The terms used to describe the condition of handmade rugs and kilims encompass not only their physical state but also many factors such as production technique, age, aesthetic value, and originality. Below are explanations of commonly used condition terms in this field:

 

Extraordinary

This term indicates that a rug or kilim is in extraordinary condition, both technically and aesthetically flawless. The item has no damage, deficiencies, or interventions. Despite the extremely special weaving technique, it has lost nothing in terms of its condition. Both newly produced and antique rugs or kilims can be in "extraordinary" condition.

 

Items in this class are those preserved as if almost unused despite their age, possessing high artistic value, and being completely original, unrepaired, and untouched. Works in extraordinary condition continue to gain value over time.

 

Excellent

This describes a rug or kilim that is flawless, clean, retains its regional characteristics, and has been produced with the correct technique. Minor restorations or maintenance – such as re-serging, fringe reinforcement, professional cleaning, and steaming – do not negatively affect "excellent" condition.

 

However, color loss, incorrect interventions, or heavy restorations prevent the item from being classified as "excellent." Minor, appropriately done protective treatments that preserve the original integrity are considered supportive elements in this condition.

 

Very Good

This means the item retains its overall integrity but shows some signs of aging. There may be slight color fading, fringe unraveling, pile loss, or old but neat repair marks.

 

These items are visually satisfying and decoratively strong, and can easily be brought to "excellent" condition with proper care and restoration.

 

Good

This means the rug or kilim remains usable but requires significant restoration or maintenance. Situations such as substantial pile loss, noticeable color fading, or old, major repairs fall into this category.

 

It is still decoratively valuable but requires professional intervention to acquire collection value.

 

Fragment

This term is used for rugs or kilims that have lost their integrity, have missing parts, but possess high artistic and historical value. A "fragment" is valuable due to its rarity and unique structure, even if its entirety could not be preserved.

 

It signifies a remaining piece from a valuable rug. This classification applies only to antique, specially woven, and artistically significant rugs. For ordinary, artistically invaluable, incomplete items, the term "defective" is preferred.

 

Antique

Rugs that are over 80 years old and still retain their regional characteristics, dye, and weaving techniques are considered "antique." Antiques change color and show wear over time; however, this aging can increase their value.

 

Produced with natural dyes and traditional techniques, these rugs often gain a more elegant and characteristic appearance as they age. Their values are determined by experts based on their region and state of preservation.

 

Collectible

A rug or kilim can be collectible not only because it is an antique but also due to its unique design, limited production, special craftsmanship, or authentic identity. This category also includes contemporary works created with high craftsmanship, which are one-of-a-kind or part of a limited catalog.

 

Collectible items are distinguished works possessing artistic or cultural value.

 

Note: The Classification "Poor" is Not Used for Hand-woven Rugs

 

No handmade rug or kilim can be described as "poor" or "worthless." Each is a work of art with significant hand labor and aesthetic value. Rugs that might be described as having low value are only assessed in terms of their market value per square meter.

 

Each of these products is environmentally friendly, sustainable, harmless, and adds value to life. An average square meter of hand-woven rug is produced with 1 to 2 months of patience and mastery.

 

Our recommendation: Incorporate handmade rugs and kilims into every aspect of your life. They are not merely floor coverings but cultural legacies that touch your life.