Persian Rugs Part 2
A couple months ago, we published an article about Persian Rugs.
Due to consumer’s massive interest in Persian Rug Stores, we decided to bring you more information.
Price and resale value:
Persian rugs have traditionally been considered the most expensive and easily re-saleable of all oriental rugs, and allowing for a few notable exceptions (usually older and more collectable items from different parts of the world)
The best pre-world war two Persian rugs were often some of the finest rugs available. One can only look at Persian court carpets of the 16th century (woven for royal courts with no regard to expense) in amazement. However, starting in the 1950s the great demand of prosperous American consumers for Persian carpets resulted in diluting of quality in order to meet demand. This trend has not reversed.
Persian rugs still possess an undoubted mystique, and are generally more expensive than those from other countries, but price differentials have been steadily eroding, and they are now generally cheaper in comparison to rugs from other countries than they have been for decades.
This is partly due to the relative costs of production and the public’s growing recognition that other countries can make good rugs but perhaps the main reason is simply that the output of workshops has increased dramatically in recent years. There are now approximately 2 million more weavers operating in Persia than there were during the time of the late Shah, and, even if this trend is reversed, existing stocks are large enough to keep the Western markets more than adequately supplied for a decade or so. This is not to say that fine pieces are no longer produced–I love some of the new persian naturally dyed tribal pieces and the best of city carpets (containing high knot densities and stunning detail). But, they are a miniscule percentage of what is produced. Moreover, the price of many new persian rugs is obscene and unwarranted. Consequently, the traditionally high resale value of Persian workshop rugs can no longer be automatically guaranteed, though the finest examples are still likely to retain their value. It is advisable, if you are looking for an investment, to buy the best. In contrast, the production of village and nomadic rugs has generally decreased, and the investment potential of better quality items is probably far more secure now than in the past.
No longer can it be said that the “best of the best” rugs are Persian.
Any given rug producing country (Iran/Persia included) offers inferior rugs that I wouldn’t dream of selling, beautiful rugs of solid quality, and the truly extraordinary. If you’re looking for an investment quality piece- purchase the best of the best, without consideration of origin.
If you are interested in purchasing a Persian Rug, stop by Ageless Rug Treasures to view our extensive inventory!
