jimoconnell

jimoconnell t1_iujrp6m wrote

Absolutely 100% hand-woven. It looks to be completely made of wool, rather than wool wefts on a cotton warp.

You bought this at a local shop that's been in business for decades, right? I think you did just fine on price. If you like the piece, you did great.

Could you have gotten a better deal on Etsy (or another online site)? Sure, but the risk is greater. You need a bit of experience to know exactly what to look for.

Coincidentally, I bought a Turkish kilim on Etsy this morning, in fact. It was from one of the overseas dealers who offers free shipping, but as I am confident in my ability to asses a rug from a photo, I was able to buy without worry. (I started in the oriental rug business in 1985, worked as a textile and carpet restorer for many years. I'm no longer in the business, but I still buy them and sell them on occasion.)

To contradict what another commenter said, there is no shame or stigma in buying a used rug, if it is clean, free of rot, pet stains, or infestation. It is absolutely NOT like a couch or mattress.

Antique rugs are generally always more valuable than their new counterparts. Many rugs, especially tribal pieces, will look their best and peak in value after about eighty to a hundred years of usage.

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