Expert: Jahann and Sons Persian Rugs - 4/6/2010

Question
I recently purchased a very lovely wool/silk Persian rug from a very well-renowned rug dealer in the Middle East (Dubai).The rug is  5x7 and the primary color (center background of the rug is a shade of dark blue with several other shades of lighter blue, dark red, and a little yellow woven into the design. The rug is a typical busy Persian pattern. The fringe is silk.  What I did not notice on the showroom floor was a 4" faded yellowish band of color that runs across the top (about 7" down) of the entire width of the carpet.  I presume that this is what is referred to as bleeding.  How could have this occurred?  I assumed I was buying a new carpet.  Did this happen during the making of the carpet?

Answer
Hi Jerry Ann,

I'm sorry to hear about your rug!  I think the best way to figure out what and if something happened to your rug is by finding out exactly what kind of rug you have.  Is there any way you could send me pictures?  One of the entire rug, and a close-up of the damage, and also, a close-up of the back where the fringe meets the pile.  I'm wondering if perhaps the rug has sun fading, and not water damage, as sun fading would be more even and confined to an area than bleeding.  Just send me some pics when you get a chance.  (ruglady@jahannandsons.com)

Thanks!
Katie Mahjoubi

Jahann and Sons Persian Rugs
West Howard Antiques District
4210 Howard Avenue | Kensington, MD 20895
301.530.6660 | www.jahannandsons.com