Restoration and Rug Collecting

Restoration of worn and damaged rugs is widely practiced in the old and antique rug market. High quality restoration is not immediately detectable, and often it is can only be detected on the reverse of the rug to a well trained eye. There can be no doubt that the average buyer and user of antique rugs desires pieces that appear complete and nicely preserved. For buyers of this kind, and many collectors as well, high quality restoration is indispensable for making many fine antique pieces usable and desirable. But some collectors are sticklers or purists. They would rather that the rug were completely original, especially if it is a very early piece. Since collectors must always consider that an acquisition may be sold at some future time, they must weigh carefully whether to restore a piece or even to buy a restored piece, since it could affect the saleability of the rug to collectors at a later time. As a rule of thumb, restoration is more acceptable on younger antique pieces. It is less advisable on early pieces where a worn or damaged condition is to be expected. In any case, repair within the context of collecting should be conservative – seeking to preserve the original everywhere possible, rather than radically altering the piece to make it look good as new.