Rug Insider Magazine, Winter, 2025 by Rug Insider Magazine

RUGS AND CARPETS FOR THE DESIGN PROFESSIONAL

WINTER 2025 - VOLUME XXVIII - ISSUE 3

STEPPING FORWARD +

WORKPLACE RECHARGE Las Vegas Market Meets The International Surface Event and COVER Connect Las Vegas

InANTIQUES

Classic Kashans What’s LOOMING On The Cover | Couristan

Couristan

MORE THAN 45 YEARS OF ARTISANAL HANDCRAFTED AREA RUGS KHOTAN COLLECTION

LAS VEGAS MARKET WMC, B455 | JANUARY 26 - 30, 2025

Harounian Rugs International

World Market Center Las Vegas, Building B - B433

January 26–30, 2025

Antique Heriz Collection

WINTER 2025 – VOLUME XXVIII – ISSUE 3

STEPPING FORWARD

RUG INSIDER Magazine is a quarterly publication which covers the rug and carpet industry with a focus on quality, design, and an eye toward the future.

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

PUBLISHER/PRINT ADVERTISING

Peter Woodaman peter@ruginsider.com

C: 603 387 6477

V: 603 279 4938

DESIGNER

Cheryl Sivewright cheryl@ruginsider.com

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Cecile Corral cecile@cecilepr.com

Rodney Hakim rodney@pgny.com

Alex Milstein

Brian K. Robins

Jennifer Samad

InPerspective 27 WORKPLACE RECHARGE

Contributing editor

Brian K. Robins kicks back with a few industry peers with tips to restore your personal batteries!

CONTACT

4 Fortsalong Road

SUBSCRIPTIONS

1-Year $44 | 2-Year $80 (USD) Meredith, NH 03253 USA subscriptions@ruginsider.com 603 279 4938 | ruginsider.com ruginsider.com/subscribe

ON THE COVER

DESI FROM COURISTAN

Gracing our winter cover is Couristan’s new design DES6/5000 Madurai/Turquoise, hand-knotted in 100-percent wool. Desi is a carnival of color, taking beautiful Ikat, Heriz and other traditional motifs and infusing them with rich, on-trend color stories. couristan.com

Tennis “addict”

David Samad

See more styles at nourison.com. Visit Nourison at Las Vegas Market World Market Center • Building C • C112 January 26th - 30th, 2025

InFOCUS

41 COURTING THE CLASSICS

“Without tradition, art is a flock of sheep without a shepherd. Without innovation, it is a corpse,” said Winston Churchill. The brands featured in our trend story are known for innovation and their respect of tradition. Design ML1000B is from French Accents’ hand-knotted Worn Classics collection. farugs.com

InDEPTH

33 COURISTAN’S NEW FLOOR PLAN

RUG INSIDER is pleased to honor Couristan as the company approaches its centennial milestone in 2026. Contributing editor Cecile Corral visits with this industry titan whose history is steeped in artistry, quality and family to learn where the new course is charted.

Insider’s

View

21 PUBLISHER’S STATEMENT

Ring in the New Year with Peter Woodaman as he reflects on 2024 and steps forward into 2025. We wish you peace and prosperity for this season and beyond.

INSIDE MARKETS

49 COOL WINTER STYLE

From market to market, take a look at what’s in store from your favorite companies this January. People, products, showrooms, and happenings!

InSTYLE

54 In each issue our InSTYLE preview seeks the newest and the best in design across all constructions. Get ready to add to your shopping list!

InANTIQUES

68 CLASSIC KASHANS

Contributing editor Rodney Hakim shines his spotlight on “The Classic Classic Rug”— Persian Kashan Carpets.

What’s

Looming

73 Dover Rug & Home's Hasan Jafri joins Service Buddy as Strategic Advisor; meet PA-based Orientiq—an all-new rug store/café that is ‘Weaving Hope, One Rug at a Time”; find the who’s-who and where in the New York-New Jersey area rug trade.

Index

78 Our advertisers help support the magazine. Without bias, we ask you to consider purchasing from the fine companies in our winter issue.

Couristan’s new showroom in High Point

WINTER “WOW’

We hope to see you in Las Vegas this winter! There is so much in store at LVMKT, TISE and COVER Connect Las Vegas. Samad is one of the premier brands you’ll find at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. Aberdeen in Graphite is from the company’s hand-knotted Malibu collection.

samad.com

Happy New Year!

We are always grateful for our advertisers, subscribers, and friends around the world who make it possible for us to do what we do. On behalf of the entire RUG INSIDER team I wish you the very best for a successful 2025!

This is the season for tradition, and we’re honoring iconic area rug design with our InFOCUS trend feature Courting the Classics, page 39. Note: These are not your grandfather’s rugs!

Contributing editor Cecile Corral checks in with the venerable wholesale/ manufacturing powerhouse Couristan, who is approaching its 100th year! Times certainly have been challenging recently for the company with the sudden passing of the firm’s president Ron Couri. Now with the new leadership of industry veterans Len Andolino and Marlys Giordano, the company is poised for the future.

See the story, Couristan Charts a New Floor Plan on page 33.

It’s good news for buyers that the Las Vegas Market and TISE (The International Surface Event) fall on the same week in January. Another must-see this year is COVER Connect Las Vegas Pavillion at TISE. Our friends at COVER Magazine have an impressive roster of exhibitors and will participate in their third TISE event. The Las Vegas Market runs January 26 – 30 and TISE from January 28 – 30. See our Winter Markets preview and InSTYLE market gallery on page 49. Be sure to look for your copy of RUG INSIDER magazine in the publication bins and who knows, you may see me at the blackjack tables!

What a turbulent time we have been through since our last issue, steeped in inflation and plenty of economic uncertainty. There is no doubt we live in a stressful world and the rug industry certainly has its share. How do you com bat stress and in what ways do you cope with the challenging times? The publishing world is filled with deadlines, extensions, schedules and endless amounts of stress. Our contribut ing editor Brian K. Robins talks with some industry peers to discover what they do to destress.

So everyone take a deep breath, and enjoy our winter issue. See you in the spring!

Peter Woodaman Publisher peter@ruginsider.com

www.ruginsider.com

Cella Carpet Design Materials Inc.

Eliko Rug Gallery

French Accents

Harcourt Collection

Kirkit Rugs

Momeni Olker Rugs

Pampas Leather Rug & Kilim

Samad Rugs

Tamarian

Turquoise Mountain

Wool & Silk

WORKPLACE RECHARGE

BY BRIAN K. ROBINS, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Rug people are a passionate lot. We care deeply about clients, co-workers, producers, our communities, and the rugs we create and hopefully sell one day. Passion is the fuel that propels us forward, but like the hours in a day, it is not endless. There’s a tipping point when working harder and longer becomes less effective. When working transforms into an endless loop, toxicity sets in. In addition to negatively impacting our quality of life, the caliber of work degrades. Mistakes are made, resulting in, you guessed it, more work!

New Moon’s Erika Kurtz with daughter Izzy horseback riding in Colorado.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: MOLLY JOHNSON

The end of business hours no longer heralds a clear respite from the hustle. Rare is the day that concludes with an empty email inbox. After dinner you open your phone, just to catch up, and another hour, or three slip by unnoticed. It's unusual to get an after-hours phone call, however texts, WhatsApp, Slack, and the never-ending tsunami of email are another matter. In the era of digital connectivity, burnout is the monster that comes for us all.

As the social media manager of Kush Rugs, I spend quite a bit of time swimming in the digital ocean. It’s all too easy to open Instagram and get sucked into a vortex of photos and video.

Sometimes it feels like an endless video game that always requires one more quarter, and then another. I enjoy it, but it can easily take over not only the workday, but also personal time. How quickly the hours glide by when all I intended to do was pull together a few posts. I’ve learned to be strategic and place time limits on digital work.

“When you run a business, it can be hard to not always be on and connected.“

ERIKA KURTZ

Time limits help, but how can we give ourselves permission to fully disengage from work and restore our personal battery? RUG INSIDER sought to answer this query by engaging high performing industry professionals.

Erika Kurtz of New Moon Rugs recharges her fierce work ethic by taking family trips in areas with limited digital communication.

“When you run a business, it can be hard to not always be on and connected. To avoid burnout, I love to go on ranch vacations with my daughter.

Without any TV, WiFi and limited cell service, it is the perfect way to recharge and reconnect with the ones I love most and completely unplug from the stresses of work.”

“It is a truly unique experience, exploring the mountains on horseback. Horses provide their own kind of therapy and can be a respite for the mind and the soul! Our trips have become an annual tradition, and I wouldn’t trade that time for anything.”

Taking trips that ensure limited digital connectivity is a genius hack. It removes the wagging finger of guilt that entreats us to define ourselves solely via vocation. When it’s not possible to arrange for remote travel, placing personal limits on the digital realm can also be effective.

Another winning strategy to recharge is to engage in any form of exercise. With a rigorous travel schedule and an unmatched zeal for life, David Samad of Samad is setting the pace.

“Long distance running for me, especially, was the best form of destressing. The more I ran, the better I was able to cope with the everyday stress points we all encounter, which are part of life.

“Stress is a killer if you don’t have the antidote to keep it under control.“

DAVID SAMAD

Going to work, getting married and having children, owning your own business, these all come with responsibility. The human body is designed to absorb only so much, so I deal with stress by daily rigorous exercise. It recharges the mind, body, and soul.

David Samad of Samad

Stress is a killer if you don’t have the antidote to keep it under control. Marathoning was my antidote for dealing with stress. Sadly, my long-distance running days are over. Now I have become addicted to playing tennis. Tennis is very much like a chess game, and it is rewarding even if you lose. All it makes you want to do is just get better at it. I have taken that ethic into my work life. Our company turns 40 years old in January of 2025, and all I want to achieve is working on making it grow better and stronger with my brother Malcolm and the entire Samad Team.

I have another secret weapon, and that is my wife, Johanna, who is a long-time yoga and meditation teacher. With her years of experience, she has taught me, the guy that can’t ever keep still, to meditate. Getting to an airport, flying to another city, renting a different car, navigating through unfamiliar roads to plan customer visits, and ending up in a different hotel every night, living out of a travel bag and dealing with the dreaded jetlag is something that doesn’t come without its fair share of stress. Personally, I love my work and find traveling so rewarding, but like everything in life, one must find a balance. I truly love my job and wouldn’t change it for the world because it simply is my world.”

Rebecca Lurie, co-owner of Kush Rugs, also finds yoga an indispensable self care tool. Rebecca arranged for a weekly class at Kush through Yoga to You PDX. They set up the mats and provide a rotating group of teachers, each with their own vibe and signature style. The Kush Rugs team has the option to participate, or leave an hour before close. Either option provides them a break from their usual schedule, and time to recharge.

“I have long wished to have a workplace yoga class for myself and our team, and achieving that goal has been extremely rewarding. We all look forward to our Wednesday afternoon classes, and the act of practicing together has been a bonding, team building experience. Like a mid-week

“The simple act of breathing in the face of physical exertion reminds us that we can move through challenges calmly and with focus.“

REBECCA LURIE

retreat, together we orient our racing minds toward stillness. Yoga is a moving meditation—the simple act of breathing in the face of physical exertion reminds us that we can move through challenges calmly and with focus. Doing it as a team helps us see

one another as the flawed yet striving humans we all are, and that we are better together.”

After almost a year of practicing yoga, I remain a clunky novice. However, I’ve stopped thinking of our weekly class as a decision to be weighed and turned it into my Wednesday habit. The mental and physical benefits are undeniable.

It’s heartening that work culture is slowly evolving beyond the humble brag of how many hours we’ve put in. Burnout isn’t a badge of honor, it’s a physical and mental state that becomes harder to reset with each day it steals. We can be forever busy and yet reap less success due to diminished performance.

Let’s give ourselves permission to unplug, exercise, and engage in self care. If we allow space in our life to recharge, our “rug life,” will be all the sweeter.

Brian Robins and Rebecca Lurie of Kush Rugs. PHOTOGRAPHY BY: CODY WHEELER

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Couristan’s new High Point Market showroom features an extensive selection of high-end handmade area rugs.

BY CECILE CORRAL CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Couristan steers business into the future with renewed focus on handcrafted quality and a bolstered leadership team of industry veterans.

CHARTING A NEW Floor Plan

As it approaches its centennial milestone in 2026, Couristan—an iconic family-founded business in the flooring industry—is embracing its past while stepping boldly into the future. Known for nearly a century of producing handcrafted and machine-made rugs, broadloom, and custom carpets, the company is strategically positioning itself for growth, leveraging its storied heritage while adapting to the ever-changing landscape of floor coverings.

Founded as a handmade rug company, Couristan’s history is steeped in artistry, quality and family. Over the years, it has adapted to meet the evolving needs of the market, transitioning into machine-made products as well. Today, Couristan is shifting focus back to its roots in handcrafted, premium-quality rugs, without abandoning its other popular offerings. This move is led by a new wave of leaders at Couristan, including Len Andolino, who was recently appointed as President. Andolino’s return to the company after a five-year hiatus comes at a crucial time, following the passing of the company’s former president and CEO, Ron Couri, in early 2023.

InDEPTH | CHARTING A

Floor models: Couristan’s Marlys Giordano and Len Andolino traveled together on a sourcing trip recently to design and develop fresh styles of handcrafted qualities to enhance the company's signature line of one-of-a-kind artisanal area rugs.

“With almost 100 years behind us, our brand stands out in a saturated market. This legacy helps us make meaningful connections with both our dealers and our consumers,” Andolino noted. “Our mission now is to develop high-quality, thoughtfully crafted products that reflect the Couristan brand and inspire interior designers and homeowners alike.” Couristan’s strategy for the future rests on innovation, customer relations, and

meeting the demand for exceptional quality. The company’s new leadership team brings decades of experience to the table, aligning with Couristan’s commitment to producing rugs that are beautiful, durable, and reflective of the latest design trends. Andolino along with Marlys Giordano, VP of Product Development, Larry Mahurter, Senior VP of Marketing, and Bob Tucci, EVP of Residential Sales, forms a cohesive

team poised to steer the company toward a successful future under the leadership of company chairman George Couri.

According to Andolino, the hardest part of business today is perception, and he believes that Couristan’s legacy will set it apart in the modern marketplace. “We’ve been in the business for 99 years, and in that time, we’ve evolved in countless ways,” Andolino reflected. “But we’re doubling down on our strengths, particularly our expertise in handmade, high-end rugs. This new direction will require considerable effort, but we’re ready for it.”

In recent years, Couristan has become a trusted source for machine-made outdoor rugs, a category pioneered by Ron Couri. Giordano explains that while outdoor rugs continue to be in demand, there is a growing appreciation for the uniqueness and lasting appeal of handmade rugs. “With machine-made products, it often becomes a race to the bottom on price,” she explained. “In contrast, handmade rugs offer a unique sense of romance and quality that resonates with design-conscious consumers looking for pieces that will stand the test of time.”

The shift back to handmade products is driven by rising consumer demand for high-quality, distinctive pieces. Couristan’s handmade assortment spans multiple price points, including entry-level hand-tufted rugs starting at $399 and handwoven or hand-knotted rugs that can range up to $4,000 for a 5’x8’ size. These products aren’t just rugs; they are heirlooms meant to be passed down for generations.

To ensure the quality and integrity of their products, Couristan’s leadership regularly travels to Turkey and India— two hubs for artisanal rug-making. During a recent 17-day trip, Andolino was impressed with the innovation and quality of the handmade products Giordano had sourced and developed for the brand.

Like its namesake Iranian city, Hamadan is a collection rooted in history but vibrantly modern. Its hand-knotted Kazak designs balance yesterday and today via eclectic elements of grey, blue and earthy hues depicted on an Oushak weave.

“We’re doubling down on our strengths, particularly our expertise in handmade, high-end rugs. This new direction will require considerable effort, but we’re ready for it.“

LEN ANDOLINO

“In my decades in this industry, it was refreshing to see such sophisticated, style-driven offerings,” he shared. “We are bringinghigh-quality,beautifully designed products to consumers who want more than something disposable.” Giordano highlights the importance of working with suppliers who understand theU.S.market’sexpectationsfor quality and fashion-forward design. “In handmaderugproduction, a quick turnaroundisrarelypossible,”she noted. “A 9’x12’ hand-knotted rug, for instance,takestimetoperfect. Consistency in our products is key to building trust and making a statement in the market.”

A significant part of Couristan’s strategicdirectionliesinthesynergy between its broadloom and area rug divisions. By bridging the two, Couristan allows customers to create coordinatedlooksforbothwall-to-wall carpeting and area rugs, as well as custom-size, fabricated rugs.

“We’re taking our strengths in both broadloom and area rugs and uniting themunderoneroof,”Andolino explains. This means that customers can choose from an extensive in-stock collection of broadloom and have it tailored to their specifications, from size toshape,givingconsumersgreater flexibility and personalization.

This approach allows Couristan to further differentiate itself in a competitive industry. Mahurter, who oversees the company’s marketing efforts, is working to highlight this unique aspect. “Everything we do in marketing draws on Couristan’s legacy of trust, style, quality, and innovation,” he said. The company’s reputation as an authority on design and quality is what attracts its primary demographic—traditionally individualsaged55andolder—but recent trends suggest that Couristan’s appeal is broadening. More customers in their 20s, 30s and 40s are turning to Couristan for its dependable service and the quality of its products, thanks

InDEPTH | CHARTING A

Hancock is made of 100-percent sustainable wool and hand-knotted in a loose construction with a cut-pile finish that adds texture for added tactility to its geometric and transitional patterns.

Heirloom elegance for practical living is the ethos of the Imperial collection. These rugs are machine-woven in a flatweave construction of a durable cotton and polyester blend, then printed in distressed palettes and patterns for a vintage vibe.

The Oushak-woven Elysian (left) collection takes a fresh approach to traditional motifs. These handmade rugs feature a high-low construction for added dimension and are finished with a fringed edge.

The ethnic-inspired abstract designs of the Comoros collection are accentuated by its all-jute construction and all-natural palette.

“Handmade rugs offer a unique sense of romance and quality that resonates with design-conscious consumers looking for pieces that will stand the test of time.“

MARLYS GIORDANO

to an experienced team of sales representatives well-versed in both residential and contract markets.

As Couristan approaches its 100th year, it is reimagining what it means to be a premium rug and carpet brand. The company’s focus centers on creating “new direction” narratives that reflect both its heritage and its forward-looking approach to product development and customer relations. Andolino believes that honoring Couristan’s legacy is crucial, but he is also determined to carve a path that will attract new customers and appeal to a younger demographic interested in quality, design, and sustainability.

“Our brand stands on nearly a century of experience and innovation, but we’re focused on future growth and on inspiring new audiences,” Andolino emphasized. Part of that focus includes better goods, better design, and better service for a market that is ready for it.

In a world where rugs are often treated as disposable decor, Couristan is positioning itself as a source for long-lasting, meaningful products. As Giordano articulated, “Anyone can buy a $199 rug, use it for a while, and toss it. But the handmade rugs we’re bringing to market are pieces that young couples can buy and eventually hand down to their grandchildren.”

Couristan’s shift toward fine, handcrafted products is not just a tribute to its roots but a response to a discerning market that values quality and individuality. With an expanded leadership team and a renewed commitment to its legacy, Couristan is charting a course that blends time-honored craftsmanship with contemporary trends. And as it moves toward its 100th anniversary, the company is doing so with an eye on innovation, ensuring that it remains a key player in the industry for generations to come.

couristan.com

IMAGES COURTESY OF COURISTAN

Education: January 27-30,

Exhibit Hall: January 28-30, 2025 Mandalay Bay Convention Center | Las Vegas, NV

• 120+ Educational Opportunities – Gain insights from top leaders in marketing, trends and opperating your business.

MORE THAN 45 YEARS OF ARTISANAL HANDCRAFTED AREA RUGS BLOOMA COLLECTION

LAS VEGAS MARKET WMC, B455 | JANUARY 26 - 30, 2025

Classic design never goes out of style!

From venerable dragons to Mamluk, Khotan, Heriz, Aubusson, Oushak designs and more, our winter trend showcase presents a feast of traditions— in dazzling jewel tones, sophisticated neutrals and everything in between.

Innovations such as Tamarian’s Curated Custom program makes pairing the new with old a breeze. When clients hold fast to heirloom pieces in their spaces, “offering customization in traditional looks allows for complements or upgraded replacements to help evolve the interior but also respect the past,” says Ned Baker, Tamarian.

“Nothing is more classic than traditional-inspired rugs in wide-ranging colors and influences, which today includes everything from vintage and antique designs,” notes Kalaty’s Ariel Kalaty.

We can’t agree more!

InFOCUS | COURTING THE CLASSICS

“It takes an endless amount of history to make even a little tradition.“

HENRY JAMES

Aubusson Rugs 10 x 14 and LargerAubusson Rugs 9 x 12, 8 x 10

Aubusson Rugs 6 x 9 and Smaller

Vertical Tapestry Square(ish)

Horizontal Tapestry

Inside MARKETS | COVER CONNECT LAS VEGAS

The boutique trade show for high-end rug brands returns to its premium position at the International Surface Event (TISE), Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas, January 28–30, 2025. Here’s what you need to know …

Curated by COVER magazine, the third edition brings together a select group of dynamic brands to showcase some of the highest-quality rugs on the market today—the perfect accompaniment to the other types of carpet and flooring offered by exhibitors at TISE.

Buyers and industry professionals can expect to encounter COVER Connect’s signature range, consisting of the most sought-after traditional, transitional and contemporary rugs, suitable to a wider range of tastes and budgets. The pavilion provides the perfect opportunity to discover outstanding custom options and program lines from some of the most exciting rug brands serving the US market, and to source excellent selections of rugs specifically tailored to client tastes.

VENUE/LOCATION

Mandalay Bay Convention Center, 393 Frank Sinatra Drive, Las Vegas, NV. From the main SURFACES entrance at TISE, walk straight ahead through the Wools Pavilion, turn right at the next main walkway junction and the COVER Connect Las Vegas Pavilion will be on your left.

REGISTRATION

Email events@hali.com for information on current ticket promotions to visit The International Surface Event (TISE).

PRIZE DRAW

Visit the COVER Lounge at the center of the COVER Connect Las Vegas pavilion (booth 3249) and have your visitor pass scanned to be entered into a special prize draw to win a Momeni rug—a COVER Connect Las Vegas exhibitor which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025.

“We are thrilled to be exhibiting for the first time in Las Vegas at COVER Connect. This is the perfect opportunity for us to showcase our collections to new and existing West Coast customers and to celebrate the beauty and workmanship of Afghan weavers with a wider audience.“

TURQUOISE MOUNTAIN, NEW EXHIBITOR

2025 Exhibitors

• CELLA CARPET*

• DESIGN MATERIALS INC.

• ELIKO RUG GALLERY

• FRENCH ACCENTS

• HARCOURT COLLECTION

• KIRKIT RUGS

• MOMENI

• OLKER RUGS*

• PAMPAS LEATHER

• RUG & KILIM

• SAMAD RUGS

• TAMARIAN

• TURQUOISE MOUNTAIN*

• WOOL & SILK

* new for 2025

OPEN HOURS

TUESDAY, JAN. 28, 9AM–5PM

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 29, 9AM–5PM

THURSDAY, JAN. 30, 9AM–3PM

MORE INFO

Design shown, Strada Alabaster Light Charolais by Pampas Leather

Inside MARKETS | LAS VEGAS MARKET

Las Vegas Market is the West Coast’s premier wholesale destination where the furniture, home décor, and gift industries come to do business—JANUARY 26 – 30, 2025.

Here’s what you need to know …

Held twice each year and hosting 3,500+ brands, Las Vegas Market offers a one-stop experience for wholesale commerce. Manufacturers, sales reps and brands connect with retail buyers and interior designers to source unique products, build strategic partnerships, and stay ahead in an evolving industry.

Located in an accessible city with four interconnected buildings, it’s easy to maximize your visit and limit time away from your business. Take advantage of many show specials like free freight and volume discounts offered by showrooms, complimentary breakfast, coffee and snacks throughout your day. Access free shuttle service and book through the Market’s block for the lowest hotel rates.

ANDMORE MARKETS APP

Download the ANDMORE Markets App to make the most of your Market, and activate your ANDMORE Markets account before you arrive.

• Get your badge quickly with your Scan & Go QR Code

• Navigate and visit saved showrooms from your Market Plan

• Take photos and notes and share with your team

• Add brands to your plan on the go

AMENITIES

The full range of services and amenities at Las Vegas Market includes Wi-Fi, buyer lounges, shuttle services, and accessibility options. Start your day with complimentary coffee, fresh fruit, and more in the Courtyard, Sunday –Wednesday, 8 – 10 a.m.

REGISTRATION

Visit lasvegasmarket.com/visit/register.

“We have an unprecedented number of 14 new collections in all style genres, constructions, weaves, colors and price ranges to show our Las Vegas customers. Be sure to join us for lunch sandwiches and cocktails served daily.“

ARIEL KALATY, KALATY RUG CORP., WORLD MARKET CENTER, B455

DATES/HOURS

PERMANENT SHOWROOMS IN BUILDINGS A, B, & C SUN. – WEDS. JANUARY 26 – 29 9AM – 6PM

THURS. JANUARY 30 9AM – 4PM

GIFT & HOME TEMPORARIES IN THE EXPO SUN. – TUES. JANUARY 26 – 28 9AM - 6PM

WEDS. JANUARY 29 9AM - 4PM

THURSDAY: CLOSED

HOME FURNISHINGS TEMPORARIES IN B6 SUN. – WEDS. JANUARY 26 – 29 9AM - 6PM

THURS. JANUARY 30 9AM - 2PM

Retro Collection

shalombrothers.com

SHALOM | shalombrothers.com

ZOLLANVARI | zollanvari.com

Antique Persian Kashan Carpets: The Classic Classic Rug

BY RODNEY HAKIM, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

While there are many popular andrecognizablePersian rug styles, perhaps the most classic of all classic vintage and antique rug styles is the Antique Persian Kashan carpet.

WHAT IS AN ANTIQUE PERSIAN KASHAN CARPET?

TheantiquePersianKashancarpet comes from the eponymous Persian city of Kashan, which is located within the larger province of Isfahan. Kashan has

been renowned for its rug weaving for ages, tracing all the way back to the Sassanian Empire from 224 to 642 CE, and then more prominently during the SafavidDynastyinthe16th–18th centuries, when it was a center for trade, silk manufacture, and carpet production.

Kashan rugs are the prototypical “city rugs”, with a tight weave, small scale curvililear designs, and fine articulation of varying floral motifs that boggle the mind with how intricate and expressive they can be.

Kashan is located on the edge of the Great Salt Desert, high above sea level within the Zagros Mountains. This location was perhaps the biggest and most significant corridor between Isfahan and the eastern provinces of Persia, allowing for an all important flow of goods and materials through the region.

Kashanrugsutilizeanexceptional grade of lustrous lamb’s wool with high lanolin content and fine fibers. This

high level wool allows for a better quality of rug weaving, with this superior grade of wool woven onto a cotton foundation. Similarly, many Kashan rugs incorporate silk and sometimes even metal, silver, or gold thread in their weaving, making for truly exceptional carpets of rare beauty and value.

THE DABIR KASHAN

WhiletheregularantiquePersian Kashancarpetswerealreadythe paragon of beauty and fine weaving, with their lustrous, high lanolin content wool and masterful craftsmanship, a level even higher than this was the Dabir Kashan.

The Dabir Kashan rugs emanated from the highly respected Dabir workshop within the city of Kashan, and utilized an even higher grade of wool than the regular Kashan rugs, as they favored the superior grade of wool known colloquially as “kork” wool.

Antique Persian Dabir Kashan – 11’7” x 9’0”, circa 1910, #29328

This “kork” wool was even finer, more lustrous, and more delicate than the already high grade wool used for Kashan rugs, allowing for the Dabir Kashan rugs to achieve an even greater level of intricacy of design, and a truly outstanding level of curvilinear expression in the hand-knotting of these wool rugs.

THE MANCHESTER KASHAN

While the standard Kashan rug is woven with lustrous and supple wool, and the Dabir Kashan is woven with an even higher grade of “kork” wool, then perhaps the next level beyond that would be the Manchester Kashan rug.

In most cases, the name of a rug indicates where the rug is woven, which in this case, might suggest that these Kashan rugs were woven in Manchester, England. That is not quite the situation here, but there is a correlation, in that Manchester Kashan rugs are an extremely fine grade of Kashan rugs woven in Persia at the turn of the twentieth century, utilizing specialized merino wool imported from Manchester, England.

At that time, there was a renaissance in Persian rug weaving, with English importers setting up workshops further northwest in Persia, and reorienting the rug production of such areas as Tabriz and Sultanabad to better suit the tastes of wealthy buyers in Europe and the Americas.

As a part of this import of European influence, there was a select grade of Kashan rugs woven with this imported merino wool from Manchester, which would otherwise not be available in Iran. These Manchester Kashan rugs were extremely rare and expensive, leading to this new category of ultra high end, customized Manchester Kashan rugs becoming something that was woven in Iran with Persian techniques and design sensibilities, but as a collector item primarily for export to the West.

THE MOHTESHAM KASHAN

If there is a spectrum of antique Persian Kashan rugs, with the already spectacular standard Kashan rugs at a high level, and with the Dabir Kashan rugs at an even higher level, and the Manchester Kashan being at a level even above that, then perhaps the highest level of that spectrum would be the Mohtesham Kashan rug.

The Mohtesham Kashan rug is renowned as being one of the finest rug styles ever created, with an outrageously fine weave, being hand-knotted by some of the best craftsmen in Persian history, the namesake of which is Hadji Mollah Mohammed Hassan Mohtesham.

These revered Mohtesham Kashan rugs were woven with some incredible intricacy and dexterity that the mere mention of the name “Mohtesham” to a rug dealer or carpet collector instantly signifies the best of the best, and the creme de la creme of antique Persian rugs.

THE PRAYER RUG AND THE PICTORIAL KASHAN

Persian rug weavers were mostly adherents of the Islamic religion, where prayer is performed by kneeling on the ground on a rug, and with that rug having a prayer cornice, called a mihrab at one end.

Antique Persian Dabir Kashan, 11’7” x 8’9”, circa 1910, #27705

Below: Antique Persian Manchester Kashan, 27’9” x 15’0”, circa 1900, #23993

Antique Persian Mohtesham Kashan, 17’0” x 13’8”, circa 1890, #27815

InANTIQUES | PERSIAN KASHAN CARPETS

Along those lines, the usage of a higher grade of rug during these prayers would indicate a greater level of reverence and respect being shown by those utilizing them. Enter the Mohtesham Kashan Prayer Rug.

Small versions of the revered Mohtesham Kashan rug would be woven with these prayer cornice designs, leading to a sub-category of Mohtesham Kashan Prayer (or Meditation) Rugs. These became highly sought after at that time, and are still highly collectible today.

Another variation on the theme of smaller sized Kashan rugs was one that would depict something other than the typical floral motifs and medallions,

which was the Pictorial Kashan, in which the Kashan rug would envision a landscape, or in some cases, people. In rare instances, they would depict both, with the addition of poetry.

The collectible rug pictured here is a synthesis of all of these elements, as it is an antique Persian Kashan rug, circa 1880, with silk pile and an extraordinarily fine weave, and depicts two people within a prayer rug format.

In this case, the two people depicted here are the star-crossed lovers, Leyli and Majnun of ancient Persian lore, who were a poetic pair of doomed lovers, equivalent to Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

To add to the mastery on display here, the border is replete with phrases of the poetry from the story of these doomed lovers, which further reinforces the legend of the Mohtesham Kashan rug, as it echoes the founder Mohtesham’s own standing as a descendant of a 16th century ancestor of the same name, who himself was one of the most revered poets of his time.

All of the Kashan rug styles discussed in this article are still popular in the United States, Europe, and beyond. The world’s largest selection of these rugs can be found at Persian Gallery New York pgny.com

Antique Persian Mothesham Kashan Prayer Rug, 6’7” x 4’6”, circa 1890, #28354

Antique Persian Silk Pictorial Kashan, 6’6” x 4’0”, circa 1880, #27529

Hasan Jafri Joins Service Buddy as Strategic Advisor

Service Buddy, the premier software platform for the flooring and carpet industry, is proud to announce that Hasan Jafri, a renowned leader in the rug and flooring industry and a Director at Dover Rug, is joining the company as a Strategic Advisor.

With decades of experience in the industry, Hasan Jafri has been instrumental in driving innovation and delivering exceptional customer experiences. His strategic insights, operational expertise, and commitment to excellence have earned him widespread respect among peers and customers alike.

“At Service Buddy, we’re committed to simplifying operations for flooring businesses and helping our customers grow,” said Tom Strachan CEO of Service Buddy. “Hasan’s deep industry expertise and vision for elevating business processes align perfectly with our mission. We’re thrilled to have him on board to help us achieve even greater impact.”

As Strategic Advisor, Hasan will play a pivotal role in shaping Service Buddy’s product roadmap, supporting customer growth initiatives, and driving strategic partnerships within the industry. His extensive knowledge of operational challenges and opportunities will ensure that Service Buddy remains at the forefront of industry innovation.

“I’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of Service Buddy’s platform in helping businesses like Dover Rug streamline operations and enhance customer satisfaction,” said Hasan Jafri. “Joining Service Buddy is an exciting opportunity to share my experiences and contribute to a platform that is truly making a difference in our industry.”

Hasan’s appointment reflects Service Buddy’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its leadership team with industry veterans who understand the unique needs of flooring and carpet businesses.

Learn more at www.servicebuddy.io.

Winter Heat at PGNY

Persian Gallery New York is heating up the Winter season with some red hot acquisitions of fine antique rugs and European tapestries. View at PGNY.com—many of which can be found in the Buy It Now section. Also updated are an optimized and expanded Advanced Search function, a refreshed Services section with information about Restoration & Cleaning, Appraisals & Valuations, and more. Browse PGNY’s full collection online. For special requests email info@pgny.com, or call (212) 683-2699.

Tom Strachan, CEO of Service Buddy (left) with Hasan Jafri

Insider NEWS | WHAT’S LOOMING

New York and New Jersey

Area Rug Vendors On the Move

The landscape of the New York-New Jersey area rug trade is constantly shifting and evolving. Some longtime New York-New Jersey rug vendors are changing the location of their home base, while other names from Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and elsewhere are establishing a new stronghold in the Big Apple. The rug district is being redefined, and is stretching into new corners of Midtown Manhattan, to Long Island City in Queens, and even out to Nassau and Suffolk County on Long Island.

We will continue providing updates about the new locations of our area rug trade colleagues in future issues. If you have moved in recent months, or will be moving soon, email your updated information to peter@ruginsider.com and/or rodney@pgny.com for inclusion.

Here is a compilation of some of the latest updates.

BICHOUPAN RUG CORP.

L IBERTY AVENUE , S UITE 4, N ORTH B ERGEN , NJ 07047

ELL : 516-906-1919

T EL : 201-271-9393

FAX : 201-271-9395

E - MAIL : BICHOUPANRUG @ AOL . COM

WWW. BICHOUPANRUGS . COM

Harounian Rugs International; David & Lee Harounian 104 West 29th Street, Ground Floor, New York 212-213-3330

info@hrirugs.com

Galerie Shabab; Shari Shabab 104 West 29th Street, 6th Floor, New York 212-725-5444

info@galerieshabab.com

Eliko Rug Gallery; Solomon Bassalely 152 Madison Avenue, 6th Floor, New York 212-392-6655

solomon@elikoruggallery.com

Eliko Rugs by David Ariel; David & Ariel Bassalely 192 Lexington Avenue, Suite 701 212-566-2300

david@davidarielrugs.com

Victor Gallery; Victor Mashihi 232 East 59th Street, New York 212-832-7847 info@victorgallery.com

Vanden Loom Carpet; Alfred Etaat 250 East 59th Street, New York 212-752-6000 info@vandenloom.com

Mansour Fine Rugs 201 East 57th Street, 4th Floor, New York 212-255-6666 info@mansour.com

Ben Soleimani Rugs 601 Madison Avenue, New York 212-464-7131 www.bensoleimani.com

Ernesta Rugs 1052 Lexington Avenue, New York 347-947-2177 ues@ernesta.com

Chaman Antique Rug Gallery; Omid Chaman; 650 Port Washington Blvd, Port Washington, New York 516-883-1717

omid@chamanrugs.com

J&M Rugs & Decor; David & Josh Banilivi 1180 Northern Blvd, Manhasset, New York 516-303-9003

josh@jandmrugs.com

Kalaty Rug Corporation; Ramin, Ariel, Kamran & Farshad Kalaty 156 Duffy Avenue, Hicksville, New York

800-255-7847

info@kalaty.com

Orientiq: Weaving Hope, One Rug at a Time

Orientiq, a new oriental rug store, has opened in Columbia, PA. This new boutique rug shop sells carpets made in Afghanistan, Turkey, and Pakistan, with a goal of providing a market for weavers living there. By connecting people to these artisans, Orientiq is “Weaving Hope, One Rug at a Time.”

Our rug & flooring management software is designed to make running your business a breeze. Manage leads, inventory, scheduling, payments, and more— all in one place.

Orientiq’s story began in 2023, over tea in an Afghan home in Istanbul, Turkey. Founder Chris Stoltzfus was moved by the beauty of handmade carpets and the struggles of those who create them. Many of these weavers are widows, orphans, and families living in extreme poverty. Chris wanted to do more than admire their work—he wanted to share their stories and help them earn a fair wage.

“Our rugs aren’t just decor,” Chris explains. “They’re lifelines for people striving to make an honest living.”

With near-direct trade as its foundation, Orientiq can guarantee that a meaningful portion of every sale goes directly to the people behind the craft.

The new store offers more than just shopping. Along with the rugs, the store will feature art from local artists. On the second floor of the building, Turkish tea and coffee will be served in a small cafe setting.

“We want this to be a space where people come together,” says the Orientiq team. “When you leave, you’ll know you’ve made a difference.”

Learn more and shop online at www.orientiq.store.

Our biggest fans:

www.servicebuddy.io

Service Buddy has simplified our operations, from leads and client management to billing & invoicing and inventory.

The software is perfect for us, and our clients love it. - Magarian Rug “ ”

Las Vegas Market and The International Surface Event Overlap in Winter 2025

The Winter 2025 Las Vegas Market and The International Surface Event (tise) will overlap, creating a dynamic cross-category sourcing opportunity in Las Vegas in January. Las Vegas Market will run from January 2630, 2025, at the World Market Center Las Vegas, and tise willtakeplacefromJanuary28-30,2025,atthe Mandalay Bay Convention Center.

“This collaboration amplifies the value for attendees, allowing them to explore a wide range of products—from home furnishings to flooring, tile and stone—while maximizing their time in Las Vegas,” said Dorothy Belshaw, ANDMORE℠ president.

With Las Vegas Market showcasing more than 3,500 brands acrosspermanentandtemporarycollectionsandtise bringing together 700+ flooring, tile and stone resources between its SURFACES and TILE + STONE neighborhoods, January visitors can get the most out of one trip. As an added benefit, tise also offers four days of education, January 27-30, including show floor tours, trainings and certifications and keynote speakers, all on-site at Mandalay

Bay Convention Center. Las Vegas Market features four days of programming, including daily themed Courtyard parties, productdemosandbusiness-centricseminarsand activations.

“By combining the expertise of two premier events in the design and surfaces industries, we’re offering a seamless, value-packed experience,” said Tiffany Davis, Informa Markets and tise marketing manager. “The complimentary rideshare programunderscoresourcommitmenttoconvenience, making it easier than ever for attendees to connect, explore, and discover the latest innovations across both shows.”

Across shows, complimentary admission passes will be offered to both event attendees, valid for all days, and buyers can enjoy free registration for both showcases. Attendees can maximize their experience with easy access to both shows, with an exclusive Lyft offer. Code TISELVM2025 provides up to $40 in rides between the two venues.

LasVegasMarket.com intlsurfaceevent.com ANDMORE.com

If you met 16-year-old Gulafsa as she appears in this picture –wearing a dress she made herself – you would encounter a bubbly high school student with a dream to be a fashion designer or a doctor. But Gulafsa almost missed her chance to go to school. When she was just 11 years old, GoodWeave found her working in a carpet factory in India. GoodWeave helped transition Gulafsa back to school and is providing support to continue her education. Gulafsa can now make her dreams come true. You can help other children make it in life too. Look for the GoodWeave® label on carpet and home textile products –your best assurance no child labor was used.

Tough Stains Have Met Their Match

Here is a proven, made-in-the-USA, water-based spot cleaner, ideal for water-safe carpeting.

FAST-KLEEN removes the toughest water- and oil-based spots and stains, without solvents or VOCs. Motor oil, soy sauce, pet messes, coffee—bring it on!

And it is available in two convenient platforms: a dependable squirt bottle and bag-on-valve spray.

Carpet and rug professionals: here is a 100-percent green, professional-strength spot and stain remover that works fast on the toughest stains.