Antique rugs and carpets, those that are at least eighty years old, are a finite commodity whose number can only diminish. It can never increase. And when applied to antique rugs and carpets, the term antique implies more than age. Antique rugs and carpets with hand-spun wool and natural dyes have a more luminous, animated surface with an illusion of depth. In addition, the design of twentieth century rugs began to change. As western influence expanded across the Middle East, the native cultures began to lose their authenticity, and their ability to maintain traditional designs diminished along with their ability to preserve traditional master craft techniques.

Because of this, the divide between antique rugs or carpets and later pieces concerns far more than age. It is truly a distinction in quality on all levels. One might be surprised to learn that not all antique rugs and carpets are very high priced items. Some might even be comparable or even less expensive than newly manufactured carpets. None of the new rugs and carpets out there will ever have the patina that an antique would - that look and feel only comes after years of aging. Nor will a new rug hold its value over time as antique pieces do.

News & Articles on Antique Oriental Rugs and Persian Carpets
Wall Street Journal Recognizes Investment Potential of Antique Rugs
	For some time now we at Nazmiyal have been strong advocates for the investment potential of antique rugs and carpets. Tastes may change or evolve over time, but the finest antique rugs have a classic quality that will never go out of style. With every passing day the rarity of such pieces becomes more special and precious, especially as the demand for them becomes ever more intense and competitive. It would now seem that general awareness of this situation has finally reached critical mass. A recent article in The Wall Street Journal has assembled the facts in stunning detail. Demand is now spiking astronomically in response to a new array of players within the rug market. Newly founded museums in the Middle East and Europe underwritten by oil wealth have emerged as strong competitors in the quest to establish outstanding collections of Islamic art, among which carpets figure prominently. [...] read more
Rug Sells for Nearly $10,000,000 Shattering all Previous Records
	At a recent sale of Christie’s in London, the early Kerman carpet of the seventeenth century pictured here shattered all previous records for rug sales in auction, going for nearly $10,000,000, twice the existing record. Quality pieces are repeatedly commanding prices beyond market expectations. This is the time to buy, at the point where the trend has become discernible, but before it has effected a radical escalation in price structure.[...] read more
Dyes to Die For
	Whether your taste in antique rugs leans towards all-over floral patterns or more primitive tribal designs the first factor in selecting a carpet is color. It's the beauty of blending colors that creates a harmonious composition that makes Persian carpets so enchanting. [...] read more
Interior Design Utilizing Antique Rugs
	Antique rugs are one of the most versatile and sensible ways to decorate any room in your house. They are easy to maintain, retain their value over time, and – most importantly – add harmony to the décor of a space. [...] read more

If you see something that interests or attracts you, then simply inquire about the price. You might be pleasantly surprised, and this begs the question. Why buy a new rug or carpet based on antique designs when you could acquire an original piece? Naturally, antiques vary in price according to design, condition, rarity, and current demand. Consequently, you may ask one of our expert representatives to assemble a selection for you based on your taste and budget. Nazmiyal is one of the world's premier antique carpet galleries with one of the largest and most comprehensive collections. We are confident that in terms of price, no one can do better on a rug of comparable caliber and condition.