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Value & quality

A hand-knotted oriental rug can cost five hundred euros or fifty thousand. The range is not arbitrary, it follows clear criteria. This page opens the topic of value with the most important entry points, from knot density through natural dyeing to auction history.

#What value means in a rug

The value of a rug is made up of three layers. First, the substance: material, knot structure, dyeing, dimensions. Second, provenance: who knotted it, where, when, in which workshop. Third, the market: what collectors, auction houses, and private buyers currently pay for comparable pieces.

For the average buyer, the first layer matters most. High knot density, good wool, real natural dyes, and correct workmanship make a rug that lasts decades and holds its substantial value. Provenance and market value become relevant once amounts above 5,000 euros are involved or collector interest enters the picture.

A buyer choosing a rug for their living room mainly resolves the substance question. A collector or investor has to master all three layers. In practice, knowing your own role before the purchase pays off, because that role decides which criteria you prioritise.

Topics from value & quality

Each page goes deeper into one aspect of the value of oriental rugs.

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