An informative guideline to assist you in making the right choice and in choosing the right establishment.

All the advantages found in the cities, certainly does not in any way, infer that city rugs are better than tribal or village rugs. This seems to be the general misconception. All rugs are judged first on their face or appeal value. This is the first impression the rug gives you, although other factors like age, clarity and sharpness of design, quality of materials and dyes used, compactness of the knots, colour combination, uniformity of knotting, level of artistry and aesthetic beauty are taken into consideration. While the city rugs are preferred for their sophistication and fine weave, the tribal and village rugs are admired for their sheer primitive simplicity.  So, when you decide to invest in a rug, it is ultimately a piece that you are pleased with, and one which you will enjoy having. Here are some tips...........

TIP 1 - HOW TO CHOOSE A RUG

Buying an oriental carpet is not difficult. Though it is true that you should buy what appeals to you, it will be to your advantage to have some knowledge to guide you in making the right decision. Gone are the days when carpets were bought purely for utility purposes. Today, while carpets still grace the floors and walls, they have also become an object of art. It is an expression of beauty, with wonderful aesthetics and tremendous collectable value. To make the right choice, we suggest you consider the following four aspects of value.

ARTISTIC VALUE

This refers to the aesthetic beauty of a carpet. Factors contributing to this include;

• Type of design
• Clarity and sharpness of motifs
• Level of artistry
• Quality of materials used
• Density and compactness of weave

The fineness of the carpet must be judged by considering all these factors.

ANTIQUE AND COLLECTORS VALUE

The principle point here is rarity. Other factors include;

• Unusual motifs
• Age, condition and dyes
• Provenance

For example, a good antique carpet is one that is evenly worn, where the colours have taken on the passage of time beautifully.

THE INVESTMENT VALUE

• Comprises the combination of the antique and collectors value.

UTILITY VALUE

• This involves determining where to use a carpet.
• The durability depends on the type of usage.

*To view a selection of carpets that would further enhance your understanding of this area,
look in  HASSAN'S CHOICE.

TIP 2 - HOW TO PICK THE RIGHT DEALER/ESTABLISHMENT

• Visit as many dealers to asses the overall inventory situation.
• Establish a relationship with one or two reputable dealers.
• Reputable dealers are people who are willing to offer you the most unique and favourable conditions of sale.( See why buy from Hassan's).
• You must also check out the stock situation to asses and determine reputability.
• Picking the right establishment should enable you to acquire knowledge on the wonderful subject of Oriental carpets.
• Ask your dealer about informative sessions on carpets (Carpet Appreciation Classes).
• Hassan's offers these classes to individual groups and associations for FREE.