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MANSOUR |
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MANSOUR RUG, THE FINEST GALLERY OF ANTIQUE PERSIAN, EUROPEAN AND ORIENTAL RUGS, CARPETS AND TAPESTRIES IN THE WORLD. |
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THE ART OF COLLECTING FINE RUGS by Frances Davis Rugs of this stature are extraordinarily beautiful and expensive. Each masterpiece is like a work of art and can take up to ten years to complete by hand. Accordingly, decorating at this level is a significant invenstment. There are a number of high quality, reputable dealers in the Los Angeles area, and one of the most respected is the Mansour Showroom. Ben Soleimani, who operates the Mansour Shop on Melrose, atributes their success to "a tradition of knowledge, pride and quality passed down through four generations." At the age of five, when other children were palying with toys, Ben was studying the origins and craft of rug making, and he was learning the trade from a master, his father. He is the fourth generation of rug collectors and says that for him, "surrounding myself with beautiful carpets and rugs is instinctual, it runs in my veins." In highly specializied markets, it is important for people who dont work through designers to know and understand what it is they are buying. One of the first things to consider is from whom you are buying. It is important to go to a reputable source. However, as an introductory guide to collecting, compiled here are some important considerations for a novice buyer. "Most people want to know how to get the best investment when purchasing a rug, and I tell them that there are four essentials to consider: age, quality, design and color. All four of these factors go hand in hand." says Ben. AGE: Usually older rugs are better, or at least more valuable, though this is not always the case, because value is also highly dependent upon the condition of the rug. For the most part, one can determine the age of a carpet by examining the designs or patterns present in the rug. "Much like precious art, "says Ben, "different time periods employ different design techniques from around the world." In addition, dates and signatures are sometimes woven into the the pile of the rug, usually in the border. These notations are reliable indictators of when and by whom the rug was made, and significantly increase their value. QUALITY: When assessing the quality of a rug, there are three points to consider. The first is the intricacy of hte weave. The knotting in a hand made rug should be as fine as possible. This is indicative of hte amount of time it took to make the rug. A second consideration is the type of fabric, or "pile material" that is used. Rugs are crafted predominantly from wool pile, though some are also made from silk. Good wool is softer and generally takes dyes better. If silk pile is used, it should be pure silk. the dinal determinant of the quality of a rug is the dye that is used. Natural dyes (from natural extracts as opposed to chemical dyes) are always used with quality rugs. Ben explains the reason is that "The color in natural dyes looks richer and deeper with age." COLOR: The color of a rug can tremendously enhance a rug's decorative impact on a room. "color sets the tone for the decor of the house. It should be the first consideration when starting a room." If a rug is made with a Western influence, there are generally fewer colors, and the overall pattern is more free flowing. The colors in European rugs are customarily lighter pastels. Traditional Eastern rugs usually have very intricate designs and have stronger colors like deep reds and purples. When decorating, one must consider the climate of the setting. Softer colors usually complement houses in hotter climates, and conversely, stronger colors are more appropriate in colder climates. Ben agrees, "We sell rugs with softer colors in our Los Angeles showroom, where the weather is typically warm. In London, it is the opposite." Rugs with deep, rich color work well withdarker cedors where neutral browns are dominant. DESIGN: Selecting the right design reinforces the style and decorative atmosphere of a room. Different countries, and regions with countries, have distinct designs. Geographically, designs from Eastern countries are similar, and European design patterns are also alike. As with any art form, collecting is a skill which evolves over time. However, personal preference is just as much a consideration as age, quality, or design. A fine rug, like a precious painting, can be appreciated for both its aesthetic value and its investment potential. Mansour is located at 8600 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, (310) 652-9999 |
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| 8600 MELROSE AVENUE LOS ANGELES, CA 90069 | 56 SOUTH AUDLEY STREET LONDON, WIK 2QJ |
Mansour offers a gallery of the finest Persian Rugs & Carpets, Oriental Rugs & Carpets, and European Rugs, Carpets & Tapestries in the world.
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