Among the highlights at this staging, which runs from January 21-26, is a 19th century Fereghan, a saddle cover from west Persia, probably made for a wedding. It is offered for £2500 by Carpet Restoration Studio. “The beauty of it is that some of them are worn down or torn, but this is in perfect condition,” says the dealership’s Ebi Shafagh. He adds that the size of the piece, which is around 3ft x 3ft 4in (90cm x 1m), makes it particularly attractive, as does its age.
The London dealership is among 18 LARTA exhibitors. Newcomers to this year’s event include Villa Rosemaine from France, Emily’s House, bringing vintage Moroccan carpets, and Bertram Frauenknecht of Istanbul with rare eastern tribal rugs.
Other exhibitors include Anthony Hazledine, which offers a rare 16th century Italian velvet panel decorated with pomegranates. Hakiemie Rugs exhibits a 19th century Seychour runner in a detailed pattern known as the St George’s Cross, which is priced at £12,000.
A selection of contemporary design rugs is also available.
For those unable to attend the fair, LARTA Online runs on the organisation’s website, going live when the event opens. It displays the top items offered by each exhibitor at the fair.
