Luxury and opulence are often associated with fine jewelry, exclusive cars, and exquisite rugs. Meanwhile, hand-knotted Persian and Oriental rugs are among the world’s most expensive, and for good reason.
These timeless masterpieces are cherished and admired for their artistry, craftsmanship, and rich cultural heritage.
The most expensive carpets in the world are typically antique Persian carpets, which are known for their intricate designs, luxurious materials, and high knot density.
These carpets are often centuries old and have been passed down from generation to generation.
Here are the top 10 most expensive carpets in the world as of October 2023:
9. Ziegler Mahal Rug (19th century) – $182,500
The Ziegler Mahal rug is a Persian rug known for its soft colors, intricate designs, and high-quality construction.
They are named after the Ziegler & Co. company, which was founded in the late 19th century and commissioned many of these rugs to be woven in the Mahal region of Iran.
Ziegler Mahal rugs are typically made with high-quality wool and natural dyes. They feature a variety of designs, including floral patterns, geometric motifs, and abstract designs.
These rugs are known for their soft colors, such as ivory, light blue, and pale yellow. They are often contrasted with darker colors, such as navy blue and brown, to create a striking visual effect.
The rugs are estimated to worth about $182,500.
8. Rothschild Tabriz Medallion Carpet (17th century) – $2.4 million
The Rothschild Tabriz Medallion Carpet is a stunning example of a 16th-century Persian carpet.
It is named after the Rothschild family, who owned the carpet for many years. The carpet is currently on display at the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Qatar.
The Rothschild Tabriz Medallion Carpet is made of wool and silk and measures 11 feet 8 inches by 21 feet 8 inches.
The carpet features a central medallion design surrounded by four spandrels. The medallion is decorated with a variety of floral motifs, including palmettes, rosettes, and scrolling vines.
It is considered to be one of the finest examples of Persian carpet weaving from the 16th century.
The carpet is known for its intricate design, high-quality materials, and superb craftsmanship. It is a testament to the skill and artistry of the Persian weavers who created it.
The carpet is also notable for its history. It is believed that the carpet was commissioned by the Safavid dynasty, which ruled Persia from the 16th to the 18th centuries and was likely used in the royal palace or in a mosque.
The beautiful Persian rug, measuring over 20 feet long, was sold for $2.4 million.
7. Safavid Prayer Rug (17th century) – $4.3 million
Safavid prayer rugs are known for their intricate designs, high-quality materials, and superb craftsmanship.
They were typically made in the royal workshops of the Safavid dynasty, which ruled Iran from the 16th to the 18th centuries.
Safavid prayer rugs are typically made of wool and silk, and they often feature floral motifs, geometric designs, and religious inscriptions.
One of the most common designs is the mihrab, which is a niche that faces the direction of Mecca. The mihrab is often decorated with elaborate calligraphy and floral motifs.
It was sold for about $4.3 million at 2009 Sotheby’s auction in London
6. Louis XV Savonnerie Carpet (18th century) – $4.4 million
5. Silk Isfahan Rug (17th century) – $4.45 million
4. Pearl Carpet of Baroda (19th century) – $5.5 million
3. Mughal ‘Star Lattice’ Carpet (18th century) – $5.7 million
The Mughal ‘Star Lattice’ Carpet is a rare late 17th or early 18th century millefleur carpet from Mughal India.
It fetched outstanding bids, selling for 135% more than its estimated price at Christie’s Oriental Rugs & Carpets auction in London on October 8, 2013.
2. Kirman Vase Rug (17th century) – $9.6 million
In 2010, Christie’s auction house in London sold the Comtesse De Behague Kirma Vase Carpet from Southeast Persia, circa mid-17th century, for about $9.6 million.
Although there have been many Christie’s sales since, no Persian rug sale has matched that price, even a recent one of an almost identical rug. And as dealers and auction houses know, the market is fickle, narrow and cyclical.
1. Clark Sickle-Leaf Carpet (17th century) – $33.7 million
THE CLARK SICKLE-LEAF Carpet, The Clark Sickle-Leaf Carpet was sold at Sotheby’s in June, 2013.
It demolished the previous record for an Islamic carpet three times over (at Christie’s in 2010, a 17th-century Kirman carpet set the record at $9.59 million) while also setting the auction record for any Islamic work of art.
The 17th-century carpet, named for its distinctive sickle-leaf pattern, eventually went to an anonymous bidder after a 10-minute, multi-bidder battle.
The piece, which was probably woven in Kirman, bears a distinctive elegance and renowned provenance and has maintained exquisite quality despite its age—all factors that contributed to its desirability and record-setting price.
In addition to the carpets listed above, there are a number of other expensive carpets on the market.
Antique Persian carpets are typically the most expensive, but there are also a number of valuable carpets from other countries and regions, such as Turkey, India, and China.
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