8 0 - 2 0 0 y e a r s o l d Exquisitely Beautiful Oriental Carpets Extraordinarily Beautiful Antique Carpets for Today's Homes
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We are honored to be the only oriental carpet company ever awarded Robb Report’s “Best of the Best.” “One of the World’s Best Sources of Antique Rugs” f inanc i al t imes
Welcome to Claremont's Collection of Antique Art Rugs
View all of the carpets shown here and over 1000 more art-level antique rugs from our vast collection on www . claremontrug . com .
The difference in impact between our antique Oriental rugs and the mass- produced handmade rugs commonly found today is unfathomable.
Our clients consider their rugs lifestyle investments that immeasurably enhance their surroundings, while functioning as a most enjoyable form of capital preservation.
Persian Ferahan Sarouk, at right | 6' 7" x 9' 8" | 3rd quarter, 19th century, High-Collectible Woven from 1800–early 1900’s, our vast collection of art-level antique rugs satisfies all our clients from newcomers to longtime collectors.
Antique Persian Ferahan Sarouk
As this ingenious piece demonstrates, our antique rugs are one-of-a-kind artworks created by master weavers over periods spanning frommany months to years. Persian Serapi | 9' 7" x 11' 11" | circa 1875, Connoisseur-Caliber
The lion’s share of our rugs, such as this one-in-the-world folk art piece, are in outstanding condition for comfortable use on the floor. Persian Bakshaish “Garden of Paradise Rug” | 8' 2" x 10' 10" | circa 1875, High-Collectible
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Excerpted From artdaily.org
The Oriental Rug Market Viewed as a Pyramid
High-Collectible geometric rugs include Caucasian, Bakshaish, Camelhair, and South Persian tribal rugs, notably Qashqai. The best of floral weaving styles such as Motasham Kashan and Laver Kirman offer specimens of unparalleled detail work and refinement. While historical rugs from Level 1 are typically too fragile, many High-Collectible pieces have sufficient durability for floor use. Level 3 | Connoisseur-Caliber Primarily from circa 1850 to late 19th century — This category encompasses outstanding rugs from all of the major Persian and tribal groups. The period starting around 1875 is often termed “The Revival Period” of Persian carpet weaving, as a greater number of rugs were commissioned in styles such as Hadji Jallili Tabriz, Kirman, Ferahan Sarouk, the extremely popular Serapi, and
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
from a plethora of small village and tribal groups.
Decorative | Primarily circa 1920 to 1970 Reproductions | Typically 1970 to present © Claremont Rug Company
Persian Ferahan Sarouk, circa 1875, Connoisseur-Caliber
Highly talented artisans used an excellent quality of materials and original, captivating designs and color combinations. In today’s market, a selection of superb quality examples in quite good condition can only be found through a handful of specialty dealers worldwide and the finest offerings of major auction houses. Level 4 | High-Decorative Primarily 1875 to 1910 — With rapidly growing domestic and international demand increasing the number of working looms, more rugs were woven for export, and designs became less complex and color palettes changed to satisfy Western decorative taste. Yet aesthetic appeal and originality still played a large role in the finest of these carpet workshops, where alluring designs combined with the color shifting technique known as “abrash” was still adroitly employed. Synonymous with sophistication and grace, and capable of “mixing” with a broad range of furniture and art styles, both these and Level 3 rugs are widely sought after today.
Jan David Winitz, eminent rug expert and president/founder of Claremont Rug Company, has developed the Oriental Rug Market Pyramid ™ , a guide to support those interested in purchasing Oriental rugs. Rankings in the six-level rug Pyramid are based on artistry, craftsmanship, quality of materials, condition, age and provenance. As the tiers descend, the number of available pieces increases significantly, while the artistry and originality generally decreases. Rugs in Level 1 are held primarily by museums. Art-level pieces are found in Levels 2 through 4. Rugs in Levels 5 and 6 would be considered durable floor coverings of no intrinsic art or investment value.
Level 1 | Museum-Quality Primarily 13th to 18th centuries — The Persian Safavid dynasty that ruled from 1501–1736 (“The Golden Age of Persian Weaving”) sponsored workshops that produced many of the finest carpets the world has ever seen. In 2013, a stunning 17th century Persian Kirman rug sold at Christie’s auction for $33.7 million. Level 2 | High-Collectible Primarily from early 19th century to circa 1875 — Artistic achievement and great
Persian Sultanabad, late 19th century, High-Decorative
Level 5 | Decorative Primarily 1920 to 1970— As the decorative rug market exploded in the mid-20th century, most of the resultant weavings fall into this category. The level of materials, craftsmanship and innovative artistry decreased notably, with modern chemical dyes supplanting more subtle natural pigments. Some Persian rugs woven prior to 1910 also fall into this category, as they are damaged, chemically washed, irregular in shape, of garish or fugitive dyes, or are simply uninspired. Level 6 | Reproductions Typically 1970 to present — The newest contributions to the hand-woven market are adaptations of traditional Persian designs created in a broad range of qualities. These are by far the most widely available Oriental rugs today. Although the pieces may be labeled with famous Persian regional names, the majority are woven in India, China, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt and Romania. Some recent reproductions are expertly crafted using high quality, natural dyes, although the artistic spark and individuality that give earlier rugs enduring value are not present.
originality flourished during this period. These best-of-the- best caliber rugs exhibit fluid, subtly varied designs, a highly exotic use of nuanced colors, and achieve superb aesthetic balance and harmony in the process. This period, “The
Bakshaish, early 19th century, Museum-Quality
Second Golden Age of Persian Weaving” (circa 1800-1910), includes rugs primarily from Persia and the Caucasus Mountains, as well as from Turkey and the Central Asian plateau.
Persian Heriz, circa 1920, Decorative
You can read the complete article in the Press section on Claremontrug.com.
Persian Kermanshah, circa 1850, High-Collectible
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Our sales staff is a veteran team that can act as your personal guides to demystify purchasing older handmade rugs.
Our clients often gravitate to the finest examples of antique Persian medallion rugs for their stirring artistry and role as a spatial unifier. Ferahan Sarouks are a perennial favorite. Persian Ferahan Sarouk, above 4' 5" x 6' 7" | 3rd quarter, 19th century Connoisseur-Caliber
Our extensive collection of the 85 distinct subgroups of antique Caucasian rugs draws clients from around the world. Caucasian Kazak “Lesghi Star,” at right 3' 9" x 6' | 3rd quarter, 19th century Connoisseur-Caliber
As this carpet demonstrates, great visual interest, sensitive design harmony and sublime colorways unite our 3500-piece collection. Persian Sultanabad | 9' 8" x 13' 10" | circa 1875, High-Decorative
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Synonymous with sophistication and grace, our High- Decorative rugs meld seamlessly into a broad range of home decorating styles. Indian Agra, above | 10' x 16' 6" circa 1900, High-Decorative Persian Laver Kirman, at right | 9' x 1 1' circa 1900, High-Decorative We work closely with our clients to find the antique carpets that both fulfill the particular needs of the spaces they are furnishing and express an inimitable personal statement.
Our Persian floral rugs express an elegant, flowing symmetry, as seen in this highly emotive representative of the elite Motasham Kashan style. Persian Motasham Kashan, above | 7 ' 10 " x 12' 1" | late 19th century, Connoisseur-Caliber
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Our smaller art rugs offer ingenious use of design and supremely balanced colors. They add a magical ambiance wherever they are used.
Caucasian Lesghi, above 4' x 4' 10" | circa 1875 Connoisseur-Caliber
Emotive colors, including exotic hues such as the glowing ice blue seen here, are central to what makes an antique rug “art-level.”
Persian Afshar, at left 4' 3" x 5' 7" | circa 1875 Connoisseur-Caliber
Whether on the floor or as wall art, our small antique rugs (3' x 4' to 5' x 8') are ideal to enliven every corner of the home and for collection.
We consistently offer brilliant examples of this famed style’s signature asymmetrical, yet profoundly harmonious patterns and unexpected color shifts. Persian Bakshaish | 9' 8" x 12' 2" | circa 1875, Connoisseur-Caliber
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Our clients appreciate that our collection consistently offers the unexpected and enrapturing, such as this unfathomably detailed rug in the esteemed Tehran style. Persian Tehran “Blossom Carpet,” above | 6' 10" x 9' 6" | 3rd quarter, 19th century, Connoisseur-Caliber
Persian Hadji Jallili Tabriz, at right | 9' x 12' 8" | 3rd quarter, 19th century, High-Collectible Discover our many treasures in important Persian floral styles, such as this singular, profoundly inspired carpet from the master carpet designer, Hadji Jallili.
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Time and time again, our clients experience that our carpets have the uncanny ability to interplay with their other works of art, furniture and architectural details to unify a room into a harmonious whole.
Persian Ferahan Sarouk | 12' 5" x 16' 6" | circa 1850, High-Collectible As every significant home needs one or more carpets of grand size, we maintain a plentiful selection from 11' x 15' to 18' x 30'. One of our many standouts is this majestic 170-year-old masterwork in the renowned Ferahan Sarouk style.
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“I put antique rugs on the level of art. They are a very specific kind of art that provides both a visual and intellectual satisfaction.” — A longtime client from an article about Claremont in Robb Report magazine.
Persian Hadji Jallili Tabriz | above 4' 7" x 6' 5" late 19th century, Connoisseur-Caliber
We offer Oriental rugs that are the expression of a particularly original artistic spirit and a mastery of the medium.
Ever more clients are discovering that hanging small antique rugs as wall art allows up-close viewing of the many nuances at eye level. Caucasian Konagend Kuba | at right 4' 1" x 5' dated 1884, Connoisseur-Caliber
We counsel clients to skillfully use distinctive rugs, such as this spaciously patterned Sultanabad, to designate seating areas and passageways in open floor plans. Persian Sultanabad, at left | 10' 8" x 13' 10" | 3rd quarter, 19th century, High-Decorative
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Persian Serapi | 9' 10" x 13' 9" | circa 1875, High-Decorative Our large-scale patterned rugs, such as this unique earth-tone Serapi, have been meticulously chosen with grand architecture in mind.
We maintain a selection of the most beautiful early 20th century carpets in high pile condition, ideal for heavily trafficked areas and young families. Persian Mahajiran Sarouk | 12' 4" x 17' 11" | circa 1910, High-Decorative
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High-Collectible Rugs for Elite Home Decoration and Collection
Astonishing Artistic Works Created by the Most Accomplished Weavers of Their Time
The profound appeal of High-Collectible antique rugs, such as those on these four pages, lies in their timeless beauty, captivating presence and air of mystery—elements that continually reveal themselves the longer one lives with them.
With its scattering of tiny diamonds and naively drawn medallion, this masterwork epitomizes the skillfully rendered spontaneity and folk art aesthetic of the best rugs woven in the folds of the Caucasus Mountains. Caucasian Karachov Kazak | 5' 1" x 6' 10" | 3rd quarter, 19th century, High-Collectible
Persian Bakshaish | 10' x 11' 10" | 3rd quarter, 19th century, High-Collectible For their larger spaces, aficionados often gravitate to our selection of rare Bakshaish rugs, desiring this prized style’s inimitable, ingenious artistry.
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Incredibly refined treasures such as this masterwork of the elite Motasham Kashan style stand at the pinnacle of Persian floral weaving. Persian Motasham Kashan “Vase Rug” | 4' 6" x 6' 6" | 3rd quarter, 19th century, High-Collectible
A central Claremont inventory is exceptionally rare mid-19th century rugs in extremely good condition. They reflect the era when great artistic inspiration and superlative craftsmanship were most widely achieved. Persian Laver Kirman | 10' 1" x 14' 6" | circa 1850, High-Collectible
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Antique art rugs are an iconic element that can define space in open floor plans, provide intimacy in seating areas, display splendidly in passageways and add unparalleled grandeur to your largest spaces.
At home both in contemporary and traditional decors, our High-Decorative Sultanabads often offer perky, unexpected color palettes, such as this rug with its field of glowing Niagara blue. Persian Sultanabad | 8' 7" x 10' 8" | circa 1900, High-Decorative
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Rugs employing undyed camel hair and sheep’s wool offer clients a more neutrally toned yet brilliantly artistic alternative. Larger examples, such as this exquisite standout, are scarce and widely sought after. Persian Serab Camelhair | 10' 10" x 16' 3" | circa 1875, Connoisseur-Caliber
Antique rugs such as this graphic Serapi with its striking center medallion surrounded by a sparsely adorned field are frequently chosen as focal points for contemporary decors. Persian Serapi | 9' 10" x 12' 5" | 3rd quarter, 19th century, Connoisseur-Caliber
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Jan and Christine Winitz & sales consultants
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 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 antique Oriental rugs from “The Second Golden Age of Persian Weaving” from a decorative craft to artworks recognized for their masterful color and design, cultural significance and importance as an influencer of other art forms.
Persian Isfahan “Tree of Life,” at right | 4' 8" x 7' 2" | late 19th century, Connoisseur-Caliber For almost four decades, we have studied what makes a rug beautiful, selecting only those pieces that inspire awe in our clients.
OUR UNIQUE CONCIERGE SERVICES
• EXPERTISE Our highly experienced rug consultants offer invaluable guidance on purchasing, decorating and collecting. • APPROVAL SHIPPING Long-distance clients appreciate our convenient, cost-effective Shipping on Approval Service, including arranging for installation by a local logistics firm. • IN-HOME SHOPPING For larger projects, we do in-home rug presentations virtually anywhere in the U.S.A.
• 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 your rugs and displaying them. Ongoing services include expert cleaning, restoration, padding and storage.
For memorable floor art, our antique rugs offer a vast range of colors from the gentlest hues to the shimmering jewel tones of this refined piece. Persian Laver Kirman | 10' 2" x 14' | 3rd quarter, 19th century, Connoisseur-Caliber
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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.
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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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The only Oriental rug firm ever honored
as Robb Report’s “Best of the Best”
Persian Laver Kirman 4' 10" x 7' 11", 3rd quarter, 19th century Connoisseur-Caliber
Our clients rely on our ability to identify exemplary carpets for their decorating and collecting interests.
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