Date:  March 23, 2009  |  

There are many new rugs produced in the highest quality and with immeasurable style, but there’s something very special about an antique rug, hand-woven over time with intricate details and historic roots. To look upon one of these rugs is to see centuries of artisans who passed their talent and trade to generations after them. Here in Arkansas, we are lucky to have a number of antique rug dealers who are extremely knowledgeable. We met with several of them to discuss the various pieces they offer, and what you can learn from inspecting and enjoying each one.  

There are many new rugs produced in the highest quality and with immeasurable style, but there’s something very special about an antique rug, hand-woven over time with intricate details and historic roots. To look upon one of these rugs is to see centuries of artisans who passed their talent and trade to generations after them. Here in Arkansas, we are lucky to have a number of antique rug dealers who are extremely knowledgeable. We met with several of them to discuss the various pieces they offer, and what you can learn from inspecting and enjoying each one.  

SABB’S ANTIQUE RUGS
Joey Sabb is a third-generation rug dealer with years of experience and a fine eye for antique rugs. He’s traveled the country and the world in search of one-of-a-kind antique rugs with the highest quality. “You can tell everything you need to know about a rug by looking at the back of it,” he says. “You can see the hand-tied knots and can distinguish where it was made. It’s really a lost art.” The threads of antique rugs were colored with vegetable and plant dyes, allowing for natural variations, and along with meaningful motifs this adds to the character and value of the rugs today. “The imperfections from hand construction are what make antique rugs so valuable. Many antique rugs have the bright reds and blues,” he says. “Those were the colors they found most pleasing. Newer rugs usually have lighter colors because that’s what today’s market wants.”

Among Sabb’s large selection of antique carpets, he selected a Malayer, circa 1900; a Shiram with very tribal style, circa 1870; and a Sarouch, circa 1890. Each of these rugs is named after the province or city where they were woven, and depending of the size of the finished carpet, it could have taken the artist months to years to complete. “Rugs make your house beautiful,” Sabb says. “They are the soul of the floor. If you start with them and go up, you will have a wonderful home.”

MARTINOUS ORIENTIAL RUG COMPANY
Martinous Oriental Rug Company in Little Rock has been serving Arkansans since 1923 and offers a wide selection of antique rugs from Pakistan, Iran and India. David Martinous is always on hand to help clients choose just the right selection, whether it’s a unique reproduction or imported antique selection. “Many of my reproduction rugs are copies of 16th-century carpets,” he says. “They offer very fine tailoring at a more affordable price.” Included in these renditions are handcrafted replicas of Hadji Jalili Tabriz designs with stunning coloration and details of the original palatial Tabriz carpets. These patterns are timeless and truly made for the gracious home.

Often rugs and carpets are named for the tribe or region of origin, such as Martinous’ India Bashir rug, which features wondrous colors and floral motifs. It’s a copy of a 16th-century Polonaise rug, which was often woven with metallic and golden threads for royalty. Another of Martinous’ offerings is based on the styles of Haj Jalili, a famous 19th-century rug maker, and the reproduction piece is a testament to the years of talent and design that Haj Jalili was known for. It’s crafted of an extremely fine weave and boasts an understated sophistication. Finally, Martinous shared one of his favorite authentic antique rugs—a Bijar rug more than 100 years old. The rich colors have held true, while its large size makes it quite rare and valuable. The highly detailed motif is a testament to the countless hours its creator dedicated to this true work of art.

HADIDI ORIENTAL RUG COMPANY
David Hadidi of Hadidi Oriental Rug Company in Little Rock offers customers an extensive showroom filled with antique, reproduction and modern rugs alike. The variety of sizes, styles and price points allows him to serve a wide variety of customers. His exceptional services includes cleaning, repairs and appraisals, and he and his staff are always willing to help you select just the right carpet for your home.  

His selection of antique rugs includes an antique Persian Kashan rug from the famous carpet-weaving town of Kashan. This particular one is more than 80 years old and made from high-quality wool. Its deep navy and brilliant reds still hold true to this day, and detailed borders frame the intricate floral motifs. Another of his selections, the late 19th-century Tabriz carpet, displays fine craftsmanship, dying and weaving. The dominant soft red color pairs with hints of light blue for an understated design that’s unusual, thanks to the center diamond pattern surrounded by several square borders and repeating motifs. Finally, his Saruk Feraghan carpet is hand tied of very fine knots, and features a beautiful rust-colored background with striking medallions. The craftsmanship of this carpet rivals many others and is a testament to the true artisanship of antique rugs.