OAKLAND, Calif., Jul 20, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) —
Jan David Winitz, an eminent art dealer who specializes in 19th
century antique
Oriental carpets, today announced the opening of an exhibition of
“The Bostonian Collection,” a globally significant private rug
collection assembled and held by a New England-based family over four
generations.
Winitz, the president and founder of Claremont Rug Company, said, “The
Bostonian Collection” will be displayed starting today at the Gallery
located at 6087 Claremont Avenue in Oakland, CA.
Identified in ArtDaily as one of the three most significant collections
of antique Persian Rugs to come to market this century, the 180-rug
trove includes 18 highly sought after undyed camelhair rugs, dating to
circa 1825 and six extremely rare Persian Motasham Kashans rugs from the
first half of the 19th century. Many of these antique carpets
are in pristine condition, having been in storage for more than a
century and none have been seen outside the family since their original
acquisition.
Winitz, author of The
Guide to Purchasing an Oriental Rug, said, “It is rare that
antique rugs of this distinction, held by families, come to market. To
be in the position to acquire an entire long-held treasury is a dream
come true for us and our clients.
“We are fortunate to have both the reputation within the art market and
a network of buyer/collectors who work with us exclusively. As a result,
families often approach us, giving us first access to these private
troves.” Winitz said that the family also collected European and Asian
paintings and antique furniture.
The other collections of 19th century Oriental carpets that
Winitz compared with the “The Bostonian” are the 400-rug “Hudson River
Valley Collection” (2008) and the “Intercontinental Collection” (2010),
both also offered by Claremont Rug Company. Those collections served to
increase the attention given to rugs from the “Second Golden Age of
Persian Weaving.” Also in 2010, a 17th century Persian Laver
Kirman rug obtained a record $9.59 million bid at auction, more than
twice the previous record. Then in November 2011, the Metropolitan
Museum in New York opened a new, permanent exhibition of Islamic Art,
which features historical Oriental rugs from the First Golden Age (circa
1400 to ca 1700) and has attracted global media attention.
“The effect of these events, combined with the increased recognition by
art connoisseurs of the relative undervaluing of Oriental rugs from the
Second Golden Age,” said Winitz, “has created an extremely vigorous
interest in rugs of the caliber of those in ‘The Bostonian Collection.'”
Winitz founded the Gallery in 1980 and has since built an inventory
comprised of more than 4000 rare 19th century and turn of the
20th century Oriental carpets valued in the $20,000 to more
than $500,000 per piece range. To aid clients, there are more than 1000
antique Persian, Caucasian and Turkish rugs available for viewing and an
extensive educational section on the Claremont
Rug Company website (
http://www.claremontrug.com ).
The vast majority of his art-level/investment caliber Oriental carpets
are from the Second Golden Age of Persian Rug Weaving (circa 1800 to
1900). The Gallery does not participate in exhibitions, art fairs or
auctions.
Additional information about the exhibition may be obtained from the
Gallery (1-800-441-1332).
Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available:
http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=50347601lang=en
SOURCE: Claremont Rug Company
For Claremont Rug Company
Gary Tobin, 415-256-9490
gptobin2003@yahoo.com
Copyright Business Wire 2012