Hand knotted rugs present some characteristics that enhance their uniqueness. Color variation on the field and/or border known as Abrash is a beautiful example of this.
Abrash comes from the Arabic word for mottled. Typically used to denote color changes or striations running horizontally across the face of the rug.
Abrash is often misconceived as a flaw in the dying process but when in reality it is a prized characteristic of a true handmade oriental rug.
These color changes will appear within the same color family. The weaver runs out of one batch of dyed yarn and restarts weaving with another which results in a another shade. Differences within the same dye lot are also possible. Variations within hand spun yarns allow for different absorption rates of dyes. In addition the time spent in the dye bath may effect the absorption. Yarns on the outside of the skein will absorb colors faster than on the outside of the skein.
