Knot density is a traditional measure for quality of handmade carpets. It refers to the number of knots per unit of surface area - typically either per square inch or per square centimeter. Number of knots per unit area is directly proportional to the quality of carpet.
For two carpets of the same age, origin, condition and design, the one with the higher number of knots will be the more valuable. Knot density is normally measured in knots per square inch (KPSI) which is simply the number of vertical knots across one inch of carpet multiplied by the number of horizontal knots in the same area. Average knot density varies between region and design. A rug could have a knot density half that of another yet still be more valuable, KPSI is only one measurement of quality and value in Persian Carpets.
Hand-tying of knots is a very labour-intensive task. An average weaver can tie almost 10,000 knots per day. More difficult patterns with an above-average knot density can only be woven by a skilful weaver, thus increasing the production costs even more.
Famous quotes containing the word knot:
“When my lover came to bed,
the knot came untied
all by itself.
My dress,
held up by the strings of a loosened belt,
barely stayed on my hips.
Friend,
that’s as much as I know now.
When he touched my body,
I couldn’t at all remember
who he was,
who I was,
or how It was.”
—Amaru (c. seventh century A.D.)