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In Kashmir, Trying to Buy 6'x9' rug
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betty Offline
#1 Posted : Saturday, March 14, 2009 10:18:36 AM(UTC)
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In Kashmir now, shopping for rugs (first time) and have found a beautiful red medallion-patterned 6'x9' rug. I think the rug is about 400-600 kpsi but do not have firm information or a firm price. (Note that the dealer had another 6'x9' rug on sale which they said was 1400-1600 kpsi, for $6000.) The dealer seems reputable.

This rug would not be an investment rug, but a rug for use. We would use it in a living room type area with minimal to medium traffic. We are looking for a rug that is aesthetically pleasing but also do not want to overpay. Many posts on this forum suggest that buying overseas is a bad idea unless you are an expert.

How much should I pay for this rug, assuming that it is authentically Kashmiri?
betty attached the following image(s):
DSC02312.JPG
DSC02313.JPG
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RugPro Offline
#2 Posted : Saturday, March 14, 2009 11:31:20 AM(UTC)
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Beautiful rug and welcome to the forum! design is based off a carpet which is located in the V&A museum. There's also one in LACMA I believe too. design is called "the ardebil carpet" very old rug.

prices overseas should presumably be much lower than here in the states as you're closer to the source. However, that's not the case in most instances. I'm glad it seems you've read through some of the older overseas posts. although a pretty design and i would need better pics of the back, I cannot imagine KPSI on this rug exceeding 800 MAX, probably much less tho.

Here's how to count KPSI. For finer rugs like this, you'll want to have a pin, needle or pencil to help track the knots so you don't double count.

As for the price, I cannot say without seeing better images and even then it's tough. Here are some images which would help: 1-6 here. we also would need to know more about the construction: is it wool pile on cotton foundation? silk on silk? silk on cotton? Try a burn test if they say it's silk. Both on fringe and by pulling a knot out of the back of the rug.

Closer picks of the fringe will also help determine workmanship as would selvage shots and a photo of a quarter on the back as listed in the link above. My initial thought about this rug is you have a fair amount of room for negotiating if you feel comfortable.
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betty1 Offline
#3 Posted : Monday, March 16, 2009 6:38:28 AM(UTC)
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Hi --

It is Betty again (new user name = computer mistake!). We have confirmed that the rug is silk on silk and counted the knots -- 24x24, or 576 kpsi. Their price is $2350. Is this too high?

THANK YOU!

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RugPro Offline
#4 Posted : Monday, March 16, 2009 8:57:03 AM(UTC)
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Without seeing the rug in person I cannot say for sure, but I can say 2400 is a lot better than 6k. Just negotiate as low as you can and best of luck :)
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Nathan K. Offline
#5 Posted : Monday, March 16, 2009 3:05:47 PM(UTC)
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Quality of end/side finishes on these varies. Make sure (physical inspection) it's not cut off the loom & then overcast. I tend to check the entire perimeter carefully, both visually & by touch, feeling for repairs which may not be visible. Kashmir rugs tend to have good colorfast dyes, but IMO the colors lack the depth of good Persian, Turkish, or Azerbaijan antique reproductions. I also question silk as a pile fiber unless you have money to burn.
As for negotiating, I usually tell rug sellers that I limit my travel purchases to small souvenir trappings I can bring home as carry-on, and that I have friends in the rug wholesale trade (true for all who frequent this BB, no? :) - so I'm not really a "good" customer for them. I've found this really drives them nuts - they will really sharpen their pencils and give you their bottom-line number.
Bottom line, buy what "winks" at you, and what you can afford...

NK
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netjim Offline
#6 Posted : Monday, March 16, 2009 3:18:24 PM(UTC)
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Hello Nathan and welcome to the forum.

Quote:
Bottom line, buy what "winks" at you, and what you can afford...

Always great advice ! Applause

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bukhara Offline
#7 Posted : Wednesday, October 21, 2009 11:25:15 AM(UTC)
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betty wrote:
400-600 kpsi but do not have firm information or a firm price. (Note that the dealer had another 6'x9' rug on sale which they said was 1400-1600 kpsi, for $6000.)


This is silk on silk, 24 x 24 = 576 KPSI
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