History
Traditionally, carpets were made in China in the mountainous border areas. Most of the makers were ethnic minority groups: Tibetan, Hui, Mongolian and Uighur. Most traditional carpets were made of wool, but during the 20th century Chinese carpet makers began to make silk carpets, copying Middle Eastern designs.

Tibetan carpets
Tibetan wool is amongst the best in the world and Tibetan carpets are famous for their dense, thick pile. Authentic Tibetan carpets are made on the Tibetan plateau, but many rugs that are sold as Tibetan are in fact copies made from other kinds of wool by non-Tibetan weavers. Designs are colorful and relatively informal.

Xinjiang carpets
This region is home to many different ethnic groups. Kirgiz and Kazak people were nomadic herders, and their carpets feature tribal designs and rich red and brown hues that seem a long way from what we imagine to be “Chinese” style. Uighur people made the rugs that are called “Khotan” style after the oasis town that was the center of the carpet industry. Few good carpets are made in these regions today but old carpets, particularly from the early 20th century, can still be found.

Ningxia and Inner Mongolian carpets
These rugs have a more recognizably “Chinese” character, featuring formal patterns, dragons and Chinese auspicious motifs. Good and old carpets from Ningxia are very rare but old Mongolian rugs are more plentiful. Old rugs from Inner Mongolia are often called “Baotou” carpets by local dealers, after the town where many of them were made, and this is the most common type of old rug that you will see.

Buying a carpet: old or new?
Buying an old rug offers the thrill of discovery, but finding the size and color you want is hit-and-miss. You should also bear in mind that old carpets are generally less strong than the new variety and may not wear well, especially if walked on in shoes. If you buy an old rug, make sure it has already been washed and repaired. Getting an old rug repaired in Shanghai is generally difficult since there are few good carpet restorers here. Beware of fakes and copies, and rugs that are a few years old that are presented as “antique”. There is no simple way to tell the difference, so go cautiously and don’t spend large sums until you have gained some experience.

New carpets offer more choices, and they are generally more durable. You should turn the carpet over and check that you are getting a genuine handmade rug: machine-made carpets have a more regular appearance and often have a backing of cotton or latex. Also bear in mind that wool quality and dye quality vary greatly. Cheap dyes may fade and may not be washable.

Wool or silk?
Silk carpets have an attractive sheen and intricate designs. The downside is that they are less durable than the wool variety and difficult to wash. If you choose silk keep it out of direct sunlight and high traffic areas.

Judging quality
Wool and dye quality are important to how the carpet will last and wear, but these are difficult for a non-specialist to judge. So take a step back and appraise the color and design of the rug instead. Look for a lustrous rug with strong design and harmonious colors. Good quality and good design generally go hand in hand. The reputation of the seller is also a good indication of quality.

Cleaning your rug
For most carpets, vacuum cleaning is all that you need to do on a regular basis. If you get a stain or spill on your carpet try to soak as much as possible up with paper towels, then sponge gently with pure water or water and a little mild detergent. Blot off and repeat until the stain is gone.

For deep cleaning use a reputable carpet cleaning company like Chemdry.

Custom carpets
Some handmade carpet sellers can offer custom design and color services, a big plus if you are seeking a unique look for your home in Shanghai.

Photos/file name/ caption info

	XR53m	An old rug from Khotan, northwest China. About 100 years old
	XR54mm	An old Kirgiz rug from Xinjiang with a typical “tribal’ design.
	FCLAsize6m	A Tibetan rug from Torana with a traditional clouds design, made in Torana’s workshop in Lhasa
	ToranaFireBlue	A contemporary Tibetan rug from Torana, design: “Fire” by store owner Chris Buckley