Emmett Eiland in his book Oriental Rugs Today writes:
American tourists often return from Turkey with Kaiseri rugs made in central Anatolia. Local rug merchants represent them as silk rugs. In fact, they are made with mercerized cotton, a poor imitation. I have examined pile fibers from many Kaiseris in microscope without finding one that is really silk. Those who have purchased “silk” Kaiseris in Turkey, still in denial after hearing the bad news, sometimes produce receipts from Turkey that read,”Made from 100% pure art silk.” Art turns out to be an abbreviation for “artificial”
Picture of the rug courtesy of rugs on sale.
Dr. Khosrow Sobhe (Dr. Kay)
Certified Rug Specialist (CRS)
www.rugidea.com
310-770-9085
I find it very sad that people get taken for a ride when they travel and buy area rugs.
After an "art Silk" rug has been used it dulls very quickly and looses the sheen and softness, which is the appeal of silk rugs to begin with.
Unfortunately, it is hard to educate everyone before they buy an area rug.