Posted by Yon Bard on July 01, 1999 at 08:38:51:
Some contributors have mentioned that very old Turkmen, and perhaps other tribals, have a special feel to them, as well as distinguishable physical characteristics of the fibers that are visible in the microscope. I wonder whether the same characteristics distinguish the 'old' from the 'new' in rugs from other areas that have a known continuum of production, such as Anatolia? If so, what is the time boundary between the old and the new, and what are the causes of the difference? Is it the aging process, or is it changes in the materials or techniques used?
Regards, Yon