Are you in love with traditional Oriental rugs? If so, you are in good company. Classic Oriental rugs have been gracing the floors of majestic palaces and temples for thousands of years. Through several centuries, the glorious colors and intricate designs have never diminished. If anything, the rugs' traditional look has become even more popular. When it comes to making a traditional choice, how can one differentiate between a traditional Persian Bokhara Oriental rug and a Turkish or Kurdish Oriental rug? When it comes to wool Oriental rugs, their similarities and differences are as unique as each rug type.
Bokhara Rugs
With perfect beauty and adoration for their supreme softness, traditional Bokhara rugs are the most traditional and classic of all Persian rugs. Bokhara rug motifs date back hundreds of years and represent a rich history and tradition from where they originated. Bokhara rugs are hand-knotted and intertwined from strands of 100% natural wool from the region they hail from. Bokhara rugs are tied using Persian asymmetric knots. When it comes to quality, Bokhara rugs are superior in many ways. The main reason people choose to purchase a traditional Bokhara Persian rug is primarily their traditional red rug color and also for their high knot count which adds to their overall value. Since a true Bokhara rug is soft, elegant and durable, it easily transforms an ordinary room into a stylish and sophisticated room. Bokhara Oriental rugs are always knotted from 100% natural wool fibers.
Kurdish Rugs
Traditional or classic Kurdish rugs are hand-knotted by weavers that originate from the eastern edge of Turkey in the Kurdistan region, including the Eastern part of Turkey near the Tauros Mountains of Northern Iraq. Kurdish weavers come from different clans and Kurdish motifs reflect their area’s heritage. Older Kurdish rugs will often feature Kurdish medallion patterns and allover floral or geometric designs referred to by collectors as “Jaff”. Modern Kurdish rugs have a very traditional look and contain symbols that represent the weaver’s wishes or hopes for their future. Their patterns are more tribal in nature, and instead of a traditional classic red rug, modern Kurdish rugs feature many more colors. To tell if a rug is Kurdish or Persian, turn the rug over. Most hand-knotted rugs contain a label telling you where the rug originates from on their backside.
We wrote another blog that distinguishes 7 signs where you can determine if your oriental rug is fake, if you're having trouble determining rug authenticity. However, if the rug you examine is missing a label, a Kurdish rug can be distinguished by the type of knot that it has been created from. Kurdish rugs feature a symmetric (Turkish) knot and not an asymmetric knot like a Bokhara Oriental rug (we go over the differences between knots of different rug types here). In some cases, like the rug in the photo above, camel hair is used instead of wool to create a classic Kurdish rug design. Bokhara rugs and Kurdish rugs can look very similar to one another. However, when you look closely, each type of rug has a very specific design and composure of wool. The differences between a Bokhara Oriental rug and Kurdish Oriental rug include the type of knot they are created with, the materials they are created from, and the colors they portray.
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions by our customers
1. Are Kurdish rugs similar to Persian rugs?
No. The terms "Kurdish" and "Persian" are often used interchangeably, but they actually refer to two distinct types of area rugs. A Persian area rug uses Persian designs and features traditional motifs, while a Kurdish area rug is made by Kurds in the Middle East.
2. Are Bokhara rugs hand-woven rugs?
Yes. Both Persian and Bokhara area rugs are hand-knotted. This means that they're made using a labor-intensive process where each strand of yarn is carefully tied with another to create the rug's foundation. Many people prefer this type of handcrafted material because it holds up better than machine-made materials, which tend to look worn after a few years.
3. What is the difference between Bokhara and Turkoman rugs?
Turkoman rugs are also hand-knotted, but they originate from Turkmenistan. They tend to have a flatter design than Persian and Bokhara rugs do because of their nomadic history as shepherds who would often move around with their animals. These rugs are both fine rugs made of fine quality and natural dyes. These rugs are also known as tribal rugs and are usually made of sheep's wool. You will find such rugs in different colors, including reds, blues, and grays.
4. Do Bokhara and Kurdish rugs use vegetable dyes?
Bokhara and Kurdish rugs are often hand-knotted, using the symmetrical Turkish knot. The foundation of these rugs is cotton, which allows for vibrant colors that will last through years of wear and washing. You can find some Bokhara or Kurdish rugs with silk as their foundation weave; however, they tend to be more expensive. Bokhara and Kurdish rugs are both made with natural dyes, but Bokhara rugs use vegetable-based dyes while Kurdish rugs mostly use mineral, plant & animal-based dyes. However, some of the brighter colors that you will see in these rugs may be created using a synthetic dye that is not as durable. Both the type of rugs avoid Chemical dyes.
5. Which rugs can be used for wall hangings?
For wall-hanging, you can use both Bokhara and Kurdish rugs. However, if you are hanging a rug on the wall or in another high traffic area that will take a lot of wear then you should choose one that is made with wool as it is stronger than other types of material. You can also use oriental carpets like Turkish rugs or antique rugs for wall hangings. Turkish carpets are often made in silk and are very colorful with ornate patterns. Antique rugs can come from various countries including Turkey, Persia (Iran), Afghanistan, or India. Also, you can use fine pieces like Persian silk rugs or Kashan oriental carpets that have common motifs that would perfectly fit a more formal setting.
6. Where can I get the best quality rugs and carpets?
You can buy rugs and carpets from different online stores, like Wayfair, Amazon, Rugs USA, and RugKnots. You can be sure that you are receiving authentic pieces when purchasing from this rug dealer because they only sell original items. If you are searching for fine carpets and rugs, you can also check RugKnots. We have the best Bokhara rugs, Persian silk rugs, and Kashan oriental carpets that are available in different colors, sizes, and designs. Our rugs are made using hand-spun wool. Our rugs are made using 100% New Zealand wool and cotton.
7. What is the count of knots per square inch of a handmade Bokhara rug?
The knot count of a Bokhara rug is crucial because it tells you the quality of the rug. The higher the knot count, the better it's quality and vice versa. You can put your trust in our rugs with knot counts that range from 100 to 200 kpsi for Bokhara Silk Rugs; 70-100 kpsi for handmade Persian silk rugs; 60-70 kpsi for handmade Persian silk rugs; 100-150 kpsi for Bokhara wool and cotton rug. Usually, Bokhara rugs have knot counts between 80-180 kpsi. The knotted pile rugs have a very high knot count. However, the knot count depends on the approximate size of the rug so to know the actual count, the best advice is to check the label of your rug.
9. What is the weaving process of hand-knotted Persian and Bokara rugs?
Bokhara rugs are made by a combination of silk and wool, usually in equal amounts. The process is similar to Persian rugs but there are some differences as well. The weaving process of Bokhara rugs includes the following steps: attaching warp, warping (preparing thread for weaving), shedding (separating upper and lower threads of heddles to form a space through which weft will be passed during the process called "weaving"), seating (pressing) of rows, raising or beating up knots in one row, winding on the warp. A Persian rug's weaving process is slightly different from the Bokhara rug's process. In the Persian rug weaving process, the rows are lifted in different patterns depending on the type of knot. The materials used in making a Bokhara or Kurdish rug are also quite similar to each other, but there might be slight differences as well. Both of these rugs include silk and wool for their yarns, while camel hair is often added into the mix for increasing strength. In the case of Bokhara rugs, cotton is also added to make the yarns more flexible and strong. The Persian rug's pile height is much higher than that in a Kurdish rug, which makes it an ideal choice for usage on bare floors.
10. Are Bokhara rugs originated from central asia?
Yes! Bokhara rugs are originated from central Asia and they were named after the city of Bokhara. Bokhara rugs are also quite similar to each other, but there might be slight differences as well. Both of these rugs include silk and wool for their yarns, while camel hair is often added into the mix for increasing strength. In the case of Bokhara rugs, cotton is also added to make the yarns more flexible and strong. Back in the 19th century, Bokhara rugs were one of the most popular ones, but after that, they got lost in time. Nowadays, these rugs are regaining their popularity and they are mostly used as bedding or sofa throws; due to their high-quality designs too! If you are looking for fine art, then you should definitely go with a handmade Bokhara rug. Bokhara rugs have multiple borders with various designs, which is why they are so unique. You can also find different patterns in these rugs and you have the opportunity to add them anywhere from your bedroom, living room, or even a hall! The biggest similarity between Bokhara Kurds is their thick weave. These rugs are a good investment if you want to keep your carpet for a lifetime.
What they have in common is a classic look and a long traditional history of the countries they originate from. Check out our Bokhara Rugs collection today, and save hundreds of dollars with the most affordable collection at RugKnots! Here you will find the best and good quality Bokhara rugs at a fair price! We have a large collection of different styles and designs, so you can choose the perfect rug for your house. We also offer free shipping! So, Buy rugs from our website now! For more information please email us at info@rugknots.com or call us at (301) 660-7046. We are happy to answer your questions!
