Abrash: Rugs dyed with natural dyes sometimes have abrash, a term used to describe the slight variations in the shade of a single color within a rug. These variations typically appear in a horizontal line. Abrash can occur when a weaver uses wool that was unevenly dyed, or when the weaver uses wool from different dye lots.
Chromium Dye: Today, most rugs are dyed with synthetic dyes (as opposed to the natural, "vegetable" dyes). Chromium dyes provide even coloring, less fading, and eliminate abrash. One of the draw-backs to chromium dyed rugs is that the colors tend to be a bit brighter. Chromium dyes should not be confused with aniline dyes which are no longer used and which had a reputation for destroying the wool fibers.
Savonnerie: These hand-knotted oriental rugs originated in France; however, they are typically considered a member of the oriental rugs family. Savonnerie can be identified by their pastel-colored designs, which usually feature a floral medallion on an open field, with broken borders.
Soumak: Soumaks (or Soumacs) are pile-less rugs. In other words, Soumaks are flat woven and have no nap. Soumaks are woven on warp threads, just like any other hand-woven oriental rug. However, the surface is smooth.
Sultanabad: Sultanabad rugs are characterized by three general motifs. One is the Herati, distinguished by a flower within a diamond that is flanked by curving leaves, which sometimes resemble fish. Another is the Sarouk, named for a village in the Arak area and features central medallions. A third motif of sultanabad rugs is the Semovar, which features recurring rather than central medallions.
Tibetan: Tibetan rugs are identified by their bold design and bright colors. Tibetan rugs have a modern contemporary look to them. Our Tibetan rugs are hand-knotted of 100% wool. Some of our Tibetan rugs are woven of wool and silk.
Warp: An oriental rug's warp is the foundation thread that runs top to bottom. One of the identifying marks of a truly handmade oriental rug is the fringe, which is where the rug was cut from the loom after it was completed. Knots are then tied on the warp threads.
Weft: Weft are the foundation threads that run across the width of the loom. The weft threads are what the knots are secured to or through which threads are woven.
