Antique rugs go under the hammer

One of the biggest-ever Irish sales of antique rugs goes under the hammer this week. The auction featuring 139 carpets features an early 18th Century French tapestry that could fetch up to €25,000.

The sale at James Adam in Dublin on Tuesday is drawn from the collection of Dublin-based international retailer Peter Linden.

“This one-off event will offer consumers a unique opportunity to view and acquire fine examples of one of the oldest art forms,” said James Adam managing director, James O’Halloran.

“We anticipate brisk trade from international buyers as well as private collectors,” he added.

Mr Linden is downsizing his Georges Avenue, Blackrock premises and concentrating on private consultancy work.

Mr O’Halloran said that antique rugs and tapestries generally hold their value into the future so they may make a good long term investment for SSIA holders as well as a good buy for people looking to refurbish their homes.

Antique rugs from the Kashan, Heriz, Tabriz and Sarouk regions of Iran could fetch up to €8,000 at the sale.

A Louis XIV Beauvais tapestry, which measures almost 10ft by 8ft, was first woven in the early 1700s in the Royal Beauvais Tapestry Factory outside Paris. It has a guide price of up to €25,000.

The lot will be on view at the St Stephen’s Green Saleroom until the auction on Tuesday evening.