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If you are looking for a rewarding hobby, rug collecting is one of the best out there. This is a pastime that comes with the added benefit of kitting out your house with fine-looking and fascinating rugs. So, how would someone begin this great hobby?
What are the rugs worth collecting, and where should you get them? Like most worthwhile hobbies there is a lifetime of learning on this subject to look forward to, but it pays to know a little about the subject before you plunge in
- it may also help you avoid wasting your money.
The history of the rug goes way back - a wonderful example, in fantastic condition, was found in the 1940s in Siberia that dates from around four hundred years before Jesus Christ. It is possible to buy rugs these days that are genuinely antique, but they do not come at knock-down prices. However if you get chance you can see the real thing in a museum. How about the huge, masterful rug made by Maqsud of Kashan back in the 16th century - half of it is displayed at the LA country museum of art and the other half can be seen at the V&A in London, England.
The artistry and the weaving methods that Maqsud used are found in the newly made rugs from Afghanistan or Iran (Ancient Persia) that are woven traditionally. Not many folk would consider a trip to these to countries at the moment, but there are other rug-making countries that are firmly on the tourist trail. Visiting places like Turkey sets many people thinking about starting off their rug collection.
Buying a rug in the country where it was produced, the reasoning goes, will offer a wider selection and better prices. This may be true, but the pitfalls are great. If you are not experienced there is a chance that you will pay over the odds for a carpet that is not worth the money - there are plenty of cheap imitations made just for tourists and some sellers consider the ill-informed tourist fair game. A safer way for a beginner is to buy in their home country. It will cost more, perhaps, but you have some sort of come-back if you have been mis-sold. Being sold a duff in the first place also less likely since a US dealer will rely heavily on building a reputation for providing quality.
Should this approach not appeal to you then there is an option - begin collecting those rugs that you really like. This is a no-lose approach since you have invested in something you find beautiful. You will be rewarded by the carpet every time you pass by or walk over it. If you also decide to make your choices from small scale rug-makers then you will be picking up delightful and rare examples whilst doing your bit for supporting the craft movement.
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