Are rugs with natural vegetal dyes better?
Yes and no: Dyes made from natural substances such as roots have been used in Oriental rugs for virtually thousands of years, or until about World War Two. By that time, synthetic dyes had almost entirely taken the place of natural dyes. Starting in about 1980, natural dyes again began to be used in a few rugs, and today both natural and synthetic dyes are used in Oriental rugs. For all practical purposes, both are excellent. The quality of todayÏ€s synthetic dyes is very good. These dyes do not fade prematurely in the sun nor do they run when washed with water. Often synthetic dyes are difficult to distinguish from natural dyes. Nevertheless, good quality vegetal dyes offer a richer and more variegated palate of color(know as “Abrash”). Also, carpets dyed with natural dyes age with a warm pleasing patina. Additionally, natural dyes are more environmentally friendly. Vegetal dyes are more labor intensive and require a large amount of dye material. Consequently, natural dyed carpets are
