Antique Rug And Textile Show Opens In San Francisco In October

SAN FRANCISCO, August 1, 2009 -- When rug collectors in most cities want to buy a carpet, their choices are somewhat limited.

The local options are usually just those dealers with established shops in the area. And, among these, only a few may have collectible pieces.

So, one can only be interested in efforts to break that mold.

One such effort will take place in San Francisco this October.

It is the Antique Rug And Textile Show (ARTS): an 11-day fly in to the Bay City by 40 antique rug and textile dealers from Europe, Asia, and America.

The ARTS show is a co-operative effort between Jozan Magazine – one of the best-known Europe-based rug sites – and the 40 independent rug dealers themselves.

The organizers of the show appear to have taken their inspiration for the event from the ancient practices of the Silk Roads. In those days, merchants banded together to travel trade routes in giant camel caravans, staying overnight in caravansarais.

“In the grander establishments, those on major trade routes,” says show organizer Michael Craycraft, “one could find a veritable souk where there was a lively trade in luxury goods from the far corners of the earth.”

In this case, he says, the souk will be a highly specialized one, offering antique and archeological textiles, costume, and oriental rugs.

The venue is Motel Capri, 2015 Greenwich Street, San Francisco, and the dates are October 15-26, 2009.

Organizers say some 2,000 items will be on sale from the dealers, many of whom are well-known internationally. For a full list of the participants see: Exhibitors

(Illustrations: Top: Konya kelim, circa 1800, exhibitor Michael Craycraft. Bottom, Early 19th Century Ersari Group Rug with some silk highlights from Amu Darya area, exhibitor Craig Hatch)

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