The online luxury marketplace 1stdibs Jason Nazmiyal and the magnificent rug collection in their “Introspective” magazine.

One of the most frequently asked question we get is – how old is my rug? The age of a rug is critical in determining the carpet’s value, but determining age is also one of the most difficult skills to acquire for the rug enthusiast. Older antique rugs will show some evidence of wear. The pile may be low or worn away exposing foundation, but relatively new modern contemporary rugs can get worn quickly, and very old rugs can sometimes survive in good condition if they have been in the possession of thoughtful owners. The back of the rug offers a better opportunity to determine age.

People see rug collectors, dealers and “mavens” flip a corner of a rug or, sometimes they turn over the entire rug and examine the rug’s back side. In this article we examine and explain why they do this.

In our mass manufactured commercial product world, variation is considered a flaw. Machines can perform the same task with “perfection” at incredibly fast speeds, creating each piece within tight quality standards and tolerances. This form of mechanical creation is a good idea when it comes to things like cars or airplanes, but it also lacks the emotional connection and depth that you feel when you touch something created by human hands. When it comes to antique rugs, imperfections can add a certain character to the piece that can positively impact its aesthetic and monetary value. This begs to ask the question, when is an old rug imperfection a true flaw?

Kesi, sometimes also referred to as k’o-ssu, are Chinese cut silk tapestries that have been around since the Tang dynasty. These ancient tapestries are stunning examples of art and some of the oldest in the entire world. Let’s explore some of their history and what makes them so spectacular.