Please help me with some questions regarding my Isfahan “Seirafian” rug, 5’0” x 6’5”, excluding fringe. It has 466 KPSI based on 3 samples. I plan to sell this rug.
Age? I included it in the (21-49 years) category. I purchased it over 10 years ago and it was not new.
Qurk ??? wool with Silk Highlights on Silk Foundation
Hand spun?
Since I‘m not sure about the pile, I answered “wool with silk highlights on silk foundation” and “No/Don’t know” for hand spun.
Tea Wash? The Canadian appraiser did not indicate the rug had been washed; however, the possibility that it might have was recently raised based on photos only. What do you think? Since I don’t know if the rug was tea washed, I answered “No/Don’t Know”. I have no clue… would appreciate hearing your opinions.
The following link reflects what I’ve answered on the PRO Estimator:
http://www.RugRag.com/Ap...-4A43-9A53-0DDEB04E668E

Hey Sharafi,

How do you actually tell whether or not wool is hand-spun or not?

Btw jellybean, did the Canadian appraiser tell you its a genuine seirafian?

Ok let's the with the genuine Seirafian point. I never said it was not a Seirafian, as I think to be able to confirm this you really need to see it close up, especially if it is a good fake. I believe I did mention why I have my reservations and that stems from seeing a number of older Seirafians during my time. In this business it is nerd good to read books and gain knowledge through reading. In fact I think it is a must if you are serious about this subject. However, just as important if not more is the knowledge and experience that you gain through seeing, touching and feeling these products.

To weave with such dense knotting they would have had to handspun the wool very very tightly. About a hindered years ago they used to do this by growing one finger nail, make a very thin hole in it and guide the wool through it and spin it. Now a days the only way to spin a wool so thin is by machine. Additionally if you look at a handspun wool it is not very uniform. so you would be able to see slight variation in knots from the back. Also the look from the face of the rug is different. Look at a 100 year old Tabriz and a 20 year old tabriz be t to each other. A 40 raj Tabriz with handspun wool from the back would look almost as fine as a 55 raj Tabriz.

I hope the above helps