An intimate look on 'carpetology'

The Indonesian carpet industry's wide range of carpets and rugs, which covers a multitude of textures, patterns and colors, has left consumers spoilt for choice.

The downside to this bounteous supply of visual interest underfoot is that we, the laymen, the uninitiated and untrained, may, metaphorically speaking, be taken for a ride on a carpet through the somewhat esoteric domain of "carpetology" by unscrupulous vendors.

Handmade oriental rugs

They are a marriage of parallel warp and crosswise weft yarns (which form the base), and projecting pile yarns that carry the colors and design.

The rugs are handknotted with pile, and the durries and kilims are handwoven without pile. These carpets (if larger than 9 feet by 6 ft in size) and rugs (if smaller than 9 ft by 6 ft) may come as a wool pile on a cotton base, silk pile on cotton base, a combination of wool and silk pile on cotton base, or all wool or silk (very rare).

Wool is the most common fiber used in the pile because it is most resilient, while cotton is commonly used for the base. Silk rugs are the most expensive for, besides being resilient, they have a luxurious feel and lustrous appearance -- somewhat like pashmina in the fashion world and caviar in culinary circles.

Besides the type and quality of fiber used, the strength of the rug increases with the density of knots per square inch. The creme de la creme of these rugs can have as many as 900 knots per square inch, said Erman Kadir, the owner of Aladdin, an oriental carpet retail store on Jl. Fatmawati, South Jakarta. The origin, craftsmanship, rarity and condition of the rug are some of the factors that determine its value.

These handmade beauties are mostly imported from Iran (Persia), Afghanistan (if you can find one under the present circumstances), Pakistan (it's not going to be easy here either!), Kashmir and Jaipur in India, and China.

China, with its fine wool and silk, is producing these rugs and carpets in Middle Eastern designs but has thus far not attained the fine dyeing techniques of the Iranians who have been in the business for centuries, said Ayub Chaudhry, an oriental carpet retailer.

"From the color scheme and brightness of the carpet, we can tell if they are Chinese or Persian made. It is difficult for the layman to discern between them," said Chaudhry.

Oriental carpets, which are classified as city or tribal, are named after the city or tribe of origin, for example, Isfahan, Nain and Qum after cities in Iran, or Baloch, after a tribe in Afghanistan, Chaudhry explained.

He also stressed that there was no comparison between a handmade oriental carpet and a machinemade carpet.

"A handmade oriental carpet is a work of art and a machinemade carpet is a machinemade carpet!" the proprietor of Raja Carpets said.

"Despite all the scientific inventions, despite having entered the 21st century and the world of the Internet and mobile phones, there is no machine that can tie individual knots like the human hand," Chaudhry added.

"So buying a good quality carpet is like owning a piece of history," he beamed while looking at his collection of carpets placed in neat stacks and rolls at his store on Jl. Panglima Polim, South Jakarta.

A Canadian couple, looking for a "piece of history" in Chaudhry's store agreed. "There is quite a phenomenal variety (of oriental carpets) in the store. There is something for every taste," said the wife, who wished to remain anonymous. "These carpets look just as good on hardwood or Italian flooring."

"They are works of art," quipped the husband.

Besides, customers are given the privilege of carting home the carpet of choice to keep it for a few days (with no obligation to buy) just to be absolutely sure of their selection.

Oriental rugs have also found their way into offices. Besides lending elegance to workplaces, these exquisite rugs have an edge over wall-to-wall carpeting in that the former are easy to maintain.

"They can be easily sun-dried and washed, and so are more hygienic too, said Chaudhry.

And if these rugs are partly damaged by fire or water, or are torn, all is not lost for they can be restored.

"We have expert craftsmen from Pakistan to mend damaged carpets and they (the damaged carpets) will look as good as before," said Erman.

Commercial carpets

Commercial carpets, which include the wall-to-wall color statement and area rugs (mostly for households) are made of synthetic or natural fibers sewn through a backing of canvas or other material. The loops of these fibers can be cut or left uncut to make the pile of the carpet. Although loop pile carpets are more durable, cut pile carpets take the cake in the looks department.

Wool, which has the softest, and most pleasant and natural texture is also the most expensive carpeting material.

"I believe wool is still the best yarn available for carpets because it is a soft natural fiber and has high pile weight per square meter. This makes them thicker and more comfortable to walk on," said Stephen Hadiutomo, president director of P.T. Indonesia Carpets.

However, among the synthetic fibers, nylon reigns supreme. Its pluses include its excellent wearability, abrasion and stain resistance, and resilience.

"Today's nylon is as good as wool. It has the characteristics of wool plus the strength of synthetic fibers," said Harkrishan Bedi, marketing director of P.T. Classic Prima Carpet Industries.

Olefin (polypropylene) is also a strong synthetic fiber that wears well, is easy to clean and relatively cheap.

As with oriental rugs, the quality of the carpet depends on both the fiber and density of the tufts. Its durability will also depend on the twist in the yarn (the tighter the better), whether the yarn has been heat-set to hold the twist (particularly for cut pile carpets) and of course the level of traffic (walking).

Carpets lying in the path of heavy traffic will obviously wear faster, so its performance rating on a scale of 1-5 (5 is no change in appearance, and 1 is severe change in appearance) will indicate if it can be used in heavy traffic areas such as between the living room and kitchen.

Are commercial carpets subject to the same consumer whims affecting apparels? The answer is in the affirmative, although not quite to the same degree -- for obvious reasons. Today, according to several retailers, earthy tones and geometric designs are in and children would not want to be caught without a Teletubbies or Power Puff Girls carpet in their rooms. --Jamuna Nair