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.

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

 “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.”  

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