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.

Nazmiyal recently acquired this wonderful Mohtashem Kashan Persian rug that dates back to the late 19th century. It features a classical medallion design floating on an abrashed blue ground surrounded by a gold field and scarlet cornerpieces.

When you think about upscale interior design, antiques and fine art are naturally the first items that come to mind. Antiques have an undeniable ability to add personality and character to the décor of any home. Because of their uniqueness many people opt to incorporate antiques into their living spaces. Whether it is something handed down through generations or found in an antique shop many homeowners make “antiquing” a hobby in order to add personal flair to their homes.

An antique is an item that is at least 80 – 100 years old and for the most part they are both decorative as well as collectible. An antique item is desired and collected because of its age, beauty, rarity, and use. One type of antique that many people collect for their homes are antique rugs. Funnily enough, many of the antique carpets are comparable and at times even cheaper in price than brand new rugs. Once you establish your budget, size requirements and overall look and feel your quest for the right piece begins!

Antique rugs may be found in many different looks and colors. The more “traditional” style carpets such as Tabriz, Kashan and Khorassan will usually have intricate patterns and can be found in a wide array of colors from the jewel tones to the light and airy. These types of pieces give a regal and elegant look to most rooms. However, modern design tends to be simpler in taste and style. Many of the designs in recent years favor a more minimalistic approach to the interior design. Incorporating antique carpets with subtle colors and a more abstract look (like arts and crafts or art deco) will go a long way and will add a warmth and texture to the space.

Another type of antique carpet that is often used in more modern settings are Moroccan rugs. Moroccan rugs are a fabulous way to invite warmth and create a bright and appealing atmosphere in your home. The simple tribal geometric patterns of these rugs (some of which are taken from the Tattoo designs of the Berber tribes) have been used for some-time to allow a sophisticated look to go with modern furniture. Many historic homes boast these Moroccan rugs such as one of America’s most famous architects of the modern era: Frank Lloyd Wright.

Although, it is more traditional to display your antique carpet on the floor, it can also be displayed on the wall as a work of art (which the antique carpets actually are). In the right lighting you will be able to see the artistry behind these artisanal antique rugs.

A rug tends to be the most expensive item in a room when decorating so it is imperative to get a piece that you will love for a long time. It is also important to purchase the rug from a dealer that you trust. A good dealer will provide you with information, images, and history of the rug as well as give you the option to trade in the rug for a different piece in the future. Be wary of dealers who tell you that the rug will be worth much more in “X” years because there is no way to estimate what any piece will fetch in the future as demands will always change to fit the ever-changing interior design trends. It is best to establish a good relationship with your dealer since down the line you might want to acquire a better piece or might simply want a different look.

So, why buy an antique rug? They clearly allow a very versatile and stylish look for your home decor. With their patina (that can only come with age), texture and their variety of colors and designs, they can liven up any modern, traditional or casual room and make your interior look picturesque and magnificent.

Over the years the trends, patters, and design of interiors have been reinventing themselves every few years but the demand and appreciation for antique rugs has remained. Great antique carpets, just like great paintings will never go out of style and the demand has only increased over the years.

The 17th century marked the later years of the Renaissance, a rebirth in the philosophical ideals of the past. Some of the world’s greatest thinkers lived and wrote during this period such as Issac Newton, Rene Descartes, Thomas Hobbes and Galileo Galilei. But during this time philosophy wasn’t the only milieu budding with brilliance. The 17th century also marked the golden age of rug making in such places as Turkey and Persia, as well as the opening of numerous trade routes that made these beautiful artisan-produced rugs available throughout Western Europe. Today decorators are creating a Renaissance of their own by incorporating these beautiful rugs from the 17th century into modern interior designs.

There are 17th century antique rugs that have survived the test of time and are still available today which makes them wonderful collectibles as well as breathtaking decorative pieces. These pieces originate from all over the world including France (like the elegant Savonnerie and Aubusson styles), Persia (from renowned weaving centers such as Isfahan), India (weavings of the great Mughal empire), Transylvania (rugs woven in the Turkish / Ottoman empire) and many more. This variety provides decorators with a wide array of colors and patterns to choose from which in turn guarantees the ability to find the right piece for the right setting.

The decor of any room in the house can be enhanced by the use of an antique rug but a 17th century rug undoubtedly becomes a conversational piece. The reason 17th century rugs are so popular and sought after in today’s decorating market is that they are much more than a rug or simple floor covering. These historical artifacts from ancient times are true works of art, made from the finest silks and wools available during a time when true craftsmanship was honored and valued. In fact many of the first imported rugs during the 17th century were not used as floor coverings at all but were proudly displayed as table and wall coverings instead (which is one reason why these pieces are still in useable condition today). Some use the smaller rugs in the same manner today – to add beauty to a room’s decor by using the rug as a wall hanging where it serves as a focal point of art for the room.

Incorporating the beauty of rugs from the 17th century into today’s decor lends an historical accent to any room of the house. 17th century rugs have a story to tell and since they have recently been escalating in demand and price they are proving to be one of the smartest home decorating investments that can be made.

One trend for this year is the resurgence of mid century and Art Deco interiors. Art Deco was central in the early 20th century and spanned from 1900 to the beginning of the second world war. This decorating style focused on furniture as art and finding unique ways to incorporate art into decoration. Textiles are featured prominently and there were different types of wood, leather, and precious metals.

The revival of Art Deco is bringing in some interesting color mixes: black with either green, red, or ashen. Black lacquer wood and chrome are predominant materials in furniture construction, also ebony and light-maple woods as well. The upholstery fabrics are velor and other lush, comfortable fabrics. The furniture is basically novel and shiny yet comfortable and functional.

Popular Art Deco lighting fixtures that one would expect to see in such interiors include wall sconces, goblet shades, and bronze and flute lamps. Floral and numerical patterns are included in the actual construction as well. They match well with other accents which include nickel mirrors, fluted vases and bronze sculptures. Luscious textiles include leather which has a luxe, glossy look which suits Art Deco.

Antique Tapestries are a great compliment to Art Deco and modernist decors. It goes without said that true vintage and antique rugs are making a comeback since the new production out there today will never have the patina and if you are going to invest in your interiors nothing will ever compare to the real thing. Funnily enough, since the prices of many of the real McCoy’s are comparable to the new productions it simply begs the question – why not get the real thing? Besides that fact that the antique pieces simply look better, the new rugs and carpets have no real value once one acquires them just like a new car – once you buy it and drive it off the lot it’s resale value will plummet whereas the antique pieces will always retain some of their inherent value.

One always should start with the rug when decorating their house. Fabrics come in a wide range of colors, patterns and price ranges the options or almost limitless. Therefore it is always easier to find a nice fabric to match the rug but to go the other way around will be extremely difficult since finding the right rug might take longer and will probably cost more than the fabrics themselves.

So before you begin your interior design keep start with the perfect rug and everything else will fall into place.

Colors:

Classic Revival: a color palette of grey, mushroom, sky, desert, sand, taupe and white are a great starting point for elegance in your home.

Hopeful: grassy green, vibrant violet, sunny yellow, warm tangerine, and soft pinks are colors which can assist you in evocatively creating a mood simply by selecting a new color scheme.

Bold yet subdued: ocean blue, tomato red, and amber gold are vibrant colors which can be welcoming yet are not overpowering for the occupant of the room.

After the break up of the empire Kerman like Kashan experienced a revival of weaving in the early part of the 19th century. Kerman had been one of the leading producers of shawls decorated with boteh’s or paisley designs. It is not surprising that many Kerman carpets in the early days were woven by former shawl makers and employed similar designs. Tree carpets, hunting and garden carpets were based upon the Safavid period. Kerman was also well known for its silk carpets and produced a series of portrait rugs, numbered and inscribed representing famous historical personalities from Moses to Napoleon. Typically, Kerman rugs are more elaborate in design compared to Kashan’s and are densely woven. They reflect a slightly French or European style of representing flowers. Patterns are rich with roses, daisies, peonies and carnations. In general when compared to Kashan’s they use similar colors though Kerman’s have more uniformity and the dyes vary, especially the reds. Kerman reds are more cranberry compared to the Kashan’s madder reds. The finest examples of Kerman’s are called Lavar Kermans, made in the town of Ravar. Know for their fineness of weave, elegant designs of classical derivation and all over or central medallion designs.

The revival of carpet weaving in Kashan in the 19th century was in large part to the merchant Hajji Mollah Hassan whose wife was also a weaver. He imported merino wool and because of that Kashan carpets differed from the weaves of the rest of Persia. Some historicl reference suggests that Hajji’s wife might have been the creative force behind this movement. But given the politics of the times she never received the accolades she deserved. The favored designs are complicated floral or floral medallion escutcheons arranged in arabesques over the field. The design of the Kashan is not as busy as the Kerman design. The flowers are bigger, with flowering vines, scrolls and blossoming branches used more frequently. Kashan also produced crude pictorial rugs many illustrating Sufi religious subjects. Kashans typically employ more colors and patterns compared to Kermans.

The finest and very best Kashan carpets dating from the end of the 19th century or the beginning of the 20th century are called Mohtashem Kashan’s. The weaver’s spared no expense and used quality Manchester or cork wool with lots of luster, the knot count was high, blue weft was common and the weave was finely woven. When signed and dated these extremely rare rugs are some of the most valuable in existence.

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.