Hello all, I am a first-time poster here. I have always been very interested in collecting antiques, from Japanese samurai swords to classic American muscle cars. Just somewhat recently I have been exposed (thankfully) to the rug niche...and am enjoying learning as I go. I wanted to post two pictures (taken just earlier today) of rugs that stood out to me immediately in the shop when compared to the rugs around them. Now, I have some information from the dealer (who was recommended to me by my father and another trusted friend who have both bought from him), but wanted your unbiased impression as to the type, history, quality etc. I can say that they are both silk/silk, but that's all I'm giving up in this first message.

Certainly not a test of your knowledge netjim, perhaps testing what I was told my the seller...that's all. I'm surprised at the fact that noone has commented on the pieces themselves. I believe I've posted this in the correct area, no? As for the market for this type of work being limited in the US, I am not muslim and I could certainly see the value in the objects...but perhaps having lived overseas for quite a few years has opened me up to that. I honetly tire of seeing the same patterns everywhere I look, and found it refreshing to see such remarkable pieces with something 'different'. Anyway, the information given to me by the seller:
*both Hereke silk/silk rugs
*kpsi of 1800 for the mosque rug, over 2000 for the prayer rug
*age of 30-35 years
*size, both roughly 5x7
*both natural dyes
Any guesses on prices?

Both rugs are of great value and quality. From what I see I would rather say Ghom than Hereke (Luster, colors and so on) - but Hereke is also possible. But this is more a guess from the first sight. You must understand that no one can give you a price from this little we can see on the pictures, but I think both rugs are below the mentioned kpsi. If you would supply the following pictures it would be very helpful to define the rugs origin correctly:

1. Detail picture showing the selvedge and fringes from the backside of the rug.
2. Close up picture from the front side showing the same area.
3. Detail picture with a measuring device showing the back of the rug so it is possible to count the knots on one inch lenght.

The mosques on the rug are not showing typical turkish arcitecture which would be expected on a Hereke. Top picture is the kaaba in Mecca - this is a holy place for sunna and shia muslim. Among the other pictures are the Imam Reza Shrine in Mashad, the Shrine in Kerbala, the Qum shrine and probably Shiraz and so on - typical Shia mosques in Iran or eastern Iraq. So I would put this rugs design defenetly to the cultutral area of Persia rather than Ottoman. The second rug shows typical persian calligraphy, so also iranian origin seems to be more likely.

Often dealers who do not work with high end rugs every day mistake Qum for Hereke, China for Qum and so on. Due to the higher price of turkish Hereke Silk rugs persian Ghom or Chinese silk rugs are sometimes sold as turkish Hereke.