Terminology Used for Hand-Woven Rug & Kilim Condition
The terms used to define the condition of handwoven rugs and kilims provide information about the product's state, age, artistic value, and future potential. Here are the explanations of these terms:
Extraordinary: This term signifies a rug or kilim being at the highest level in terms of both physical integrity and artistic value. It implies no repairs and preservation as if untouched since the first day. There are no flaws, defects, or repairs in the product. While a newly produced piece can be in outstanding condition, a rug or kilim that has aged gracefully, achieved antique value, and possesses very high artistic merit can also fall into this category. Extraordinary condition emphasizes that the piece has been preserved almost like new and is entirely without repairs. The value of antique, new, or second-hand products in extraordinary condition tends to increase over the years with proper care.
Excellent: Rugs and kilims in excellent condition are flawless, clean, display the characteristics of their region, and have been produced and preserved correctly. Minor maintenance that doesn't compromise the product's integrity (e.g., preventing damage to the kilim part, securing the fringes with chaining) or professionally executed small repairs adhering to the original design do not negatively affect excellent condition. In fact, proper preservation procedures like washing and ironing support its excellence. However, incorrect interventions, color loss, or extensive repairs (regardless of how well they might have been done) cannot fall under excellent condition. Protective and correct small touches are supporting elements of excellence.
Very Good: This condition term indicates situations where the rug or kilim's integrity is maintained, but it requires some maintenance. There are minor imperfections resulting from use or age. For example, frayed fringes, reduced pile (tüft), some areas with faded colors, minor age-related abrasions in places, or the presence of small, old repairs might be observed. Despite these imperfections, rugs and kilims with a generally good appearance are considered in "very good" condition. A product in very good condition can be brought to excellent condition with good, professional care and at a low cost.
Good: "Good" condition implies that the rug or kilim has not lost its integrity and is still decoratively usable. However, bringing the product to excellent condition would require significant expense and extensive restoration. Situations such as large and old repair marks, heavy color loss, and almost complete pile loss indicate good condition. Usability continues because the piece retains its integrity, but it has significant aesthetic and structural deficiencies.
Fragment: This term is used when a rug or kilim is old and also has missing parts. A fragment refers to a product that has lost its integrity and has large or small missing sections. It is typically used for pieces that are old, very valuable, antique, or special productions that should not be lost. For less valuable rugs or kilims with missing parts, the term "defective" is preferred over "fragment." For a product to be called a "fragment," it must be valuable but incomplete.
Other Important Terms:
Antique: This describes a product that is 80 years old or more and possesses a design, dyeing technique, and regional characteristics that enable it to retain its artistic value. Antique products may be torn, worn, faded, or have discolored areas. Most antique products gain a more valuable appeal as they age, thanks to their natural dyes and traditional production techniques. The estimated and expert values of antique products are determined based on their current condition, how they have aged, their production techniques, and their region.
Collectible: A product can be considered "collectible" even if it is newly produced, in addition to being antique. A special production, a very distinctive authentic design, or unique craftsmanship can attract collectors. Therefore, "collectible" does not exclusively refer to antiques. Newly made, special production, and artisan-crafted rugs or kilims can also be collectible. For such products, qualities like being one-of-a-kind, originality, limited production, top-tier quality, or being featured in a catalog by a specific artist, master, or collector are sought after.
General Assessment:
There are no direct "poor" or "very poor" condition classifications for handmade rugs and kilims. The main reason for this is that each of these products is created with an immense amount of labor and meticulous care. Every handmade rug and kilim is a very special work of art requiring great effort and a long production time. Therefore, there is no "low-value" handmade rug or kilim; there are only products with a comparatively lower expert value per square meter.
We recommend using handmade rugs and kilims in your home, office, or any area of your life. A high-quality one square meter kilim or rug typically takes 1-2 months to produce. Natural kilims and rugs regulate the energy of your living spaces, add value to life, enhance your artistic appreciation, and are beneficial to nature. Being entirely part of nature, they are sustainable and harmless.