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 Christies (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.

by Jason Nazmiyal

Nazmiyal is pleased to announce that it has merged with Damoka New York Carpets. Albert Karmeli and I have both decided that such a venture would be an ideal complement to our long-term business interests. Over the last twenty five years Nazmiyal has been actively buying and selling antique carpets according to the trends set by the leading proponents of interior design and décor and the rug collecting world. At this point in time, however, we feel that a merger with Damoka would be a match made in heaven. Over the past sixty years Karmeli has established an unparalleled reputation for integrity and superior taste within in the antique rug industry. The outstanding collection that Karmeli has amassed is much more traditional and classical than ours, comprising an incredible array of “honest to goodness” fine Persian rugs and carpets, and in this sense it complements our more eclectic and decorative holdings beautifully. We at Nazmiyal are both pleased an honored to have this opportunity to work with the greatest man in our industry and to have him as an associate. As a consequence of this merger, we will be able to accommodate the most discriminating taste in fine decorative carpets and collectible rugs. Our combined inventories will represent the most extensive and comprehensive collection of antique rugs and carpets to have ever been assembled under one roof. Our twenty five years in the business and Damoka’s sixty will comprise a whole much greater than the sum of its parts, a collection that ranges from early collector pieces to larger decorative carpets of virtually every type and origin.