Imperfections
An old Middle Eastern saying holds that only God can make a perfect thing.
Rugs are made by mortal humans, and even the finest hand made carpet is
bound to have inconsistencies or flaws of some kind. On the best workshop
rugs, the drawing of the design may be slightly askew, the edges may be
slightly irregular, or there may be wrinkles in the surface owing to
irregularities of tension on the loom. These a element s that rug owners
learn to live with to some degree or another. Enthusiasts of village rugs
actually tend to enjoy the considerable irregularities of this sort that are
typical for such folk art products. Indeed, it is far from clear that these
irregularities are really imperfections in village weaving, where they may
be deliberate alterations expressing creative autonomy. It is only when such
irregularities are glaring and undoubtedly objectionable that they should be
regarded as imperfections, or that they should play a part in choosing a
rug. Damage to to wear, staining, fire, or insects may also be considered
imperfections secondary to manufacture. But these are all repairable
problems which a reputable dealer will already have treated before offering
a piece for sale.
