Rugs by Color

Colors are among the elements that define the value of a genuine Oriental rug. The hands that knotted oriental carpets, rugs and kilims in an amazing combination of colors make the difference in terms of beauty, value and price from machine-made rugs. Navy blue, beige, red, gold and silver make some of the best combinations of colors in Persian and Oriental carpet weaving craft.

Vegetable, synthetic or chemical dyes are highly important when buying a handmade carpet. An element that isn’t natural, like chemical dyes can diminish the value of an Oriental carpet especially for art collectors, who chase only ancient genuine carpets.

There is no reason for adding something cheap like a chemical dye to a handmade carpet. However, even synthetic dyes have some positive aspects and in some cases can be more durable. If these rugs are hand woven, their value is going to increase with the passing of time.

The combination of colors in rugs is an artistry that derives from the times when the first ones have been weaved. Colors have been extracted from plants, minerals and insects and in many cases different groups of carpet weavers kept secret their dying recipes.

The words used for colors in the Persian language were chosen based on a logical way. This can be explained with simple examples. The word used for blue means watery, the one used for green means herby, the word for purple means violet flower, brown stands for coffee, yellow for lemon and navy blue means kohl.

Moreover, colors have a symbolical value. Each of them conveys and stimulates different emotions. Blue was and remains one of the most favorite colors in oriental rugs. It is the color of the sky and sea and transmits a sensation of calmness. Gold is related to power and wealth, while red means energy and enthusiasm. White and beige are related to purity and neutrality.

Every color in oriental rugs has a meaning that depends on the traditions and culture of the weaver.