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AN
EIGHT POINT METHODOLOGY FOR
IDENTIFYING AN ART-LEVEL CARPET
 From
his experience
of over two decades
as an international
investor in antique art
carpets, Claremont
founder and
President, Jan
David Winitz, has
developed this concise
system. He
presented it as
part of the
PBS Documentary
Series "American
Architectural Review",
with John Stossel.
1. WOVEN BEFORE THE ADVENT OF THE COMMERCIAL
PERIOD — Throughout the 19th Century, and in some regions
up to World War I, these are carpets little affected by the
restraints of the international commercial market, providing
a direct link to the artistic and cultural heritage from which
they stem.
2. USES EXCLUSIVELY PURE NATURAL DYES — Unlike
chemical dyes, these colors from plant and other natural sources
soften and "mature" over time, and offer much greater variety
and depth, thereby increasing the carpet's beauty.
3. UTILIZES TRADITIONAL DESIGNS & COLORS
IN A UNIQUE FASHION — Often commissioned as an art weaving
for a fine home, this is the opposite end of the spectrum
from commercial Persian carpets which merely offer adaptations
of standardized themes and color combinations.
4. REFLECTS GREAT FLUIDITY OF DESIGN AND
COLOR — There is substantial visual depth and texture which
invites the viewer's gaze to move over a continually varying
composition.
5. POSSESSES AN OVERALL SENSE OF BALANCE
AND HARMONY — Every individual aspect of the carpet's design
and color palette is developed fully and given importance,
yet all elements work together as a harmonious whole.
6. CRAFTED WITH SUPERB MATERIALS — The
carpet's wool possesses a significant luster which enhances
the quality of its colors, as well as insuring great resiliency
and durability.
7. EXPRESSES AN ORIGINAL ARTISTIC VISION — The
weaver either masterfully reinvents the traditional motifs
and colors of the region or successfully achieves an innovative,
captivating departure.
8. IT'S EXCEPTIONALLY WELL-PRESERVED
RELATIVE TO ITS AGE — For example, a skillfully restored
150-year-old carpet usually has significantly greater investment
potential than a 70-year-old piece in unblemished condition.
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