Abrash is an industry term used to describe the “streaks” visible in a section of one colour of a Persian rug, usually in a horizontal line. Yarn of a single colour may not appear uniform, with slight mottling in the form of streaks. Variations in colour can be lighter or darker or even range in warmth.
This phenomenon is usually the result of the application of dyes derived from a vegetable source. A common feature in even rugs of the highest quality and craftsmanship, abrash occurs when dye is not equally distributed to each of a yarn’s fibre. It is most noticeable in larger areas of a single colour.
Why Does Abrash Occur?
Reasons may include yarn that is hard or is very tightly twisted (loosely twisted yarn tends to absorb dye more easily), traits which can inhibit the absorption of dye. Abrash may also be the result of the weaver using yarn that was dyed in the same vat, but at different times and rinsed in different water. Wool is a natural material and lacks the consistency that synthetic materials possess, therefore it can only be expected that variations in dye absorption exist.
Abrash is not a defect or flaw. If one were to perceive it as such, it would detract from the unique beauty of a Persian Rug since it enriches colours, making them more “alive”. As long as the colour is not totally different (for example, streaks of green in a section of red), it should be perceived as a distinctive trait of a rug that gives it more personality.
However, when all is said and done, abrash is really a matter of personal taste. No matter what others say about variations in colour, whether positive or negative, it is entirely up to you to decide whether you like it or not.
The photo shows an example of abrash in the field of red around the central medallion. Notice a slight variation in the red in certain areas.
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