We spend a lot of time picking our rugs and carpets. After all, they have to match various conditions before purchasing them. For example, the carpet has to match the colours in the room, the fabric has to be pleasant to the touch, and it has to be durable because the carpet usually takes in a lot of dirt from shoes and spills. This is why it’s crucial to pick the best possible one for a reasonable price.
However, some people don’t care about a simple carpet for a decoration for a reasonable price. On the contrary, they buy the most expensive ones on purpose. Usually, they are collectors with a refined taste for beauty and plenty of funds to fill their collection with the finest pieces and costly rugs. But how expensive can a carpet be, you ask? We’ve compiled a list of eight of the most expensive carpets in the world. Would you buy one?
The most expensive carpets in the world
The carpets and rugs on this list are considered a form of art. They are owned by private collectors, museums, or wealthy individuals who appreciate the skill and craftsmanship that goes into making them. Some of these carpets have been passed down through generations, while others have been purchased at auctions and private sales. Here are some of the most expensive carpets ever sold:
- The Tabriz Carpet – This carpet comes from Northwest Persia and is hand woven, made of wool and silk. It’s a great example of the traditional Mahi field patterns. There are also design elements around the border, which look like a turtle shell. This rug was sold for $68,500.
- Fereghan Sarouk – This is a hand-knotted Persian carpet made of wool. It is an excellent example of the Fereghan Sarouk design. It includes a symmetrical glass design with three big medallions positioned down the length. This gorgeous carpet costs $74,500. It’s for collectors only.
- Portuguese Armorial – As you probably guessed, this rug comes from Portugal. It’s hand-woven, and it’s made of wool. The design of this square cut carpet includes a gorgeous border with oscillating patterns, which are orientated around a single square medallion, which is situated in the middle. This carpet was sold for $80,500.
- Mohtashem Kashan Carpet – This carpet comes from central Persia and is very valuable because it was made in the 19th century. It’s also considered that this carpet has one of the highest qualities. This is why it was sold for $92,500.
- Ziegler Mahal Carpet – This carpet is another representative of central Persia craftsmanship, which has made it to our top eight today. The Ziegler Mahal Carpet is a large square rug. Its borders are flower-patterned, and the rug itself is painted in deep royal colours. It was sold at an auction for $98,500.
- Isfahan Carpet – This carpet is highly decorative because of its vivid colours and fantastic pattern designs. It’s the third most expensive carpet in the world and the property of the prominent tobacco heiress Doris Duke. The lovely lady paid $ 116,500 to own this precious piece of art.
- Ushak Rug – The Ushak rug is ancient but continues to stun us with its looks. The design of this rug includes some amazing colours and a striking contrast, which was something unseen in that period. This rug combines an astonishing design with rich symbolism. It’s not surprising it was sold for $ 158,500.
- Silk Isfahan Rug – The most expensive carpet in the world also comes from central Persia. It’s an authentic piece of art because of its knot density and the use of pure silk to make it. It’s a very rare carpet, and, naturally, it was sold in 2008 for the small price of $4,450,000.
Importance Of Proper Carpet Cleaning And Maintenance
Like the carpet in your living room, expensive and antique rugs require regular cleaning and maintenance to preserve their beauty, quality and longevity. Unfortunately, such art pieces accumulate dirt, dust, and debris without proper care, leading to premature wear and tear, discolouration, and permanent damage. Also, spills and stains can become permanent if not cleaned promptly and correctly.
There have also been cases where an expensive or antique carpet was discovered after it was cleaned. One famous example is the Ardabil Carpet, which was found in the mid-19th century in the Ardabil Mosque in Iran. The carpet was in poor condition and covered in dust and debris. It was eventually acquired by a British collector, who had it restored and cleaned. After the restoration, it was revealed to be an incredibly rare and valuable carpet, dating back to the 16th century. It’s now considered a priceless cultural treasure and is currently part of the Victoria and Albert Museum collection in London. However, its value cannot be estimated as it’s considered an invaluable work of art and a historical artefact. In 2013, an expert from Christie’s auction house estimated the carpet’s value at over $16.4 million, but it’s not for sale.
Which Cleaning Method Is Suitable For Expensive Carpets And Rugs?
It’s important to note that you can’t rely on homemade cleaning solutions and vacuum cleaners to keep an expensive rug clean. Attempting to clean them on your own can lead to damage or discolouration, reducing the piece’s value. Instead, it’s better to rely on professional carpet cleaning services. The experts have the knowledge, tools, and experience to clean expensive carpets and rugs safely and effectively.
Different carpet cleaning methods exist, but dry cleaning is probably the most suitable for delicate rugs that can’t withstand moisture. Professional carpet cleaners prefer dry cleaning as it is a highly effective method for cleaning delicate rugs, such as expensive and antique carpets. Unlike wet cleaning methods, which use water and soap to clean carpets, dry cleaning uses a low-moisture cleaning process that involves specialised cleaning agents and machines. This method is gentle on delicate fibres and prevents the risk of damage caused by water or harsh chemicals.
On the other hand, wet cleaning methods are usually unsuitable for delicate and expensive rugs as they can damage delicate fibres. The moisture from wet cleaning can cause the rug to shrink, warp, or lose its shape. It can also cause the colours to bleed or fade and can damage the rug’s foundation. Wet cleaning methods can also leave behind residues and soaps that are difficult to remove and can attract dirt and dust over time.
So, these are the most expensive carpets in the world. They are made from high-quality materials, and carpet cleaning and maintenance require attention and a careful approach. Can you imagine – one little cleaning mistake and you could destroy millions of dollars just like that? That is why the owners of these carpets have special teams that care for their cleanliness and good condition.
