La grades explained
La is the special quality system of the [Nain](/nain) manufactories. A low La number means a finer knotting, which is counterintuitive and often misunderstood at the point of purchase. This page explains the system and its practical meaning.
#What does the La grade mean on a Nain?
La is a Persian measure for the number of warp threads grouped together in a given bundle. In the Nain tradition you count the number of threads per weft and knot section, and lower La numbers correspond to finer knotting.
The system is used exclusively for Nain rugs. Other Persian knotting centers (Tabriz, Isfahan, Kashan) use knot density per square meter or the Raj measure, not La. If a dealer talks about La grades on a Tabriz, that is a confusion of terms.
The Nain La grades are 4 La, 6 La, 9 La, and 12 La. 4 La is the finest grade, 12 La the coarsest and more of a domestic-rug quality.
#Which La grade equals which knot density?
12 La. The coarsest of the common grades and more of a domestic-rug quality. Roughly 200,000 to 350,000 knots per square meter. The knots can be counted individually without effort. The price range sits below the 9 La level.
9 La. Standard Nain quality. Roughly 350,000 to 500,000 knots per square meter. The knots are visible, the piece feels structured. Price range per square meter: 1,500 to 2,500 euros. The most common grade in the trade.
6 La. Upper-tier quality. Around 500,000 to 700,000 knots per square meter. Knot work clearly finer, patterns more detailed. Price range: 2,500 to 4,500 euros per square meter.
4 La. Top quality. 700,000 to 1,000,000 knots per square meter. Very fine detail work, often with silk contours. Price range: 4,500 to 8,000 euros per square meter, with signed manufactory pieces well above that.
#How can you check the La grade yourself?
A rough estimate of the La grade can be made without special tools. Press the pile apart at one spot and look at the knot structure. At 9 La you see clearly separated knots that you can tap individually with a finger. At 6 La the knots are tighter but still recognisable. At 4 La you will need a loupe to count individual knots.
For a more precise measurement, count knots per square centimeter on the back and compare with the figures above. Around 35 to 50 knots/cm² corresponds to about 9 La, 50 to 70 knots/cm² to about 6 La, 70 to 100 knots/cm² to about 4 La.
Important: the wool quality matters at least as much as the La grade. A 4 La in middling wool is worth less than a 6 La in kurk wool. If a dealer quotes only the La grade, ask specifically about wool quality, manufactory signature, and dyeing.
#What are the common misunderstandings about La?
Three common misunderstandings when buying a Nain.
Misunderstanding one: a higher La number is better. Wrong. With La the reverse principle applies. 4 La is significantly finer than 9 La.
Misunderstanding two: La applies to all Persian rugs. Wrong. La is specific to Nain. On a Tabriz or Isfahan you count knots per square meter directly.
Misunderstanding three: La tells you everything about quality. Wrong. La measures only the fineness of the knotting. Wool, dyeing, manufactory, and provenance matter just as much.
For the buyer this means in practice: a dealer who can name the La grade of a Nain promptly and correctly, and who explains wool and dyeing alongside it, has competence. A dealer who uses La as a marketing term without explaining the background may simply not know enough.
Keep reading
Knot density explained
How knot density is measured, what it says about quality, and which values are typical for which rug category.
ReadNain or Isfahan?
Both rank among the finest Persians. Where Nain and Isfahan sit stylistically and in quality, and which suits which room.
ReadIdentifying oriental rugs
The key markers to distinguish a genuine hand-knotted oriental rug from imitations.
Read