Hand-spun, hand-dyed yarn in a finished rug gives each piece a subtle variation in color tone. The quality is known as abrash and it often creates a kind of wave effect to the eye.

This quality enhances the charm of a rug. Without the inherent variation, the piece can look stiff or have a cooontrived appearance, almost too perfect, with the exception of Savonneries, Aubussons, Needlepoints and Tapestries that have always been made without color variation.

If, when looking at the rug you are considering, you answer "yes" to any of the following questions, your rug possesses some very positive attributes.

• When you look at a rug, does it come to life?
• Does it have richness and depth?
• Is the texture appealing?
• Do the colors emanate a delightful variation?