Please enjoy this short article on understanding rug valuations by Debra Stanislawski at Quastel Associates;

According to our rug specialist, Andrew Middleton, ‘The value of a rug or carpet is dependent on current fashions as they do come and go. Uşak (Oushak) carpets are currently very fashionable hence command higher prices.’

Uşak carpets are high quality hand knotted carpets made by artisans in Afghanistan or Turkey. The original origin was in the city, Uşak, in the west of Turkey, near the Aegean Sea. The rugs became popular during the Ottoman Empire in the 15th Century and were reserved for aristocrats and royalty. The techniques applied to this ongoing tradition stem from ancient weaving techniques.

They often have muted tones and soft colours. Some, however, contain deep reds. The designs are often nature inspired with floral patterns, geometric designs, and vines. These rugs are traditionally passed down as heirlooms. These rugs are valued not only for their workmanship but also as art.

Historically, these carpets symbolised a space for worship for Muslim communities. Often the rugs would entirely cover the mosque floor, creating a warmer environment for prayer. Anthropological studies have shown that most carpets in mosques in Turkey were rugs from the Oushak region.

Oushak rugs remain expensive and yet, they are known to hold their value (depending upon their size, quality, and age). Modern Uşak carpets still retain the ancient traditions whilst also adding new designs for the modern market. Rug specialist, Andrew Middleton added, “Rugs from the late 19th Century usually show signs of wear and so if the rug is too pristine, it can possibly be a fake (from [the] late 20th century). [It could] possibly [have been] made in the same area but without the age/history.”

Other rugs which retain value include Persian rugs such as ‘the Holy Carpet’ which is presently at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and was made in the 16th century. 

Another Persian rug, ‘The Kirman Vase’ rug has its own story. The owner had had it valued incorrectly by an auctioneer for a mere £900. It was a blue Persian wavy rug and sold for €20,000 at auction. In a second auction, where the true value of the rug had been found by an anonymous bidder from the Middle East, it eventually sold for over €7.5 million. The rug repeatedly changed hands. It went from a Parisian art connoisseur to her estate then to a rug specialist auctioneer at a Monaco auction and then to his staff before being inherited by the woman (owner) who had it valued for £900. The owner went to court declining an €85,000 compensation offer from the auction house and lost her case. The auctioneer did not have to pay costs as no one at the auction house had been able to correctly appreciate its value. Consequently, an anonymous person in the Middle East now owns the most valuable carpet in the world.

As demonstrated, it is important to find experts when getting valuations and Quastel Associates has a reputation for having some of the top valuers in the United Kingdom. Should you require a valuation, reach out to the team, who would be more than happy to assist. Additional articles can be found on our website.

Please feel free to contact us should your valuables need a valuation for insurance or other purposes.