Antique Rugs & Carpets

Whether used as simple home décor or collected as an investment, antique rugs have earned a place among the valued objects of the world as cultural archives and art objects. Antique rugs reflect the regional motifs of the area of production and are often identifiable by these traits. Weave, pattern, and color scheme are indicators of an antique rug’s origin. Thousands of examples of antique rugs are found in museums, palaces, and private collections worldwide.

As with any product marketed as an “antique,” the wise buyer would do well to do some basic research on a rug’s history, including distinguishing characteristics such as dyes, weaves, and the time period in which the work was produced.

Hand-woven rugs from the Middle East, China, Europe, and America are distinguishable by the integrity of the weave and the use of natural dyes, qualities which contribute to a fine carpet’s value, beauty, and durability. Many quality machine-made rugs have become collectible and are quite sufficient to suit the tastes of certain audiences, including “Kidderminster” rugs produced during industrialization in England and Oriental and Persian rugs produced in workshops for export to the Western market.

The beauty, rich textures, and colorful motifs mean that antique rugs age like fine wine. The pieces are a testament to their creator’s regional, historical, and personal inspiration.

Quick Facts

• An Oushak “Medallion” carpet from West Anatolia sold for $90,940 at Sotheby’s in 2008
• A Safavid silk velvet Persian “hunting rug” sold for $3,442,500 at Sotheby’s in 2009
• The Indian-made “Pearl Carpet of Baroda” was sold at Sotheby’s in 2009 for $5,458,500