Abrashed Defind!!!

TRUE Persian COLORS

The color of a persian rug is one of its most compelling mysteries. Before the twentieth century, Persian rugs reflected an uninterrupted cultural tradition going back thousands of years. Although the language of these designs remained faithful to its origins, there was tremendous range in the creation of motifs and color harmonies, making each persian rug unique.

One of the major changes that occurred during the fourth quarter of the nineteenth century was the introduction of chemical dye matters. Although there was controversy about the use of aniline dyes (1855 to 1920), their use became widespread very quickly. Aniline dyes were considered damaging to the Persian rug trade, and by 1920, the Shah Reza had issued an edict prohibiting the importation, sale and use of aniline dyes. All items manufactured with these dyes were to be confiscated and destroyed. This ended true aniline dye from persian rugs.

It seems that once aniline came into common use, the desire for wonderful antique Persian rugs dyed only in vegetable or animal dye matter became too great for the supply available. Seeking Persian rugs that are considered seductive decoratively, there is much information to consider. With the enormous increase in the prices of old Persian rugs, there is great motivation on the part of manufacturers and dealers to "enhance reality". This motivation towards extreme restoration of antique Persian rugs and alteration of newer persian rugs is not a new phenomenon. In the early part of the twentieth century, there was also an enormous attraction to antique Persian rugs. Everyone was searching for those Persian rug pieces with pure color, softened, or abrash over time.

Lust for Persian rugs made with the wonderful old Persian dyes became great. Everyone wanted the extraordinary soft but true Persian colors that could not be reproduced in chemical dyes. The art of Gold washing was born to soften and mute the tones, and also Antique, or chie wash. Please do not confused with chemical washings this damages your persian rug, and the quality of wool.

Persian Rugs that were antique in 1900 became very desirable. It was well worth the time, effort and expense to do extensive Master Weaver Persian rug restoration. Exporters and dealers found ways to make contemporary Persian rugs seem to look older. Persian Rugs were treated with various washes, and even buried in the ground to age them artificially. Many new Persian rugs were sold as antique Persian Rugs.

Here we are again, 100 years later. This time our searches are not limited to vegetable dyes and pre 20th century design, but we are looking for the wonderful patina of age and the softening of color that comes with time. Wonderful Persian rugs, woven through the 1930's hold a mystery, which is hard to define. The color is often a combination of man-made and natural dye, which seems glorious with the passage of time. If only more great Persian rugs had been left to grow old naturally!
The lesson here is that there is no substitute for time. One hundred years from now, lovers of pure color will be seeking those Persian rugs that managed to escape the chemical vats during this era.