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beautiful rugs ... suspicious lack of prices on the website, which suggests the "if you have to ask the price, you can't afford it" range.

They are for sale on RugsUSA.com. An 8'2" by 11'6" of the one pictured goes for $1256. It does seem like a lot of money to me too, but these rugs are cheaper than Angela Adams and not that far off Crate and Barrel prices, so I might just bite the bullet and get them. I wish I can at least see/touch the rugs though before I plunk down that much money....

$1256 is in the right range if it's wool and hand knotted. Personally I would never buy a machine made or even a tufted rug. They can't come close to a good hand knotted rug in terms of beauty.

As to this rug, I'd pass. The colors are fine but it just doesn't say "sophisticated". And at that price, it should.

Maybe I'm eclectic but I think the best rugs are the ancient designs in real Persian (Iranian) rugs. Barring that, Peshawar (Chobi) or Ziegler Mahal (India).

If you want a more abstract look, check out Gabbeh tribal rugs.

You can mix Persian rugs and modern decor easily. Together they can look stunning and compliment each other and they're not just for rich people.

Check Craigslist - people are always selling them there and you can save a lot compred to buying one in a (overpriced, in my opinion) "rug gallery".

And don't be afraid of old rugs. The ones I've decorated my place with range from 20-60 years old and are still thick, colorful and vibrant (I prefer the colors and designs of the older rugs) - and work great with my Scandinavian-modern-retro look.

Anyway that's my two cents. Not what you wanted to hear, probably.

Almost forgot to mention Kazak rugs. Right now they're extremely popular. The best ones in my opinion are so called "Caucasian Kazak". Stay away from Indian or Chinese made ones, they just don't do justice. The Caucasian (as in Caucasian mountain region) made ones are made with all natural vegetable dyes and more often than not have abrash (striations) from using wool that's died in small batches so the striations aren't defects or age, they're just a sign of how they're made, with wool from slightly different batches of dye. The patterns are bold, and they really make a statement. Also, the wool they use is even special, and these can really shine from the lanolin in it. Lots of rug companies talk about "New Zealand wool" but that's just hype. Nothing comes close to Ghazni wool (which comes from the necks of lambs only and is hand spun in ancient tradidtion). Once you see and feel it you'll never be happy with an over priced factory rug.

Check craigslist.

Good luck.

A couple of Brink & Campman rugs have caught my eye. I might purchase a black/gray/white rug #74102. It appears that the B&K line is imported into the US by Delos Rugs (www.delosrugs.com). Their website isn't much help also. If I get this rug, I'll let you know.

Dear Sir/Madam

WE WISH YOU A MARRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR

We are interested to establish business relation with you.

We are specilised jaipur qulaity, serapi, kazak,higher quality,Tufted carpets,

WE LOOK FORWARD TO HAVING GOOD BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP WITH YOU IN THE NEAR FUTURE

Awaiting for your reply.

Best Regards

(zakir)

INTEX EXPORTS
CHAURI ROAD
BHADOHI - 221401
(UP) INDIA
MO - 0091 9336182331

E-MAIL - intexexports@yahoo.com
zakirexports@sify.com

These rugs are indeed available from www.rugsusa.com . Additionally you may use coupon code AF2007 for a 5% discount from the listed price. Additional discounts of up to 30% may be available if you are a designer. You need to call 800 982 7210 and inquire about it. If you need to see these rugs in person you will need to call Delos Rugs the company that imports them at 1-877-988-5595. They can give you information on dealers in your area.
As for the expense these rugs are over priced relative to rugs of similar design and quality but these rugs do have artistic merit that many others don't . You are paying about 20% more for that artistic creativity .