Discover Claremont Rug Company's Extraordinarily Beautiful Antique Carpets for Today’s Homes in the Spring 2019, Vol. 31 No. 1 Catalog.
v o l u m e 3 1 | n u m b e r 1 Extraordinarily Beautiful Antique Carpets for Today's Homes “One of the World’s Best Sources of Antique Rugs” f inanc i al t imes
Discover The Claremont
Collection of Antique Art Rugs
View all of the carpets shown here and over 1000 more from our vast inventory on www.claremontrug.com
at right, Persian Ferahan Sarouk 9' 9" x 12' 9" | 3rd quarter, 19th century, Connoisseur-Caliber
As the result of serving an international clientele for nearly four decades, we have assembled an expertly curated collection of art-level antique rugs, as this splendiferous, perfectly balanced 19th century carpet illustrates.
"Some of the most coveted masterpieces now are the ones on the floor. These days, top antique rugs are sold more like works of art than pieces of décor." — The Wall Street Journal
"Jan David Winitz understands the intrinsic value of fine antique Persian rugs, and he's tracked the market's evolution since he founded his company in 1980. … Antique Oriental rugs have emerged as high-end collectibles, and their values have nowhere to go but up." — Robb Report
front cover, Persian Laver Kirman | 5' 4" x 7' 10" | circa 1850, High-Collectible One-in-the-world High-Collectible antique rugs are breathtaking artworks for the home that are also members of the precious tangible asset class. Early rugs possessing great innovation, superlative craftsmanship and superb condition have the strongest desirability.
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For either contemporary or traditional decors, we offer a far-ranging collection of antique Oriental rugs for a worldwide clientele with exquisite taste. Persian Bakshaish, opposite page 9' 7" x 11' | 3rd quarter, 19th century High-Collectible Discerning clients discover the incomparable folkloric artistry and magnetic decorative impact of the best Bakshaish rugs, exemplified by this completely original piece with its constant nuancing of the design and subtle, eccentric color shading.
Some tribal rugs, such as this consummately crafted piece in heavy pile condition, rival the luxurious quality of the finest Persian floral rugs, while offering an alternate aesthetic preferred by many of our clients. Persian Qashqai Shishboluki, above 4' 7" x 7' 1 " | late 19th century Connoisseur-Caliber Our boundless collection of antique area-size rugs contains many singular pieces that capture the imagination. Among them is this standout with its exotic plant emerging from an elaborate vase and illumined melon tonalities. Persian Hadji Jallili Tabriz “Vase Rug” at right | 4' 6" x 6' late 19th century, Connoisseur-Caliber
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The Oriental Rug
Market Pyramid ™
Museum-Quality | 13th to 18th centuries and early 19th century High-Collectible | Primarily early 19th century to 1875
Connoisseur-Caliber | Primarily circa 1850 to late 19th century High-Decorative | Primarily circa 1875 to 1910
Decorative | Primarily circa 1920 to 1970 Reproductions | Typically 1970 to present
© Claremont Rug Company
examples in quite good condition can only be found through a handful of specialty dealers and the finest offerings of major auction houses. Level 4 | High-Decorative Primarily 1875 to 1910 — To meet growing international demand, the number of working looms greatly increased. With aesthetic appeal and originality still playing a large role, weavers created less complex designs using palettes adapted to Western tastes. Synonymous with sophistica- tion and grace, and capable of working harmoniously with a broad range of furniture and art styles, the finest of this level are widely sought after today. Level 5 | Decorative Primarily 1920 to 1970 — When the decorative rug market ex- ploded, most of the resultant weavings fell into this category. The level of materials, craftsmanship and innovative artistry decreased notably, with modern chemical dyes usually sup- planting more subtle natural pigments. Level 6 | Reproductions Typically 1970 to present — By far the most widely available hand-woven Oriental rugs today and the newest contribu- tions to the hand-woven market, these offer adaptations of traditional Persian designs in a broad range of qualities. These non-one-of-a-kind rugs may be labeled with famous Persian regional names, yet are typically woven in India, China, Pakistan, Egypt and Romania. The best Oriental rugs in Levels 1-4 are valuable artworks and precious tangible assets, while those in Levels 5 and 6 are durable, handsome floor coverings of no intrinsic art value.
By Jan David Winitz, President and Founder, Claremont Rug Company
For nearly four decades, I have worked closely with collectors and connoisseurs, many of whom were not initially versed in antique rugs, although they often collected other forms of art and antiques. Through this, I have developed a propri- etary Oriental Rug Market Pyramid ™ as an illustrative tool to evaluate handwoven Oriental rugs. As the tiers descend, the number of available pieces increases. Level 1 | Museum-Quality Primarily 13th to 18th centuries and usually held by museums. In 2013, a stunning 17th century Persian Kirman rug sold at Sotheby’s auction for $33.8 million. Level 2 | High-Collectible Primarily from early 19th century to circa 1875 — Of tremen- dous interest to serious collectors, these rarely found, best- of-the-best-caliber 19th century rugs exhibit fluid, subtly varied designs, a highly nuanced use of rarely found, exotic colors and superb aesthetic balance. The finest rugs from “The Second Golden Age” were woven primarily in Persia and the Caucasus, in weaving centers such as Motasham Kashan, Hadji Jallili Tabriz, Bakshaish, and from tribal groups including Caucasian Kazaks, Shirvans and Kubas, and South Persian Qashqais. While historical rugs from Level 1 are typi- cally too fragile, many High-Collectible pieces are sufficiently durable for floor use. Level 3 | Connoisseur-Caliber Primarily from circa 1850 to late 19th century — This category encompasses standout rugs from all of the major Persian and tribal groups, created by highly talented weavers using excel- lent quality of materials to animate their original, captivating designs and color combinations. In today’s market, excellent
Read the entire article published in the Chubb Collector's Newsletter on www.claremontrug.com
Our collection offers the finest representatives of central antique weaving styles, such as this ethereal piece from the tradition-breaking workshop of the luminary carpet designer, Hadji Jallili, the carpet style of choice for many clients with contemporary decors. Persian Hadji Jallili Tabriz | 9' 1" x 12' 8" | circa 1875, Connoisseur-Caliber
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Perennially popular with our clients for their commanding scale and bold geometrics, our generous selection of Serapi carpets reflects breathtaking inspiration, as in this stirring example with its unexpected use of nuanced color and graphic patterning. Persian Serapi | 9' 8" x 14' 3" | circa 1875, Connoisseur-Caliber
Offering a rare ivory field and border with a delicate, stylized floral pattern, this carpet features a casual elegance that attests to the Sultanabad style's great affinity with the graciously appointed contemporary home. Persian Sultanabad | 9' 6" x 12' 8" | circa 1875, High-Decorative
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( Persian Bijar Camelhair | 9' 7" x 14' 11" dated 1902, High-Decorative
Rarely encountered antique carpets woven primarily with undyed camel hair are highly sought after for their understated compatibility in today’s homes. This mesmerizing representative offers tremendous textural interest.
“A specific rug can change a room, just as a specific piece of art can change a room,” he says. “The intrinsic value of living with them is just incredible.” — A Claremont client interviewed in a Robb Report feature article about us. Persian Bakshaish | 11' 10" x 13' 7" | 3rd quarter, 19th century, Connoisseur-Caliber Uncovering superb examples of the rare Bakshaish style for our ever-widening group of clients who relish them is a particularly ambitious challenge, and we proudly present four examples in this catalog, including this unabashedly spirited carpet with its astonishing cornflower blue field.
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For the lover of gracious refinement, our carefully chosen collection of floral Laver Kirmans exudes an incredible portrayal of symmetry and delicacy, while offering a predominantly light- toned spectrum of color. Persian Laver Kirman at right | 8' 5" x 11' 3" 3rd quarter, 19th century Connoisseur-Caliber Persian Sultanabad, at left 12' x 17' 5" | circa 1875 High-Decorative Epitomizing the seldom-seen, deeply appealing design and color combinations that distinguish our collection, this oversize 19th century Persian village carpet expresses a welcoming ambiance that transcends decorative style.
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Jan David Winitz and his expert staff avail you of their great expertise, which along with our website’s many articles and videos, ensure your purchase is an educated, highly enjoyable one.
Persian Motasham Kashan, above 4' 4" x 6' 10" | late 19th century Connoisseur-Caliber
Our extensive, yet highly selective inventory of one- to two-centuries- old smaller rugs, such as this exquisite formal piece from the elite Motasham Kashan style, attracts clients from around the world.
From our vast inventory of antique Caucasian tribal rugs, this powerful example with its rare forest green field can be equally entrancing when displayed on the floor or wall. Caucasian Karachov Kazak, at right 4' 2" x 7' 11" | late 19th century Connoisseur-Caliber The grand asymmetrical patterning and enigmatic dragon imagery of this singular one-and-a-half-century-old carpet express a vital connection to nature that astonishes us today—an exciting addition for a curated home. Persian Serapi, opposite page | 10' x 12' 8" 3rd quarter, 19th century, Connoisseur-Caliber
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We maintain a plentiful selection of breathtaking carpets in sizes 11’ x 15’ to 17’ x 30’ for our clients’ grand spaces.
This majestic carpet illustrates our commitment to offering the sublime rather than the mundane, even in the most difficult to find, but often requested sizes. With the tremendous range of its tonal hues and the painstaking delicacy of its pattern language, it is destined to provide the base for a highly sophisticated décor. Persian Kermanshah, at right | 14' 2" x 19' 2" circa 1850 | High-Collectible
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Our distinctive High- Decorative antique rugs perfectly create memorable spaces that express our clients’ personal taste.
Persian Serapi-Heriz , at left 8' 8" x 10' 11" | late 19th century, High-Decorative We delight in uncovering and presenting to our always receptive clientele the most inventive, impactful antique rugs from the Heriz weaving group, exemplified by this carpet with its confident simplicity of design and unexpected hues.
This resplendent carpet, with its winning color combination and well-spaced, overscale pattern, creates an ambiance that would be perfectly at home in a traditional or contemporary setting. Persian Mahal , at right 9' 8" x 11' 8" | circa 1900 High-Decorative
Persian Ferahan Sarouk at left | 8' 6" x 11' 7"
late 19th century High-Decorative
The carpets on these two pages illustrate the distinctive aesthetic character of our High-Decorative antique rugs, such as this lyrical botanical piece with its unique brass-toned field and gradations of cinnabar in its main border.
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Caucasian Lesghi, at left 4' 6" x 6' 6" | late 19th century Connoisseur-Caliber
This ingenious, finely woven rug with its rainbow of inventively combined hues and playful drawing, is a fitting introduction to our extensive collection of Caucasian tribal rugs, four of which are presented in this catalog.
Persian Serapi, below 4' 11" x 6' 2" | late 19th century Connoisseur-Caliber
Smaller rugs are the personal artistic creation of a single rug-maker, such as this hard-to-find, miniature version of the beloved Serapi style with its delectable tonalities and beguiling patterns.
This extraordinary folk art carpet woven in the mountains of Azerbaijan reveals an Impressionistic vision of a lush forest. Note the charming pairs of birds roosting between each tree and the brilliant sapphire blue color striation in the spacious main border. Persian Bakshaish “Tree of Life” opposite page | 11' 6" x 15' 3rd quarter, 19th century Connoisseur-Caliber
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Stunning historical artworks that are acknowledged members of the precious tangible asset class. High-Collectible Rugs for Elite Home Decoration and Collection
The profound appeal of High-Collectible antique rugs, such as those on these four pages, lies in their astonishing presence, virtuoso craftsmanship and air of mystery— elements that progressively reveal them- selves the longer one lives with them.
At the epitome of the deeply cherished Motasham Kashan style is this incredibly luminous lamb’s wool carpet that boasts extraordinarily fine knotting, countless subtle gradations of color and unfathomably meticulous detailing in its lush botanical design. Persian Motasham Kashan | 8' 5" x 11' 4" | circa 1850, High-Collectible
tribal rugs are masterworks such a At the pinnacle of our substantial collection of 19th century Caucasian s this superbly maintained, consummately crafted combined totemic motifs. small piece that offers a perfectly balanced, energetic array of originally Caucasian Karagashli Shirvan | 3' 4" x 4' 5" | 3rd quarter, 19th century, High-Collectible
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This transcendent carpet, brilliantly reinventing one of the revered style’s most cherished designs, evokes the presence of cloudlike dragons supported by a breathtaking chromatic display of the region’s “Bakshaish Blue” spectrum. Persian Bakshaish “Dragon Rug” | 8' 1" x 11' 3" | 3rd quarter, 19th century, High-Collectible
This is a superlative example of the elegant, yet effervescent 19th century Tehran style that is so rarely found that even few connoisseurs are familiar with it. Close examination reveals umpteen birds hidden in its foliage and small rabbits hopping along its main border. Persian Tehran “Vase Rug” | 4' 7" x 7' 1" | 3rd quarter, 19th century, High-Collectible
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Many clients use our rugs not only throughout their primary residences, but also to enrich their seasonal homes.
This exquisite Persian rug attributed to the renowned Hadji Jallili workshop offers unexpected tropically-inspired tones and glowing powder blues that elaborate a stunning floral display for quintessential decorative impact. Persian Hadji Jallili Tabriz, opposite | 9' 1" x 12' 8" | late 19th century, High-Decorative
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A majestic, niched medallion, broad corner spandrels and a spaciously rendered rosette and oak leaf border—the classic, perfectly rendered Serapi format— absolutely shimmers with its strawberry-hued ground, abundance of celadon green and powder blue. Persian Serapi | 9' 7" x 11' | circa 1875, Connoisseur-Caliber
This sumptuous, formal room size rug, with its unique multi-medallion pattern and rare softly striating emerald green field, exemplifies the stunning artistic choices that in our experience create the most memorable rooms for our clientele. Persian Ferahan | 10' x 13' 9" | late 19th century, High-Decorative
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Jan, with wife Christine Hunt Winitz and longtime Senior Sales Associate, Nancy Brinkley
Jan David Winitz , President and Founder “Born into a New York family of scientists and art collectors, Winitz inherited a collection of great rugs and a love of art” (Financial Times) . Shortly after receiving an MA in Education fromUC Berkeley, he opened Claremont Rug Company with his wife, Christine, in 1980. He has built a global reputation among collectors and connoisseurs, and maintains a private clientele on five continents, assisting them to assemble whole home rug displays and to build collections of rare carpets. He is the author of The Guide to Purchasing an Oriental Rug . He is acknowledged as a major contributor to elevating the status of 19th century Oriental rugs from a decorative craft to artworks recognized for their masterful color and design, cultural significance, and importance as an influencer of other art forms.
Caucasian “Dragon” Kuba | 3' 9" x 4' 7" | 1850, High-Collectible The vivacious motifs and stunning use of color seen here capture the infectious magic of the great number of first-rate tribal rugs in our collection.
OUR UNIQUE CONCIERGE SERVICES
IN-HOME SHOPPING
• EXPERTISE President Jan David Winitz and our highly experienced rug consultants offer invaluable guidance on purchasing, decorating and collecting. • APPROVAL SHIPPING Long-distance clients appreciate our ultra-convenient, cost-effective Shipping on Approval Service, including arranging for installation by a local logistics firm. • LONG-TERM EXCHANGE POLICY Our written guarantee is invaluable to clients who move to new residences or wish to explore new rug or decorating styles. • ONGOING RUG CARE We recognize the great privilege of serving our clients. For years to come, we will gladly offer advice and assistance in maintaining and displaying your rugs. Ongoing services include expert cleaning, restoration, padding and storage.
Clients with larger projects love our service of doing in- home presentations virtually anywhere in the U.S. We do a preliminary consultation, review images of the home and propose a series of appropriate carpets. We can even photo- shop rugs into the rooms before visiting the home and presenting rugs of interest.
One of the five pieces from our substantial collection of 19th century Ferahan Sarouks on these pages, this regal carpet, with its awe-inspiring keyhole-shaped medallion and endearingly drawn flowers, exemplifies the stately, yet expressive ambiance of this perpetually admired style. Persian Ferahan Sarouk | 8' 6" x 12' | late 19th century, High-Decorative
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PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID OAKLAND, CA PERMIT NO. 96
Antique Oriental Art Carpets
6087 Claremont Avenue, Oakland, CA 94618 USA 800-441-1332, Int’l: (+1) 510-654-0816 info @ claremontrug.com Monday-Saturday 11:00 to 6:00 PT (An appointment is suggested.) Sundays & evenings can be accommodated.
Fabulous Old Rugs for Today's Homes
Right next door to the main gallery. 800-883-1300 | claremont2 @ claremontrug.com
Located just 20 minutes from downtown San Francisco.
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as Robb Report’s “Best of the Best”
Persian Ferahan Sarouk 4' 2" x 6' 6", circa 1875 High-Collectible
Our clients rely on our ability to identify exemplary carpets for their decorating and collecting interests.
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