Are your investments tied up in knots?

A magnificent carpet from Isfahan, central Persia, knotted around 1600, went under the hammer at Christie's Auction House, New York City, on the 3rd June. It sold for an astonishing $4,450,500, the highest price ever paid for a carpet at auction.

Estimated to sell at around $1,000,000 to $1,500,000 the 7'7" x 5'7" (2.35x 1.75) carpet with silk foundations exceeded all expectations at auction. Knotted with perfect technique by master weavers some time at the zenith of the Safavid art period during the reign of Shah Abbas (1587-1629), the rug embodies the wonderful charm and imagination for which Persian rugs are world renowned.

Sadly, with the changing lifestyle in Iran (Persia), rug weaving is becoming a dying trade; these rare and beautiful masterpieces will become evermore sought after by collectors and museums alike. Rugs woven in Iran today are becoming more expensive to source year by year to the extent that rugs from Afghanistan, India and China have become more popular with rug traders due to their relative value and affordability. Persian rugs from Iran are still by far the finest and most prestigious handmade rugs in the world.

With the recent uncertainty in the international banking infrastructure and a recession looming over the heads of many, investing in just about anything at present is an uncertain task. However, there are still few ways to keep your money secure in today’s market: gold bullion, safety deposit boxes, and last but certainly not least hand-knotted Persian rugs. With a bit of knowledge and relatively a modest investment one could be making a sound investment whilst enjoying the ever lasting splendor on daily bases.

A fine hand-knotted Persian rug usually takes several years to produce; a large Persian rug of excellent quality today could run into the tens of thousands of pounds. However, if you are willing to take time, you may just find a piece of Eastern treasure at excellent value buried away at your local Persian Rug gallery. Many specialists will have sourced some of their best rugs several years ago when prices was more favorably matched with demand and may be able to offer you some of Iran’s finest exports at a price which won’t have you competing with the world’s top museums.

Little-Persia is a specialist in Persian and Oriental rugs situated in Glasgow just south of the city centre. Operating for the past 5 years from his Commerce Street gallery Dr. Reza Cheshmehdoost has vast experience in sourcing the best selection of rugs the Persian gulf has to offer; prior to going it alone Reza worked to source rugs for many of the other rug specialists based within the UK.

Rugs Rock

Here's an article that was recently published by the Herald and No. 1 magazine in Scotland.

Other news items can be found on Little-Persia's News page.


Rugs Rock



What do Elton John, Robert Plant and The Fratellis all have in common? According to Little-Persia they all share a love for exquisite Persian & Oriental rugs.

Elton John, infamous for his pre-concert demands, refuses to take to the stage unless he has large non-leather sofas to relax on with fine Persian carpets underfoot. The star’s cultural appreciation and taste for luxurious and artistic comforts is not lost on other musical greats.

Ex-frontman of heavy metal legends Led Zeppelin and now solo artist, Robert Plant, took to the stage at Wembley Arena to promote his latest album ‘Raising Sand’ to a surreal backdrop of nine. Persian rugs of a quality normally found hanging on the walls of the Victoria & Albert museum.

An appreciation of these Persian carpets is not confined to the 70s rockers. Reza Cheshmehdoost of Little-Persia believes the age-gap has been bridged by these Eastern treasures: “We had Gordon McRory [or ‘Mince’ from The Fratellis] walk in, had a quick look around and pick two beautiful rugs from our wall display – one for himself and one for lead vocalist John Lawler - it wasn’t until I asked my son that I realised who The Fratellis were.

It’s not the first time we’ve had a celebrity in our gallery. John Michie, or Detective Inspector Robbie Ross [from Scottish police drama Taggart], came in a while back to make use of our rug cleaning service with a rug his wife had bought for £1500. He was delighted to hear that if his wife were to buy the same rug today it would cost well over £5000.” Not a bad return on your money in just five years.

Persian rugs are unique works of art and the most practical form of flooring lasting for generations while maintaining and often increasing in value.

Throughout the UK thousands are enjoying their homes furnished with rugs sourced from Little-Persia. If you are looking to add a touch of luxury and style to your home then you’ll adore the magical experience, the beauty and elegance, of the handmade Persian carpet at Little-Persia.

With over 1200 rugs in stock Reza is certain he has something to suit most tastes: “We’ve strived in recent years to build Scotland’s largest collection of Persian rugs, now that we’ve achieved this aim I hope more can enjoy these beautiful artefacts in their own homes.”