NEW YORK, NY.- There are certain antique Oriental carpets that are truly exceptional. These masterpieces represent unique and singular artistic achievements, and are timeless and invaluable works of art. One such example, is this 17th Century Khorasson Garden Carpet, which Nazmiyal Collection has recently announced as a new addition to its collection. This carpet is remarkable not only for its rarity, age, and pure aesthetic beauty, but also for its unique history and provenance, which places it alongside some of the finest and most valuable artwork collections of the past two centuries.

Although the weaving techniques of the talented Persian weavers who created this rug have been around for many hundreds of years, in the Western world, the collecting of these fine antique rugs and carpets began in the nineteenth century. During this time in history, it was understood that the wealthiest and most influential people would amass large personal collections of fine art – and especially exotic art. For those in the United States and Europe, this meant collecting fine works of art from the Middle East and the Far East.

During this time, as the industrial revolution was continuing to advance and create new industries and opportunities for wealth, some of the largest personal fortunes of all time were amassed. Business tycoons such as J. P. Morgan and Andrew Carnegie generated fortunes in the tens and hundreds of millions. One other such successful tycoon from this time: William A. Clark, a copper magnate who, at the turn of the twentieth century, described himself as “the richest man west of Mississippi”.

A man of great taste with a reputation for being particularly discerning, Clark used his millions to acquire some of the finest art available anywhere in the world. Described as “one of the most versatile collectors of his generation,” Clark had a special residence of 130 rooms built on 5th Avenue and 77th Street in Manhattan specifically to house his growing collection of fine furnishings, paintings, and antique rugs. His collection ranged from 19th century European Impressionism, to works of Greek and Roman antiquity, to artworks from the Middle and Far East. Clark was especially interested in the latter; “exotic” art from places like Japan, China, & Persia was very much in vogue at that time. Clark purchased some of the best examples of antique Oriental rugs that came onto the market. One particular piece that was part of Clark’s impressive and unique collection is this 17th century Khorassan garden carpet, which hardly has a peer in the entire world.

Upon his death, Clark bequeathed his vast personal collection to the Corcoran Gallery of Art – including this exceptional carpet. However, it appears that, at this time, the curators responsible for itemizing Clark’s massive collection were unaware of the provenance and history of this particularly exceptional work of art. In fact, there are only six other carpets in the entire world that feature the star and cross lattice design that graces this remarkable composition. Further, there are in fact only three examples in the world that sport the design of this carpet, and also feature such a rich variety of colors. And of these three examples, it is this piece that has been acquired by Nazmiyal that is the largest and the most complete. Indeed, its incredible rareness and its remarkable condition – especially considering the long centuries that this carpet has been around – make this piece a genuinely important work of art, and a seminal example of Khorassan rug production.

Measuring 9’10” by 15’9” (or 3.00 by 4.80 meters), this impressive carpet is characterized primarily by its unique star-and-cross style pattern. A series of tessellating figures shaped alternately as eight pointed stars and pointed crosses unfolds throughout the field of the carpet, with each shape filled with splendid, exceptional detail work. A dizzying pallet of reds, oranges, yellows, greens, blues and more appear throughout, giving the entire carpet a powerful energy and dynamism. The detail work both within the stars and crosses as well as within the borders is exceptional: precisely woven floral and vine scroll details occupy just about every inch of this carpet, elevating its already impressive composition to even higher heights. An astonishing series of borders frames the entire work beautifully: impeccable weaving and an ever-appealing pallet tie the entire piece together beautifully.

Rarely is an antique carpet as genuinely unique as this magnificent rug, which is just about as “one-of-a-kind” as is possible. As Nazmiyal Collection Founder Jason Nazmiyal states, even photographs of the rug do not do it justice: “In person, one can tell that the colors of this beautiful rug are much richer than the average Khorasson carpet. The significance of the artistry of the 17th Century weavers who created this rug makes you love and better understand early pieces”.

An amazing work of art, this breath-taking 17th century Khorassan carpet is a truly singular achievement. Impressively woven and objectively appealing, this antique rug boasts a veritable level of beauty that is apparent in every stitch. The quality of this piece is a testament both to its 17th century Persian weavers, as well as to the 19th century American who brought it into his personal collection: Mr. William A. Clark. Rarely is a carpet as exceptional, important, and beautiful as this piece, and the Nazmiyal Collection should be thrilled to announce it as part of their collection.