My gallery will be closed Sunday, Monday of this week (May 29th, 30th).
These last few months business has been going well. Local and out of town buyers have picked up so take this as a good sign that the economy is coming to life.
The good, the bad and the ugly, but not too much ugly! Wholesale prices of well made, top of the line, vegetable dyed, Persian tribal rugs have gone up. The good news is if you have one, it is now worth more than you purchased it for!
As of Sept. 29, 2010, an Iranian Embargo went into effect, emanating from the US government; specifically, President Obama. This included Persian rugs. The few months prior to this, every wholesaler in the US that was in the business of bringing in Persian rugs, moved the earth and the sun to import as many beautiful rugs as they possibly could. Now, supplies are limited to only those with cash and a customer base to keep all flowing. HINT: The currently available rugs will not last forever! As I have mentioned in a few earlier posts, I still have a good supply of vegetable dyed, one of a kind, Persian tribal rugs in my inventory; Qashqai, Bijar, Khamseh.
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I am continuing to invest in what I can until supplies run out. The last embargo lasted over 10 years in duration and when I started my business in 1998, it was illegal to import Persian rugs. This changed in 2000 when President Clinton opened the door to importation of Iranian goods and Persian rugs flowed like a raging river back into the US.
Here are a few Facts about Persian rugs:
1) Persian rugs have the highest resale value of any handwoven rugs in the world.
2) Most other countries; Pakistan, India, China, Romania, and I hate to say this as I love Afghan rugs, but even Afghanistan, copy Persian rug designs.
4) Good quality Persian wool compares to nothing, period. Stain resistant, hard wearing, and when hand spun with the longer, finer fibers, glistens like the sun!
5) There are many different types of Persian rugs from the most detailed city workshop pieces such as a Tabriz or Isfahan to the bold geometric tribal designs that are woven in remote villages in Iran.
6) If properly cared for a hand woven rug can last over 300 years. There are numerous museum pieces that exceed this age from Middle Eastern Mosques or estates in Europe but if you take care of your rug it will take care of you!
Am I Persian? No, I was born in San Francisco and have blue eyes and blond hair, but the rug bug bit me and I cannot escape, nor do I want to.
Enjoy the Holiday.
Penny
Need some inspiration? I found it in this beautiful poem.
This movie is an incredible window into the world of the Qashqai, the original Persian weavers of Gabbeh rugs. Spiritual, insightful and worth a watch. Each below link will take to to one of the seven chapters!
I am adding new videos of rugs from my gallery to You Tube all the time. This first video is the navy Tree of Life rug that you see above.
This Persian Bijar is 5'5" x 7'5". Timeless design woven with hand spun wool and vegetable dyes.
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