Reading an antique rug: knots, wool and colour

Always turn the rug over. On a hand-knotted piece the pattern reads fully on the back, knot by knot, with slight irregularities. A machine-made rug shows a uniform weave and often a coated reverse.

Then the wool. Hand-spun wool washed without chemicals stays supple and slightly greasy to the touch: it ages by gaining sheen, while treated wool turns dry and brittle.

Finally the colours. Natural dyes shift in horizontal bands — abrash — because dye baths differed. That apparent flaw is an excellent sign of authenticity.