Determining the date of manufacture of the carpet gives the carpet merchants a clear picture of the history of the carpet. Knowing the date or approximate date that the carpet first appeared on the market provides a common timeline of events that occurred during the weaving process.
Benefits of Rug Dating
Carpets usually include a tag or woven lettering with the date of manufacture of the carpet. This date is useful when assessing the carpet, and also dates from the difference between antique and old carpets. However, one of the most useful concepts for knowing the date of a carpet is the ability to verify the value or collection of a carpet.
Unfortunately, many carpets lack a production date, or the date has been worn for decades, and carpet dealers cannot easily identify the date of the carpet.
Determining the date of the carpet
One of the ways to authenticate the date of manufacture of the carpet is to carefully study the structure, design and general condition of the carpet. However, this process can take many weeks to conduct a thorough investigation, and only a specialist has the extensive knowledge necessary for this type of dating.
This type of carpet authentication can also be corrupted by poor carpet care. A very old carpet, treated with the most virgin care, may be in better condition than a newer carpet that was ill cared for.
Other authentication method
A more reliable way to put on a carpet includes an inspection of the colors of the carpet. As the carpet grows, their colors begin to fade, becoming more pliable and soft over time. This happens as a result of exposure of the carpet to sunlight, and even artificial light can cause the carpet to disappear and lose its vibration.
To estimate the amount of aging, the trader will look at the tip of the pile and compare the color with the bottom of the pile, where it is tied to the warp and weft. Since sunlight cannot reach the very basis of the pile, colors must still retain the brightness of the original color.
Pigment erosion
In some cases, specific pigments are washed out faster than others because of their acidic composition. Pigments erosion causes a unique charming look that is very visually attractive.
Very rarely, these pigments are used in modern carpets, as the dyes used are advanced in their composition. Carpets that are characterized by this pigment erosion almost always have production dates before the 1930s.
Dating
Keep in mind when buying a rug that the inscribed date on the carpet cannot be the actual production date. In the case of copies of carpets or fakes, some carpets may have an inaccurate inscription date to mimic the original carpet.
It is very unlikely that the replica carpet will be sold at the same high price as the original masterpiece; however, it is best to always ask about the date and history of the carpet when making an expensive purchase.
