Until the end of the last century, Iranian rugs were usually long and narrow, partly because of the shape of the rooms, but also because many were made on narrow nomad looms.

Isfahan is a main trading capital for Persian rugs, and where Bahram Shabahang grew up, in a family who had been rug specialists for four centuries. He began acquiring some of the finest rugs in Persia over several decades.

According to Shabahang, "Bakhhtiari carpets are admired for both their technical skill and artistry." He noted that Americans in particular respond to the Bakhtiari’s signature bold geometric, floral and figurative designs.

Shabahang offers advice to would-be buyers. "Hand-crafted Bakhtiari carpets have some basic characteristics that mark them as examples of the highest quality". Tightness is a key to durability. The carpet should be dense and tight to the touch. If the knots are tight the pattern will be clear and crisp like a focused picture; not blurry. The carpet should feel neither rough and dry, not too soft. It should have good body. Contrary to popular belief, thickness has no effect on durability. The thickness is determined by the climate in which the carpet was woven.

He also pointed out that in authentic Persian carpets the pattern is visible from the back of the rug. The fringe is part of the rug itself and not sewn on. Another tip: The rugs with the best colors are made from dyes drawn exclusively from a vegetable or animal base.

Shabahang says, "the rugs of metropolitan areas differ greatly from those of rural village. Like a symphony, the city carpets follow a prepared pattern and are noted for their sophisticated floral designs and fine knots. Village and nomadic carpets, like jazz, have a more freehand design with bold, simple patterns and a wider variety of weaving techniques.

Learn to look for such clues as border designs and central motifs, one by one. Each tribe and village had specific border designs. Persian rugs for example may have stars and rosettes. There are also many types of knotting used to identify where the rugs were made.

Another tip, the natural sheen that comes from the using the finest wool enhances the color tones, so that the older a rug gets, the better it will look. "Use and enjoy" Shabahang says.

A visit to the gallery isa learning experience with Orley and Shabahang anxious to share their knowledge.

"Authentic Persian carpets can be viewed as a reflection of the past and as an expression of the Persian way of life," Shabahang says. "Each arabesque, medallion, cartouche, spandrel and rosette is specifically selected to achieve harmony and balance between man and nature. The colors, symbols and borders express the history and hope of a people. To this day these various "styles" provide a woven language which speaks lovingly of the centuries old culture of Persia.

Shabahang is quick to point out that it’s taken thousands of years for Persian carpet makers to develop the looms, dyes, designs and materials that go into making one of these textile masterpieces. The result is that Persian carpets have an inherent beauty and artistic detail that sets them apart from any other mid eastern rug.

He advises visitors to the gallery to carefully examine a fine Persian rug. "Look at the rhythm and flow of as many as one million hand tied knots and you’ll be looking at the soul of the artist who created it. Like a pointillist painting each twist of colored yarn, although seemingly insignificant, contributes to the overall design"

With the uppers and downers of the stock market many people are turning to other possibilities, such as Persian rugs and carpets.

What makes a Persian rug or carpet an investment, as important as fine art? Orley tells visitors that points to consider are technical quality, design, rarity and collectibility. The partners’ are accustomed to personally showing carpets to clients in their homes and offices, as well as museums. A service they say distinguishes the purchase of an investment-quality ‘artistic carpet’ from a commercially offered imitation.

"We are happy to work privately with clients to meet their individual needs," Orley says.

by Anne Gilbert