"What I am most excited about is seeing how national and international buyers behave," Jason Nazmiyal told RugNews.com. "We have a large variety of choices for bidders from early 17th-century rugs to Art Deco ones, as well as some magnificent Swedish rugs--the variety is exceptional."
A mid-20th century Marta Maas rug (lot 1100) is expected to fetch $12,000 to $18,000.
Entitled "An Exemplary Decorative Antique and Vintage Carpet Collection by Nazmiyal", the sale takes place at Bonhams' Madison Avenue auction house on April 4, 2016, with a preview open to the public beginning on March 31.
"It is different than the usual auction where everything looks alike," Nazmiyal added. "This has a more interesting, tasteful assortment. Thirty years of being in the rug business gives us insight into what people like."
The sharp geometries of this Art Deco rug (lot 1138) by Austrian designer Josef Hoffmann (1870-1956) shine through.
Though Nazmiyal has both bought and sold items at Bonhams in prior auctions, this exclusive arrangement allows Nazmiyal the opportunity of curating the show.
Speaking with RugNews.com about the auction, Hadji Rahimipour, director of Bonhams Fine Oriental Rugs and Carpets Department out of San Francisco said he too is excited about the diversity of the offerings. But he and Nazmiyal are both curious about the response to the auction's "cover rug," a 17th century vase carpet expected to bring from $300,000 to $500,000, and similar in provenance to an antique seventeenth century Persian sold at auction for over $30 million at Sotheby's in 2013.
From the Nazmiyal collection, a 17th century Kerman Vase carpet from Southeast Persia (11ft. 5in. x 20ft. 2in.) is expected to sell for $300,000 to $500,000.
"I am excited about the auction's cover rug; it is similarin age and location to the Kerman that sold for $34 million [at the Sotheby's auction in 2013]. I am excited to see what happens with us. Hopefully, it will bring good business," Rahimipour said.
"I have a good feeling about the market and little by little people are coming back to the antiques and recognize there is something missing in their homes. Overall, I think it is great to have so many modern rugs in a sale, now we have modern, Swedish rugs, magnificent pieces by famous makers. I have never put that many modern rugs into a sale. Jason and I sat down and talked about it, and decided to add rugs for each group: antiques, modern, clean art rugs."
Though many of Bonhams' and Nazmiyal's typical buyers gravitate toward the classics and finer pieces such as the 17th century Persian vase carpet, a 16th century Cairene, or an Early Mughal rug, the modern and contemporary selection will broaden the appeal of the auction to other enthusiasts, Nazmiyal noted.
In addition to the classics, a number of sought-after turn of the century pieces, many from illustrious designers, are up for grabs, such as a rug designed by Emilio Pucci (lot 1059), two rugs by French furniture designer Jules Leleu (lots 1136, 1137), and a 1920s design inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright (lot 1157). Not to be missed are works by renowned Art Deco designers Josef Hoffmann (lot 1138) and Emile Ruhlmann (lot 1143), plus a lovely arts and crafts Gavin Morton rug.
Approximately 14x18, this Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired rug, circa 1920, was made in India and is anticipated to bring in at least $70,000.
Collectors of art rugs won't be disappointed with pieces such a Joan Miró carpet (lot 1057) and tapestry rugs with designs by Roy Lichtenstein (lots 1070, 1071) also up for auction. Finally, rounding out the assortment are vintage Moroccan rugs, Mazandaran kilims, and mid-century Swedish flatweaves (including several from Marta Maas Fjetterstrom),
Included among the early Oriental designs, one is a sure-to-be conversation starter: a Ziegler carpet (lot 1150) from Sigmund Freud's 20 Maresfield Gardens home in Hampstead, London, with an estimated bidding range of $80,000-$120,000.
"The auction is a phenomenal opportunity for enthusiasts; for dealers, collectors, interior designers, as well as consumers," Nazmiyal explained of the offering. "We have put together 170 pieces and we had everyone in mind, even bargain hunters."
Previews will be held from Thursday, March. 31 through Monday, April 4th, from 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Bonhams is also hosting an opening reception, with wine and cheese, March 31 from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. at its 580 Madison Ave. location.
Above, fashion designer Emilio Pucci's pop art designs are captured on this vibrant French art carpet. Below, owned by Sigmund Freud, this talk-worthy Zeigler Sultanabad is expected to see an opening bid of $80,000.
To view the full auction catalog or to bid online, visit Bonhams.com.