Antique Persian Ziegler Sultan Abad Rug Circa 1890 in Philadelphia Suburb Stone House

Posted on April 22, 2022 by Theresa Nejad

Genuine Persian Antique Ziegler Sultan Abad Rug in Nejad client Living Room in
Philadelphia Suburb Stone House

This beautiful, investment-quality, genuine Persian antique Ziegler Sultan Abad
oriental carpet circa 1890 prominently displayed in the living room of this
suburban Philadelphia stone home represents the height of Persian carpet weaving
as an art form and the skillful blending of eastern and western design elements,
traditional vs popular, trendy colorations and the artistic with the practical.

Detail of Genuine Persian Antique Ziegler Sultan Abad Rug in Philadelphia
client Living Room in Philadelphia Suburb Stone House

The late-19th – early-20th century period represents the transition from the
Second Golden Age of Persian Carpet Weaving to the full-scale production of
commercial rugs for export from Persia (present-day Iran) to the west.
According to the Encyclopedia Iranica the major catalyst for this trend was
both the successful introduction of the Oriental carpet at the world’s great
fairs and major museum exhibitions (i.e. the Vienna World Oriental Carpet
Exhibition of 1891) and the growing international demand directly linked with
the increasing strategic importance of the Middle East to the industrialized
nations.

Detail of Genuine Persian Antique Ziegler Sultan Abad Rug in Philadelphia
client Living Room in Philadelphia Suburb Stone House

While an influx of western firms enlisted local carpet producing facilities
for the mass-production of the popular styles of Persian rugs for export to
London and New York, the British-Swiss firm Ziegler & Co had set up offices
(by 1880) in Sultanabad – now Arak – the hub of the major rug-producing area
and from whence the now-famous Ziegler carpet has it’s origins. Those original
rugs – produced by Ziegler & Co. from late-19th to early-20th century –
represent state-of-the-art Persian craftsmanship and innovative design and, as
such, are highly prized by collectors. As none of the carpets produced for
Ziegler and Co. bear logos or inscriptions, factors such as overall quality of
execution and weave, rug-size, knot-type, age and, when applicable,
provenance can determine authenticity. Ziegler antique rugs are typically found
in the 10 ft. X 14 ft. size range with knot-counts usually ranging around 120
KPSI (knots per square inch) and may feature either Turkish or Persian knots.

Map of Persia (Modern-day Iran) showing Arak Sultanabad, Sarouk and Mahallat

Sultanabad (Arak) is located in the nearby vicinity of the rug-producing towns of
Saruq (Sarouk, Sarough) and Mahallat (Mahal), for which the Sarouk and Mahal
(Ziegler Mahal) rugs, respectively, are named. While the term Sultanabad
(Sultan Abad) has come to distinguish the oldest and highest-quality genuine
Persian Ziegler Mahal carpets, Sultanabad rugs themselves may also be referred
to as “Zieglers”.

Nejad is offering this investment-quality 17 ft. 3 in. x 10 ft. 2 in. Antique Ziegler Mahal
carpet made in Western Persia circa 1890

Ziegler & Co. had not only established a presence by 1883 – the very inception of the
export industry – but was instrumental in shaping how rugs would be produced in Iran
and what rugs would be woven in the Mahal/Sultanabad region for the next 50 years.
The company’s designs were essentially westernized versions of traditional Persian
designs – a synthesis of eastern and western style where traditional Persian color
palettes, designs and sizes were modified to the specifications of Western retailers.
In addition to its workshops in Tabriz and Sultanabad, the company had offices in
Tehran, Isfahan and Shiraz. Finished carpets for delivery were processed at Ziegler’s
facility in Sultanabad, where the rugs were inspected and packaged for shipment to
New York and London.

Nejad Rugs Investment-quality 13 ft. 4 in. x 10 ft. 5 in. Antique Ziegler
Mahal carpet made in Western Persia circa 1890 – SOLD

The typical Ziegler Mahal carpet – may feature an ornate floral center with corner
medallions on a plain ground, or lightly-colored field with subtly-contrasting overall
design including scrolling vine-work patterns and palmetto-like figures (but not herati
or boteh patterns) – or delicately arranged flower motifs rendered in muted pastel colors
on a darker navy or rust field. Attributes of the ideal Mahal carpet include originality,
artistry and especially, from the interior decorator’s standpoint, both versatility and
compatibility – they compliment the finest interiors and other works of art. Thus they
are considered to be among the finest 19th/early 20th-century antique rugs due to both
their long-term investment and unique aesthetic value.

This spectacular 9 ft. 2 in. x 12 ft. 5 in. Persian Antique Ziegler Sultanabad
carpet #987935 is currently being offered by Nejad Rugs

What continues to make Ziegler Sultanabad and Mahal rugs a favorite with leading
high-end interior designers is the uniqueness of the design and colors. As seen
in Architectural Digest and Veranda in featured estates, the large-scale design
elements and rich color palettes used in both formal and casual settings create
an informal yet luxurious and timeless decor. Designers also favor Ziegler Sultan
Abad and Mahal antique rugs because they beautifully complement rooms featuring
upscale, high level art by holding their own without competing with the collector’s
paintings.

A large 21 ft. 9 in. x 14 ft. 6 in. Ziegler Mahal carpet, Sultanabad district, West Persia,
circa 1890. Christie’s, London (Oct. 2017)
Art of the Islamic and Indian Worlds Including Oriental Rugs and Carpets

Today, due to short supply and corresponding increased demand, the best Mahal and
Sultanabad rugs have become quite hard to find in the current market and, hence, a
genuine Ziegler carpet, especially a larger sized piece can fetch a premium price at
auction. Additionally, the Ziegler Mahal rug design has proved to be such an enduring
success that it is still copied by many reproduction carpet manufacturers today. That
both antique-style as well as modern-design carpets are being produced (esp. in India
and Pakistan) and also marketed and sold under the name ‘Ziegler’ constitutes a
consumer “heads-up”. Although referred to as “Ziegler Carpets” (whether spelled
‘Zeigler’ or ‘Ziegler’), these rugs, of course, are neither genuine antique rugs nor
affiliated with the long since disbanded Sultanabad-based carpet firm Ziegler & Co.
in any way whatsoever. Buyer beware!

See more Genuine Persian Antique Rugs

Visit Nejad Rugs Website

Visit Nejad Rugs Doylestown Showroom at 1 North Main Street to view an
impressive collection of genuine Persian antique rugs
or call 215-348-2355

Why Oriental Rugs Are Such A Good Investment

Posted on April 15, 2022 by Theresa Nejad

Unique One of a Kind 10 ft. X 13 ft. Heirloom Kashan Dabir Genuine Antique Persian Rug c. 1920 Nejad Rugs – Doylestown

Like their famous counterparts in western art history such as Italian master Titian,
Flemish Master Rubens and Dutch master Rembrandt, the history of Persian carpet
making boasts its own list of renowned old masters such as Mohteshan (kashan),
Habibian (Nain), Jamshidi (Qom) and Haji Jalili (Tabriz), who, through their
innovative genius and creativity, elevated the craft of oriental rug weaving to
that of a bona-fide art form – thus insuring the reputation of the Persian rug as
the finest in the world.

Silk Persian Esfahan Rug - Nejad Rugs -
Designers, Manufacturers & Importers, Doylestown PA
Silk Persian Esfahan Rug – Nejad Rugs – Designers, Manufacturers & Importers, Doylestown PA

Steeped in tradition and history, the antique Persian rug has achieved a revitalized
status as a desirable investment because they have not only weathered the storm of
fluctuating markets and, as an investment commodity, have withstood the test of time.
In addition to their appeal as investments, antique rugs remain what they have
traditionally been, objects of art that beautify and embellish the home and improve
the overall quality of life.

French Aubusson Tapestry c. 1900 (after the painting La Musette by Francois Boucher)

Unlike modern and mass-produced or machine-made rugs, a quality Persian rug will
increase in value as it ages. The current market reflects a trend markedly favorable
to the seller whereas the estimated value of a rug at auction can be greatly
exceeded – doubled tripled or more – by the actual sale price. Of course, not all
Persian rugs have such windfall potential for the seller but a fine Persian rug –
especially a 1-of-a-kind or particularly rare piece – typically increases in
value over time.

This 16th century Persian Kerman Sickle-Leaf Vase Carpet sold for over 3X the
estimated value – Sotheby’s, New York

In determining the investment value of an oriental rug some of the most desirable
and sought-after qualities to be considered are color – Is the color vibrant
yet harmonious? Some of the exceptional quality Persian rugs have a full color
palette of up to 30 colors. Pattern – Is the overall design fluid, balanced,
curvelinear? The innovation of the Persian knot allowed for more finely detailed,
gradual transitions in the pattern. Originality – Is the rug unique or rare?
Quality 1-of-a-kind rugs, especially older ones, have certainly increased in value
and are desirable as an investment commodity. Age – How old is the rug? The most
valuable antique Persian rugs were woven during the late-19th to early 20th
century in the period before commercial production known as the 2nd Golden Age of
Persian Weaving. Authenticity – Is the rug a genuine Persian rug? Persian rugs are
often imitated but very high quality Persian rugs are usually only 3 – 6 mm in
thickness and always include fringes; additionally, some carpets are signed and/or
labelled. Quality – some of the measurables include overall quality of the wool,
the dyes and craftsmanship and especially the fineness of the weave. A fine quality
wool or silk Persian carpet may feature a knot density of 400 KPSI or more with
often over a million knots.
www.nejad.com/2022/INVESTMENT/Silk-Isfahan.png
7 ft. 7 in. X 5 ft. 7 in. Silk Isfahan Rug
16th Century Safavid Dynasty $4,450,500 - Christie's
7 ft. 7 in. X 5 ft. 7 in. Silk Isfahan Rug 16th Century Safavid Dynasty – Christie’s

Advantages of Owning a Persian Oriental Rug –

Beauty – Aesthetic Value of a Textile that is truly a Work Of Art
(Adding color, texture and cohesive design to any interior –

Style – Always in style – Enhances room & furniture, Adds Color and
Helps to Organize Space (Ties Together Interior Design Elements)

Comfort – Oriental Rugs are an upgrade to overall quality of life
and should be on any Home Improvement list – Besides visual appeal
Oriental rugs can soften and cushion steps

Quality – Craftsmanship – 100% Made By Hand – Hand-woven using Tradional
Methods (Hand Knotted by expert weavers using centuries old technology)

100% Natural – Made With Organic Fiber and Materials environmentally
and eco=friendly – made of all-natural wool fibers that contain a bacteria-resistant
fatty acid

Longevity – Quality Construction and Materials insure Long Life
Expectancy – Many rugs last over 100 years in excellent condition

Resale Value – a good investment – Retains its value and increases
in value with age – When Properly Maintained an Oriental rug offers a
Good Return On Investment

Safety – Sound Absorbent – Dampens Echo (especially on Stairwells)
Staircase Rug Runners improve mobility and visual access and clarity
for people and pets – Flame resistant

Heirloom – Can Stay in Family for Generations while increasing in
value over time

Insulation – Helps to Lower Heating Costs (Especially with larger
room-size wool rugs)

11 ft. X 5 ft. Mid-17th Century Kirman ‘Vase’ Carpet $9.5M – Christie’s, London

'Polonaise' Isfahan Silk & 'Polonaise' Isfahan Silk & Metal Thread Carpet - 17th Century - Christie'sMetal Thread Carpet - 17th Century - Christie's
‘Polonaise’ Isfahan Silk & Metal Thread Carpet – 17th Century – Christie’s

“… the weavers of Kirman in the 17th century are considered the most inventive and
influential in the history of the Persian carpet.” – Christie’s

Oriental Rugs Can Help Cut Rising Heating Costs

Posted on April 2, 2022 by Theresa Nejad

Nejad Room Size very fine Pak Persian Tabriz Rug
features plush insulating wool pile
A room sized oriental rug can effectively help to insulate your home during both hot and cold months

Rising high heating costs and overall average increases in the cost
of energy have become a growing concern for the American homeowner.
During 2021 US retail electricity prices increased at the fastest
rate since 2008 and again from the period 2020 to 2022 have
increased nearly 5% while the price of gas has nearly doubled in
most areas across the country. Additionally the price of a barrel
of oil has virtually skyrocketed in a relatively brief period driving
gas prices to unprecedented levels. Most Americans will be looking
for ways to save on energy costs especially when it comes to heating
and cooling their homes. Although rugs – and Oriental rugs in particular
– are selected primarily for aesthetics and comfort, in these days of
rising energy costs they can provide some savings for homeowners on
their heating and even cooling bills.

Nejad's Signature Tabriz #M022GOBK room sized rug
helps to insulate and warm this interior space while
balancing the architectural elements
Nejad’s Signature Tabriz #M022GOBK room sized rug helps to insulate and warm this
interior space while balancing the architectural elements

Insulation, and more specifically, efficient insulation,
is an important consideration in the design and fabrication of any home,
especially with regard to cost-efficient cooling and heating.
Insulation of walls, windows, ceilings and doors are the most obvious
areas of concern, but insulation of flooring is, not only, just as
important, but is an area that can be improved or enhanced without
the need of hiring any contractor or home improvement specialist,
Each flooring material from hardwood to laminate, tile – either
porcelain, ceramic or other composite material – has its own
listed insulating value, depending upon the type and thickness.

A room size area rug can help to insulate the designated space
from extremes in temperature
A large fine weave wool rug and padding can have an R-value of 2.0 – or more –
equating to a savings on your energy bill of up to 5% or more

Before the relatively-recent developments in building technology, and
with respect to insulation and residential heating methods specifically.
at least as far back as medieval times large wool area rugs and
tapestries were hung from the interior walls of castles, churches
and residences for the express purpose of providing insulation from
the weather – using heavier rugs in fall and winter and lighter rugs
in spring and summer. These rugs were often aesthetically and
artistically rich even portraying elaborate pictorial scenes.
The shelters of nomasic middle eastern and Caucaian
nomadic tribes consisted primarily of colorful hand-woven rugs that
served insulation as well as decorative requirements.

This elegant, plush and finely-woven heirloom Persian Sarouk area rug
by Nejad offers both insulation and comfort as well as aesthetic appeal

R-value (R-factor) is a numeric indicator (.2 – 2) of how well a
2-dimensional barrier, such as a layer of insulation, resists
heat conductivity – or, more specifically, based on the material
thickness, density and type. the thermal resistance rating or
insulating value. This value is often indicated on the product label
– the higher the value the better insulating property. Basically,
R-values vary based on the type, thickness and density of the
insulation material.

An oriental area rug perfectly complements wood flooring and improves comfort
and quality of life

To optimally increase the warmth of a room with an area rug,
choose a rug based on its material – preferably wool, thickness –
preferably a rug with dense, plush pile, and the overall size in
relation to the size of the room it occupies – preferably room size.
Generally, larger-size, thick rugs provide better insulation
than smaller-size, thin rugs. Also, higher knot-density wool rugs
increase the insulating effect and help to lower utility bills.

This traditional room size Herati Rug – Nejad #M011TLNY – helps to insulate and warm
this contemporary living room space

Another way to optimize room insulating properties of your Oriental
rug,especially for larger rugs, is the type and density of the rug
padding you use. Types of Rug Padding vary in material thickness
from less than a quarter inch to a half inch and feature several
brands with a range of properties from non-slip, dual-surface,
eco-friendly, low-profile, Indoor/Outdoor and cushioning

Nejad Rugs Blog

NEWS, DESIGN, DECORATING IDEAS & MORE

Monthly Archives: April 2022

Antique Persian Ziegler Sultan Abad Rug Circa 1890 in Philadelphia Suburb Stone House

Why Oriental Rugs Are Such A Good Investment

Oriental Rugs Can Help Cut Rising Heating Costs