News & Information on Antique Oriental Rugs and Persian Carpets

This antique Heriz-Serapi piece exhibits an extraoridinary medallion design with a unique style and bold color schema. The medallion itself draws immediate attention to the center of the rug, which then propagates through the deep blue field with its earthy extensions. The guards mimic the medallion in a dichotic color-reversal and complimentary design. The geometric tendencies of the medallion are also beautifully paired with the linear flora that flow through the border and are inscribed in the guards and inner medallion. The blue-tinged abrash that garnishes the piece provides a natural depth to the rug that is simply defined as brilliant.

Originating from late 16th-century Egypt, this fine piece displays a circular medallion in a green field accented by navy blue and earthy red flora. Bursting from a blue interior into a brilliant red, green, and gold blossom, the guards represent quartered copies of the central medallion. The exquisite composition and style of this piece along with its well-preserved condition make it a rare and valuable addition to the Nazmiyal Collection.

This Kerman rug boasts an intricate floral pattern, symmetrical through the length of the piece, with swirling vines and budding flowers dominating the field and a similarly rich border. The cream and blue colors of this piece make it highly desirable in a modern market. The large-scale buds in the field also make this piece extraordinary, especially for a Kerman with such a fine weave. The immense size of this rug only helps to fortify its grandiose presence.

Happy New Year from Nazmiyal!

Extensive collection of Turkish Oushaks from the 18th century through the late 19th century on exhibition at Nazmiyal Gallery. Read more here

Early 17th & 18th century rugs have received yet another affirmation to their rapidly increasing demand and value. Among the many items up for auction at Christie’s (November 24th auction) were numerous carpets from the 17th and the 18th century. It has long been argued by people in the antique rug trade that these pieces are grossly undervalued, but now there is strong evidence that these carpets will continue to sell for increasingly larger amounts of money for years to come. As time goes by – this caliber of carpets will become even more scarce, fueling the drive of private customers and collectors alike to acquire these magnificent works of art. During the Christie’s auction, we saw lots selling for double, triple and even exceeding their highest estimates, (which were strong to begin with, for example: Lot 130 & 129). This trend seems to be indicative of the future for these carpets, but only time will tell.

What are you doing this summer? Generally, that is one of the first questions asked to a college student. Response: “I am an intern at an antique rug gallery.” Usually people have a double take when they hear this. Antique rugs are associated with a specific crowd, not a liberal arts student but as I explain to them it all comes together.

The term antique rugs is marred by misconceptions. It strays from the general art gallery mentality and instead focuses on a consumer oriented market, not the contemporary art scene. But what is the art scene? When I first began my mind was full of misconceptions and I had limited knowledge of the textile industry.

Yet, beginning from day one a secret world unfurled before my eyes. These exquisite pieces contained a new language, one rich in history and design. The images dance in front of your eyes lingering a note of antiquity. The more I researched the more I needed to learn. Pieces came together, a story unfolded and I wrote away.

To most a rug is simply a rug, but a rug is more than that, it is an object of art. Although in the West they are not held to the same esteem as wall hangings, in the East they are highly prized. The significance behind these rugs unravels a stream of history. Sorting through the Internet, books, articles and photographs I learned that I need more information. Rugs became part of my daily conversation.

Working with a knowledgeable staff granted a deeper understanding on the history of rugs. Often running into questions that could not be answered from printed material I would get a tutorial, looking at the specifics and having each question answered. Each day was a new experience. As time progressed I could differentiate between various styles, making associations between regions. Work became a classroom and an area to escape to another time.

As I explain to those who ask me what I did this past summer people understand and are eager to learn more. Writing and researching about rugs introduced me to the political climate and historical background of various regions. I entered a new world, one that gages multiple aspects of life and art. At Nazmiyal Collection I did more than write, I learned to delve into new regions and gain a new interest.

“When designing a room I always start with the carpet. In this Study on the Upper East Side, I found a carpet design that has a wonderfully playful African vibe: its warm creams, browns, blues, and mustards undulate across the floor. The upholstery fabrics and wall paint colors play off of them as well as the colors and textures of the parchment goat skin desk, custom desk chair, and the hand painted custom sidetable.”

- Interior Designer Adrienne Neff

Adrienne Neff Design Services, LLC

www.adrienneneff.com

What do decorators look for when shopping for antique rugs? Who would be better to answer that than one of New York’s finest young up and coming interior decorator Harry Cushing (of Harry Cushing and Company)? He was nice enough to share his thoughts with us:

 “To us an antique carpet is a living thing that reflects a rich history.  It was made by hand often by a single artisan (sometimes with the help of family members) who had to depended on the materials that were available to them at any given time.  Depending on size and intricacy of design many antique carpets took years to complete.  In some instances the carpet was made in more than one place as it started in one location and then the fabricator moved to another.  Sometimes particular yarns or dyes were available at the beginning of the process but were not available at the end. When completed, the carpet’s design, texture, color reflected all these variables as well as environmental conditions.  So in addition to the more obvious characteristics that one looks for such as size, color and design we have a great appreciation for the way in which a carpet’s history is represented through its visual appearance.  We love interesting color combinations and color variations (even from one end of the carpet to the other), indications of a hand-made product, (reasonable) signs of wear and the many characteristics that result in the representation of a warm, hand-made, living work of art.”  

I was asked by a young collector about recent trends in the rug industry and thought it would be nice to share some of my thoughts. It is my feeling that the wave of the future may just rest in the past. As a part of the antique rug trade for the last 12 years, I can’t help but fall in love with a new rug every single day. Rugs, tapestries and textiles of the late 19th century are some of the most beautiful / decorative art forms in the world, and there are days when I can’t help but feel like a kid in candy store. As the years go by, I tend to gravitate more towards the early rugs of the 16th and 17th centuries. Some of these early antique rugs are a true testament to the greatness of empires long forgotten. It feels like no matter how omnipotent and grand the empire might have been (like the Safavid, Mamluk, Mughal and Ottoman) they were no match for the longevity of the art that they bestowed onto us all. Early rugs have a uniqueness that cannot be matched, and they are the best examples of the roots from which this whole industry eventually blossomed. More and more young collectors are turning away from the art world in favor of antique rugs. Economically, it makes a great amount of sense… if someone would like to acquire a painting by an old master, it would be practically impossible to find one for less than $1,000,000 (and naturally, that is a very low estimate and by no means is representative of any great piece from any such artist). In contrast, early pieces are still tremendously undervalued. For a fraction of the price of a great work of art, one can easily attain one of the best early pieces in the world – a true museum-quality piece (a term that is used all too loosely in our industry). Fortunately for me, I work for one of the world’s top wholesalers of great antique carpets. Jason’s taste is not in the interest of buying purely for the sake of making money. That is why so many unique pieces come through our doors every year. It is my opinion that over these next few years (and as the economy around the world strengthens) this continuing interest in early pieces will only escalate. If I were a gambling man, I would surely bet the house on these pieces (and I guess I kind of am)! I will follow up with some additional entries and examples of such rugs.

Omri Schwartz
NAZMIYAL
COLLECTION
31 East 32nd Street
New York, NY 10016
T 212 545 8029
F 212 213 5995