What is Desirable to Collectors?

Given the highly particular and personal nature of rug collecting, it is difficult to characterize what collectors strive for in general terms. Nevertheless, there are certain goals or motives that many collectors seem to share. Whatever type of rug they may specialize in, collectors tend to strive for works that are “culturally authentic.” They look for piece that predate or at least do not reflect the reorientation of production toward western consumption in the later nineteenth century.

Rugs that seem for one reason or another to have been produced for local use by the weavers rather than for export or commerce are currently “hot” among collectors. Those that seem to be unusual are more desirable than types that are represented by numerous examples. Rugs that appear to be influential, which represent the beginning of a new development or type are deemed “important” and are therefore highly desirable. Collectors compete especially fiercely for such pieces when they are “fresh” or new to the market. Age and rarity matter considerably, especially insofar as they affect or intersect with these other issues.