Rugs: Afghan

oriental rugs

Thirty years ago a neutrallising process was perfected and thousands of carpets have been treated every year without ill-effect, so far.

The reason for such treatment was, because in the early 1920s French furniture was very fashionable and interior designers and decorators needed a simple, pastel design.

Afghans were very cheap, so the cost was comparitively low, if they were ruined by the chemical treatment. As the treatment proved successful over the years, other more expensive Persian rugs were tackled.

It is possible to tell if such treatment has taken place by folding the pile and looking for red roots or a pinkish uneven tinge to the fawn.