When it comes to judging antique rugs, confidence does not come by way of books. They help. But nothing replaces a long apprenticeship of looking at the real thing, handling it (counting knots doesn’t count for much), and learning from the experts. Which is why a fair like LARTA is so special: it’s dedicated to the appreciation of antique rug and textile art. There will be hundreds of pieces on display, at all price points. But more that, gathered here are the world’s top dealers, scholars, and collectors, ready to share the beauty and history of the woven world. —L.J.