Indian rugs are not just a bright accessory for your home, they are a real work of art. At all times, handmade carpets have been incredibly highly prized. And today, as well as five centuries ago, such products are a confirmation of the exquisite taste and good wealth of their owner.
Carpet weaving originated in India under the influence of the Persians. That is why, at the initial stages of the development of this craft, Persian motifs can be traced in the patterns and designs of the products. Later, carpets acquired their own special and unique style, which to this day remains one of the most interesting and unusual.
Features of the
Traditional products are unique compositions of interweaving threads of bright and lively shades: gold, silver, yellow, red, blue, pink, etc. The patterns and ornaments that the masters put on canvases embody the richness of the flora and fauna of the country: exotic trees, flowers, plants and animals. All this symbolizes health, luck and renewal. The unique weaving technique allows the pattern to be multifaceted, and at every angle you will see the pattern in a special way.
A real Indian rug is very graceful, durable, colorful and durable.
Such a product is a unique handmade work of art. It takes about a year of work to make one carpet. From four to twenty masters simultaneously work on the canvas, depending on the size of the carpet and the complexity of the pattern. This is what justifies the rather large cost of such a product. However, if we take into account all the listed characteristics of the product, the price does not seem to be too high. In addition, a handmade carpet is an excellent investment of money, since the value of such a product only increases over the years. Moreover, many examples of woven art decorate galleries and private properties of famous collectors.
Manufacturing materials
The most common materials for carpet weaving in India are the wool of local goats and sheep, servants, cashmere, as well as the silk of the Indian silkworm. There are also combined options, for example, wool with silk or servants and wool. The main thing is that the materials are exclusively natural and of very good quality.
First-class Indian products are striking in their magnificence and originality. They retain their original appearance for many years. Although it is worth noting that in the modern production of Indian carpets, synthetic materials are sometimes used, such as polyamide, acrylic and others. But such products are significantly different from traditional carpets.
The flexibility, strength and fineness of the carpet depend on the number of knots and rows that are created during the manufacture of the product. There are many techniques for producing and processing yarns. And to study them all, it will take a very long time.
How to distinguish from a fake?
So, you wanted to purchase a luxurious handmade carpet from India. Now the most difficult thing is to find out whether it is an original product or a cheaper copy. Considering modern production technologies and a great variety of products on the market, it is not difficult to get confused. However, it is still possible to recognize a fake. To do this, take note of the following tips:
Pay attention to the cost. Obviously, a real Indian handmade rug cannot be too cheap. If you see dazzling ads for huge discounts on such products - do not rush to make a purchase. The products presented are not always genuine. First-class carpets from India do not need loud advertisements and sales, as the demand for them is already high at all times
- Assess the structure. When twisted, real silk does not break, deform or crack, unlike cheap synthetics. Therefore, before buying, do a simple experiment - just roll the canvas into a roll and analyze the result. Trust your tactile sensations. Real silk is extremely soft, delicate and pleasant to the touch. It is very elastic, but wrinkles easily.
- Rub the fibers. Rubbing natural silk will heat up. But it is worth noting that this method of detecting a fake is not one hundred percent. So, viscose also heats up with friction. And it is viscose that is most often quite easy to confuse with silk.
Sometimes products are set on fire to check the quality of the fiber. If the product is synthetic, then you will notice the characteristic smell of plastic. The cotton fiber, when burned, leaves ash, and the silk exudes a smell similar to that of burnt human hair. However, this test method is not always applicable, since not everyone will dare to set fire to even a small part of an expensive carpet.
Ask the seller for a certificate. Any first-class product has special documents that confirm its high quality. Therefore, be sure to check if the seller has such papers. In the absence of certificates (whatever the reason), it is worth considering the integrity of the supplier. Trust only trusted companies such as Topsy
Care
Buying a magnificent Indian rug, everyone wants the product to preserve its pristine beauty for as long as possible. It is quite possible, the main thing is to properly care for him. Remember a few basic rules:
Do not use aggressive cleaning agents. If a stain has formed on the carpet, do not use store-bought household chemicals on it. Just treat the affected area with a mild baking soda solution. To dry the canvas, never hang it in direct sunlight, use a hair dryer, or place it on a battery. Just wait for the carpet to dry at room temperature, it won't take long
Dust the carpet regularly. Shake out the canvas every month to get rid of accumulated dirt. However, vacuuming the product is highly discouraged, as you can damage the structure of the carpet. Better to clean the product with a suede cloth or soft brush in the direction of the pile
If you spill something on the carpet, immediately pick up the liquid with a rag. Just do not rub the product so as not to damage it.
Place in the interior
Despite the fact that Indian carpets are very bright and colorful, they fit perfectly into any interior. It is not at all necessary that the room be decorated in an oriental style.
A beautiful rug will look great in a living room in style country, contemporary, classic and Scandinavian designs.
Natural canvas from India will decorate a fashionable loft-style apartment and a room decorated in a retro style. Moreover, the carpet is placed not only on the floor, but also on the walls. And this does not at all look old-fashioned, on the contrary, it gives the interior a special sophistication and originality.
Such versatility and harmony of the product with any interior design is associated with a high artistic level of the product. Indeed, on Indian carpets, masters do not just insignificant patterns. Often these are real paintings that cause real admiration.
You will find out in which interior the best Indian carpet will look in the next video.