News & Information on Antique Oriental Rugs and Persian Carpets

A recent auction at Christies London brought almost $10 million USD for an antique vase design Kerman rug. To read more, please visit our site.

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

I had a client call me the other day with a question about Mashad rugs. He seemed upset that he could hardly find any antique Mashsad’s (or Meshads) on our site. So it made think that perhaps I should write something to address this issue. Similar to antique Serapi and Heriz rugs (which were made in the same place) Mashad and Khorassan’s are at times interchangeable. Mashad is the city and Khorassan is the entire district. So while all Mashad’s are Khorassan’s – not all Khorassans are Mashads! The trade as a whole tends to prefer referencing the older and more “classy” Mashads as Khorassan and while structurally they vary a bit the end user should not care about the name but rather the overall look and price. So rest assured, if you are looking for a Mashad or Khorassan you are in essence looking for the same overall type of rug. I will single out and clarify other similar discrepancies in my next posts. I am here to help people learn about antique carpets so don’t be shy… keep on emailing or calling me with questions (any question) and I will do my best to address every single one of them.

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

Often when discussing art the topic lingers on paintings and perhaps the odd sculpture.The focus remains on hanging art: objects seen but not used. This western conceptualization of art overlooks the artistic qualities engrained in non-Western societies. One sector in particular that does not receive its merited recognition is the rug and carpet industry. Made for design and functionality rugs encompass the marriage between art and daily life.These qualities make rugs a valuable source for understanding the historical and societal aspects of their period.

When looking at a carpet or a rug the value is often first placed on its functionality.Yet, this is common when incorporating any piece into a space. The questions asked concern the details, the ability to function within a space, and the quality. An unraveling of its richness commences, detailing a history that is often overlooked.Unlike hanging art where the object is meant to be seen purely for its design, rugs and carpets are more under the radar.The antique Tabriz Persian Rug 43187, a small prayer rug, is representative of the expressive and particular imagery used by weavers.Functionality at its key, its lightweight character cannot deceive the detailed attention used on the animals and figures adorning the center. Each look brings a new awareness opening the eye to subliminal details.

Rooted in the commercial aspects of daily life rug production is influenced by changing trends.Meant for both public and private spaces the designs alternate to reflect the demands of the consumer. Variables such as space and architecture are taken into account. Space limits the design making it necessary for makers to account for architecture and home design. Tied to the market, antique rugs and carpets are able to portray local traditionsas well as more current styles.This union between the public and the private world makes the antique rug and carpet industry a microcosm for the shifting trends.

Like paintings, rugs provide a fine attention to detail and color. The designs use symbols that are particular to their region. Attention to religion, politics and changing cultural values are engrained within these rugs. Changes in production create a different look–alienating one period from another. Made for a palace the antique Cairene Rug 3222, articulates the craftsmanship of the Mamluk Dynasty rugs and carpets
from the court workshops. The more attention given to these exquisite antique rugs the more that is learned about a bygone era.

Production methods, choice of design, color palette–are all considerations that reflect the limitations and creativity of these pieces. Restrictions to a loom makes these pieces difficult and time-consuming to produce. As one notices the detailing, the labor and the finesse of the hand that created the piece is understood.

Rugs and carpets provide a new scope into art. An area often overlooked is now becoming increasingly popular. Trends are beginning to reflect the interconnection between various cultures, thereby creating greater venues for the appreciation of antique rugs and carpets. As more awareness is raised in the art world of the decorative quality of rugs is the art behind the pieces better appreciated and treated at their true value.

by Jason Nazmiyal

As a result of their recent merger, Nazmiyal and Damoka have assembled a remarkably broad and comprehensive collection of antique rugs. Together their holdings comprise some eighty five years of effort and experience in collecting fine antique carpets of virtually every style and type. Acquired largely in the middle decades of the twentieth century, much of the Damoka collection has remained untapped for decades, offering a wide assortment of antique carpets that is essentially new to the market.

But this collection was also assembled when the cost of rugs was considerably lower than today, and now Nazmiyal Live Auctions Online plans to pass this reduced cost base on to its customers. As result, quality antique pieces will be available at prices comparable to those of forty years ago or more, perhaps even at prices comparable to those of new rugs made today. The auction is currently set for the first of June, and the rugs will available for preview online at liveauctioneers.com and in Nazmiyal’s New York Gallery throughout the month of May.