This carpet is a classic example of mythological/pictorial rugs which came from Kerman around the turn of the century. Although not at all pictorial rugs are isolated to this specific time period, much of the production span in Persia of this type of rug (with Shahs'/kings integrated into weavings) took place between 1890's to 1910. Although it could be from the 1870's as the seller says, I doubt this to be the case. It is probably more accurate to say maybe 1900 or so but no newer than 1915. It certainly is a Kerman in all respects, although probably inspired by a rug made several years prior which is sited at the bottom of this post.

Although within the Western markets here in the States, these particular carpets never fetched a high premium. The exception to this would be the late 70's and early 80's where the Iranian government was purchasing these rugs at prominent auction houses in London and New York for big bucks. Pictorial rug popularity has somewhat dwindled in this part of the world as the historic importance of such rugs pertains to the areas in which the rugs were created, namely Iran.

There is a very similar carpet (an inverse/mirror image to this one) which is in the Carpet Museum of Iran. I believe that particular carpet can be traced back to a early 1980's Sotheby's auction where with the buyers premium and final hammer price brought in somewhere around $25,000. Although, the rug on eBay and the one in the museum appear to be of different vintage and quality. This carpet is known as a "nymph" design, and there are probably more than several in existence. We know of at least one rug very similar to this rug which surfaced sometime early 2007 in an eBay live auction. Take note, that although there may have been a similar rug which sold at auction for high prices, this is completely dependent on actual quality, condition, design execution, and current market price. I believe the rug in the Carpet Museum is probably of the extra fine kerman quality of 550 KPSI or so. In general, the current market for these Persian pictorial rugs is not quite what it used to be, although one never can tell unless the same rug is sent back to auction at a later date.

Surprisingly, although many of these rugs were hung on walls for decorative purposes, this particular carpet does show some areas of wear and classic "corduroy" effect from use. The rug photographs very well, however take a very careful look at all photographs, maybe 3 or 4 minutes scanning all photographs for areas that look as though knot heads are showing: This does affect value.

In the meantime, take a look at this rug which is in the Carpet Museum of Iran, I believe the rug in the carpet museum predates the one on eBay. I say this because the one on ebay is less ornate, and almost is a "zoom-in" of the one in the Museum.

http://www.carpetmuseum....ollections/htmls/111.htm

Here are some photographs which we outlined areas with lower pile. Pay particular attention to Assmnt2, 3 and 4. These are the most severe areas, although there could be more we didn't see. These areas could be moth damage, or simple wear. Definitely not oxidation from dyes.

As for the value, the seller has the rug listed at $23,000. This price does seem a little high, but it is justifiable as a retail price. For an internet sale however, and being that the rug is coming from outside the States, I think the price should be significantly lower. As the buyer online, you have no benefit to seeing the rug in person and receiving service as a client. In general, it's really tough to say an exact value without looking at the rug in person. It doesn't appear as though there is any foundation showing which is a big plus, although there were several areas which were pretty low.

For a piece like this, the market value is really dictated by what someone actually ends up paying for the rug. In other words, there's no set "value" until the rug is actually sold.

Gracey,

I did a little more research to verify information I had given you. The rug the Carpet Museum of Iran features is approximately 16'4"x11'5". I have found one nearly identical rug in a Sotheby's catalogue (Lot 398) dated October 30th and 31st of 1981.

This is how the exact auction reads:

"Property of Various Owners"

398 FINE LAVAR KIRMAN MYTHOLOGICAL CARPET, Persia. Depicting Erotes playing the pipes to the nymph Pitys, last quarter 19th century. Approximately 10 feet 9 inches (3.25 m.) x 7 feet 1 inch (2.16 m.)

Note: A similar example may be seen in Sotheby's London catalogue of October 15, 1980, lot #50.

Sale Results Lot Number 389: $24,750 Including Buyers Premium






It should be noted, that all of the carpets we have discussed concerning Sotheby's auction and the rug displayed in the Carpet Museum are what one would consider to be the "Original" rugs. Although it is possible there may have been very similar rugs created before and/or after this production, it is quite clear the Museum rug as well as the Sotheby's rug are of a higher investment grade. One can deduce that because the eBay rug is a slightly simplified version regarding design and details of the previously mentioned rugs meaning it was probably post production of the "originals." Given the difference in size, these rugs are comparable in look, however probably significantly different in value, all else equal regarding condition. Sotheby's identifies these rugs as being from the late 19th century, and second quarter of the 19th century. This would mean the creation of these carpets would have been from 1875-1899, making the rug under review from eBay most likely from a first quarter 20th century vintage.

I saw this exact rug on eBay a couple months ago for $19,000 from the same seller. I think it is definately worth every bit of $20,000 or so AT RETAIL. That is to say, you walk into your corner oriental rug store, and $23,000 is pretty much what you walk out of the store with the rug for. Retail is different than Suggested Retail.

This is not the man's retirement rug, this is the industry standard. Of course you're biased cause you're Tabriz, not Kerman

YW Gracey, Please be sure to do a follow up!