent colors of dyed silk.

The simplest, most direct way distinguish them is a simple burning test. Select a knot or bit of fringe, any part is asserts to be silk, and apply a lighted match. Cotton, being cellulose, like trees and paper burns to a grey, powdery ash, which silk composed of protein, shrivels up into a black ball with the odor of burning hair (another protein fiber). This test is always definitive; if one is not sure of the result, repeat it on another bit of the suspect rug.

Silk rugs are primarily a non-functional decoration and do not wear well under shoe traffic because the silk fibers lack the elasticity of wool, the ideal carpet fiber, they are for the wall or as a throw over furniture. Silk rugs must be in excellent condition with the full pile to have a real value. A worn silk, unless it has a substantial documentary, aesthetic or period significance, should be avoided.

To see more silk rugs please see www.imagecarpets.com

Most of the time finding an area rug presents no problem. A little bit of shopping and you normally find just what you are looking for. However, sometimes things don't go as planned and you become very frustrated not finding what you want or need exactly. So, when should you consider buying custom made area rugs?

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• Rug Cleaning - Dirt makes carpets wear faster. We clean your carpets using techniques that won't damage them.
• Rug Repairs - Preserve the value of your rugs by trusting repairs to someone who knows how to do it right.
• Pet Stain and Odor Removal - Harsh chemicals damage carpets. Pet stain removal requires specialized skills.
• Stain First Aid - Prompt action can minimize stains, but it has to be the right action!

Antique rugs require specialized handling. Give your treasured heirlooms care that will help protect their value.

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Each item is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, which indicates the Type, Origin and the age of the item. We guarantee the accuracy of the certificate including age within 10 years for items of up to 100 years old, and 25 years for all items of 100 to 300 years old. If any inaccuracy is proved after the final sale, you are entitled to a full refund. Sample copy of the certificate is presented here.

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Image Carpets staff is proud to service the antique oriental rugs community for the last 4 generations! We have a large collection of antique rugs and carpets for all sort of requirements. You are cordially invited to browse our web site, or contact us for further assistance. You can also review our collection at our gallery which is located at 33 East 33rd St, Ste 303 (corner of Park Ave), in New York. We will ship any item on an approval base if you can not visit our showroom, and we also accept all major credit cards.

When you want a unique look and feel in a room or your entire home, adding Antique Oriental rugs can create magic. Decorating with antique rugs give your interior decorating a lift that updates, revitalizes and beautifies your home, by combining contemporary flair, with classic elegance. Rugs can add dramatic color, a focal point, a warm look and protection for stone and hardwood floors without sacrificing visibility. The right choice can add lasting value to your living spaces.

Distinguishing handmade oriental rugs, whether new or antique, from machine made carpets requires looking at both the front and back of the piece in question.

Star Ushak carpets were first woven at the end of the 15^th century and remained popular until about 1600. They appear in European paintings of the period, e.g., portraits of King Henry VIII from before 1540, when presumably they were in new condition.