There are a number of factors that determine the quality of a carpet, but knot density, material and manufacturing method are the significant ones.
Knot Density or Knots per Square Inch (KPSI): The number of knots per square inch or knot density is a traditional measure for quality of carpets. It is measured by the number of horizontal knots multiplied by the amount of vertical ones. Knots are counted from the underside of the carpet. The higher the knot density, the more fine the design is; similar to the number of pixels on a screen. The finer the carpet is, the more work needs to be put in, therefore it is more expensive. For example, a 4×6 foot carpet with 20×20 knots per square foot has 9,600 knots, while a smaller 3×5 foot carpet with 32×32 knots per square inch has 15,360 knots in total. Hand-tying of knots is a very labour-intensive task. An average weaver can tie almost 10,000 knots per day. More difficult patterns with an above-average knot density can only be woven by a skilful weaver. Although the knot density is a major factor in the quality of carpets, it is not the only one.
Material (Silk, Cotton, Wool): The most common materials used in Kashmiri carpets are wool, cotton and silk. There are combinations of pure wool, pure cotton, cotton on silk and pure silk. The price of the carpet partially depends on the material it is made from. Silk is the most expensive, while cotton is the next most, and wool is the least. Wool is known to be extremely durable, though it can be difficult to clean. One unique feature about wool is that it improves the more is it treaded upon. On the other hand, cotton is extremely strong and doesn’t lose its shape, but it is inclined to mildew. Silk is undoubtedly the best quality material to use in carpets. Not only is it the strongest and most resistant, but it is also the finest, allowing it to be woven into smaller and more intricate designs. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, but they all carry the originality of the Kashmiri carpet.
Manufacturing Method (Machine/Hand-Woven): Another major factor that can affect the quality of a carpet is whether it is hand-made or machine-made. While a hand-woven carpet can take years to complete, a machine-made carpet can be completed in a matter of minutes. Hand-made carpets are original, charming, and have a much longer life-span.
Kashmir rugs are famous for the bright, jewel-like colours such as sapphire blue, ruby red, emerald green and ivory. The dyes used to colour the yarn is taken from completely natural, mineral sources.
The aura of Kashmir carpets tends to transform the interiors with their intricate designs and careful geographical shapes. It is often said in Kashmir folklore that a home is incomplete without a soul – a Kashmir carpet, which is told to “bring the entire house together” into a unified whole.
The traditional carpets’ decorations revolve primarily around floral themes, geometric shapes and culturally significant motifs like the paisley, chinar tree, and the Tree of Life. The picturesque scenery of Kashmir has inspired many of the carpet weavers. Most of the designs are Persian, but they have been modified by the Kashmiri people. There are many traditional Persian designs, for example, Kirman, Kashan, Meshad, Ardabil, Qum, Hamadan, Faraghan, and so on. The intricacy and skill behind producing these carpets compare favourably with those of the master craftsmen in Persia. Over time, local variations and contemporary designs, catering to modern-day sensibilities, have also evolved.
Knot Density or Knots per Square Inch (KPSI): The number of knots per square inch or knot density is a traditional measure for quality of carpets. It is measured by the number of horizontal knots multiplied by the amount of vertical ones. Knots are counted from the underside of the carpet. The higher the knot density, the more fine the design is; similar to the number of pixels on a screen. The finer the carpet is, the more work needs to be put in, therefore it is more expensive. For example, a 4×6 foot carpet with 20×20 knots per square foot has 9,600 knots, while a smaller 3×5 foot carpet with 32×32 knots per square inch has 15,360 knots in total. Hand-tying of knots is a very labour-intensive task. An average weaver can tie almost 10,000 knots per day. More difficult patterns with an above-average knot density can only be woven by a skilful weaver. Although the knot density is a major factor in the quality of carpets, it is not the only one.
Material (Silk, Cotton, Wool): The most common materials used in Kashmiri carpets are wool, cotton and silk. There are combinations of pure wool, pure cotton, cotton on silk and pure silk. The price of the carpet partially depends on the material it is made from. Silk is the most expensive, while cotton is the next most, and wool is the least. Wool is known to be extremely durable, though it can be difficult to clean. One unique feature about wool is that it improves the more is it treaded upon. On the other hand, cotton is extremely strong and doesn’t lose its shape, but it is inclined to mildew. Silk is undoubtedly the best quality material to use in carpets. Not only is it the strongest and most resistant, but it is also the finest, allowing it to be woven into smaller and more intricate designs. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, but they all carry the originality of the Kashmiri carpet.
Manufacturing Method (Machine/Hand-Woven): Another major factor that can affect the quality of a carpet is whether it is hand-made or machine-made. While a hand-woven carpet can take years to complete, a machine-made carpet can be completed in a matter of minutes. Hand-made carpets are original, charming, and have a much longer life-span.
Kashmir rugs are famous for the bright, jewel-like colours such as sapphire blue, ruby red, emerald green and ivory. The dyes used to colour the yarn is taken from completely natural, mineral sources.
The aura of Kashmir carpets tends to transform the interiors with their intricate designs and careful geographical shapes. It is often said in Kashmir folklore that a home is incomplete without a soul – a Kashmir carpet, which is told to “bring the entire house together” into a unified whole.
The traditional carpets’ decorations revolve primarily around floral themes, geometric shapes and culturally significant motifs like the paisley, chinar tree, and the Tree of Life. The picturesque scenery of Kashmir has inspired many of the carpet weavers. Most of the designs are Persian, but they have been modified by the Kashmiri people. There are many traditional Persian designs, for example, Kirman, Kashan, Meshad, Ardabil, Qum, Hamadan, Faraghan, and so on. The intricacy and skill behind producing these carpets compare favourably with those of the master craftsmen in Persia. Over time, local variations and contemporary designs, catering to modern-day sensibilities, have also evolved.