Antique Carpets

Carpet weaving is many century old practice. According to historical documents this art has survived from many thousand years. The tradition of carpet weaving passed from generation to generation before attaining its present form. Many of these carpets woven in the past are still surviving and are known as antique carpets.

Antique rugs / Antique carpets are most prized decorative art item that store the memories of the past in their designs, patterns, coloring schemes and finishes. Antique art is rare, hence it is expensive in the market.

Every motif in these carpets have their own language. The motives symbolize many beliefs of the earlier people.

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Most of the beautiful antique carpets that have survived even today belong to oriental countries. The antique oriental carpets were mellifluously decorated by rich and detailed designs. The floral motives, the medallion designs, the geometric patterns were imbibed on the carpets in such a way that they excel in beauty. The designs of the antique carpets vary from region to region. Some regions especially Persia and Turkey laid more importance on the medallion and all over designs. Antique carpets from India are known for their delicate designs. Antique Kashmir rugs and the rugs of Jaipur in India use all over floral and geometric designs. The vibrant colors which were extracted from the natural sources shimmer the carpets.

Antique carpets were mainly woven by hand thereby enhancing their value. The materials used were mainly wool, silk and cotton. Earlier carpets were woven for royal families. Many of the royal palaces across the world had employed skilled craftsman in their workshops. The carpets meant for royal palaces were adorned with silk, gold threads and precious stones. Some of which survive even today and are adorning some of the great museums of the world.

The charm and the beauty of the antique carpets have not faded with time. Today they are sold as the antique pieces of art. The collectors of these carpets wash them and clean them. After some treatment they are sold again in the market without disturbing the original designs and themes of the carpet.

Care Tips For Antique Rugs and Carpets
Antique carpets need care so that they can last for few more generations. The caring tip below would definitely help the buyers to preserve their most prized commodity.

Spills
Earlier carpets especially the oriental carpets have amazing stain repellent properties. If there is spill it is necessary to take action immediately. Using moist clean cloth on the stain, one can easily get rid of the spill. However, if required, one can also use shampoo for cleaning because the protein of wool is similar to human hair. Scrubbing should be avoided. If this methods are unworkable advice of cleaning consultant must be taken. Also avoid placing potted plants on top of the carpet as the moisture might infiltrate the carpet, causing considerable, irreversible mildew damage to the carpet's cotton foundation.

Cleaning
The wool of many of the antique carpets are soft, lustrous, durable, and rich in natural lanolin. It is advisable to avoid treatments such as moth-proofing, dry cleaning or steam cleaning as these steps might harm your carpet. Instead you should take the help of professional carpet cleaners once in every five to six years.

Pads
Carpet professionals recommend use of a high-quality pad under the older carpet as the pads extend the life of a carpets by cushioning them from below and preventing sliding, wrinkling, and stretching, as well as possible punctures from furniture legs.

Sun Protection
Though the dyes used on the antique carpets are strong, yet prolong exposure of these carpets to direct sunlight can result in the extreme fading of these carpets .

Moths
In order to prevent your antique carpets from the moths carpet sweeping is one thing that should be exercised on a regular basis. Moths rarely get attracted to an antique oriental carpet which is clean and in use.

Furniture
Avoid dragging the furniture on the carpet. Also use furniture caps if you are placing your furniture on the carpet. To minimize point of contact wear, furniture can also be regularly shifted a few inches back and forward, or from side to side.