Classes

• Oriental rugs are made from silk, cotton or wool. When the term "oriental rug" was coined, the Orient was another word for Asia. The Orient meant ''East'' and the Occident referred to the ''West.'' Oriental rugs are classified by their historical origin. There are Persian (from Iran), Anatolian (the Asian part of Turkey), Kurdish (central northwest Iran), Caucasian (Caucasus Mountain region), Central Asian, Chinese, East Turkestan (part of Central Asia) and Tibetan rugs.
  
  

Origin

• Genuine oriental rugs are made only in Afghanistan, China, India, Iran, Nepal, Pakistan, Tibet, Turkey, some southern territories of the old Soviet Union and the Balkan countries. No genuine oriental rug is made in Europe or the United States. Handwoven rugs made by Native Americans are called Navajo or American Indian rugs.
  
  

Versatility

• Oriental rugs are the most versatile of rugs, blending in with decor ranging from traditional to modern. They have a timeless, elegant quality and come in many color schemes of floral, curvilinear or geometric patterns. Because they are handmade, no two are exactly alike. They come in all sizes, from a small 2-by-3-foot rug to a palace size, which is up to 100 square feet.
  
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Identification

• The term "oriental rug" is often erroneously used to described rugs that are not handmade but machine made. These reproductions are less costly options made of nylon or polypropylene. A hand-knotted rug can always be identified by flipping it over. It is hand-knotted if it has the same colorful design on its front and back. Though genuine oriental rugs are expensive, they are considered an investment because of their longevity, durability and craftsmanship.
  
  

Maintenance

• Oriental rugs should be vacuumed regularly and professionally cleaned every few years. ''Martha Stewart's Homekeeping Handbook'' recommends storing an oriental rug by rolling it around an acid-free tube in the direction of the pile. Delicate rugs should have the pile facing inward. The rolled rug should be placed in a clean cotton or muslin sheet and secured with fabric twill tape. Rugs should be stored upright in a cool, dry location.