For centuries carpets, or rugs, have become part of human civilization for its various functions from relating to religious up to decorative purposes. Since its invention around the 3rd or 2nd millennium BC in West Asia, carpets and rugs have continuously developed into different styles, patterns, and usage of materials as well as developing variations on the processing techniques. Carpet works by special artisans, that require not only high skills but also original patterns, are also hunted among collectors. It comes as no surprise that a collectible carpet or rug has become synonymous with the lavish world of luxury.
Meet Ozgur Zorlu: Born in Iskenderun – Turkey, which forms part of the silk-road, he has been exposed to arts, history and culture since an early age and developed an interest in antiquities; while his other siblings were more interested on their inherited farming business. As a child, Ozgur Zorlu used to take trips while still in school and saw ladies weaving carpets in other villages. Amazed with what he saw during his formative years Ozgur’s travels to many small villages in Turkey - to see more weaving, knotting and dying processes -became a lifelong passion.
During a trip to Istanbul, he visited the museums and developed an interest in Islamic arts and history of Persian and Ottoman origins. It was at the Arts Museum in Istanbul where he first saw the Ushak carpet from the 17th century and fell in love. Later on, Ozgur also got introduced to master weavers and got to learn more about carpet making. At 17 years of age, he bought his first antique carpet book and since then his life course on pursuing antique collection of Islamic arts, and in particular carpets and rugs, has become an obvious fixation.
After over two decades of a career in international carpet industry, including with esteemed companies such as Hong Kong Auction House Limited (director of sales) to even as founder to the Heritage & Handwoven Carpets in Singapore, Ozgur Zorlu finally decided to join forces with his brother: Sezai Zorlu to open Turkuaz – an integrated authentic Turkish restaurant and gallery featuring his collections on museum quality carpets as well as antique Islamic arts. Considered to be an international citizen who is always on the hunt for antique carpets and other Islamic arts object, Indonesia Design magazine was exited to finally have some of his time to talk about carpets, collecting and his future plans.
What makes a carpet valuable and special? How to look for it?
For antique carpets, there are a few basic attention that we need to follow in order to know its value such as design, color and its combination, age, origin, material (hand spoon wool or natural silk for example), dyes, master weaver signature, date of the making and the person who commissioned the work (to bring additional value). Last but not least, the size also makes the total consideration completed. In general, we can find out global market value of antique carpet through international auction companies or see the report at the London based magazine on carpets called HALI.
As for new hand knotted oriental rugs and carpets, the value can be seen from its first color and combination, design, size, condition, number of the knots, materials and dyes. Oriental carpets and rugs that are signed by famous master weaver will have great value and recognition by respected gallery.
When we say carpet, what is the range of variety here?
Carpet in history is more driven by culture and heritage that affects the existing types of carpets nowadays. The history of carpet goes back to the nomadic period that uses material such as flat woven kilim and pure wool carpets. From early 15th century, the material for carpet started to vary from mixture of wool, cotton and silk even with metal trade on some.
Collectible antique carpets usually comes from the Turkish’ Ottoman, Persian’s Safavid, Indian’s Mughal as Islamic empire, Transcaucasian, France, Chinese to even up to carpets that are made in 19th century. These are the variety of carpets origin for collector to collect.
Tell us about your latest collaboration with Turkuaz. Is this your first gallery in Jakarta?
This is my first time to open my own gallery in Jakarta where I can showcase my private collection in one place. I want to share my knowledge, expertise and collection to the public who has the same interests on Islamic arts in general and antique hand knotted oriental carpets and rugs in particular. Besides that, it is because of my brother who has been living here for over 14 years and now decides to open his own flagship restaurant. The relationship with Turkuaz is very simple; we have a history of offering a rich variety of Ottoman cuisine and ambience to Jakarta people. So it is just natural to leverage this into another business lines related to my expertise and to compliment my brother’s restaurant.
In Turkuaz Gallery, we can find museum quality collection carpets and antiquities. How do you find such rare and antique collections to sell?
Yes we do have collections of museum category carpets, rugs and textiles. I acquired these from my global networks, private collectors and auction houses. I also travel often; thus, sometimes along that journey I find some interesting pieces, which attract me like love at first sight!
In the line of luxury items, carpets have their own market and collectors. How do you advise those who just want to start becoming a carpet collector? What are the do’s and don’ts?
Like I had said earlier, carpet started to be recognized as a luxurious art since the 16th century where it was made only for Sultans, Shah and other Royal Families. At present time, carpet has also become an investment substance for the rich and famous people. The demand increases as the collectors getting deeper knowledge on its value and worth. We can see this demand in the auction houses like Christie’s, Sotheby’s and Bonham’s, where they make oriental carpets and rugs auction twice a year due to collectors demand and as well as interior designers.
As for green (new) collectors, the first thing to know is to make sure that they have enough disposable income along with basic knowledge of antique oriental carpets and rugs history. They should also consult with trusted experts to make sure the authenticity when they buy a carpet. Next, they have to visit some galleries to learn directly and to compare the pieces. The thing is, there is still no school or academic institution that can teach about antique carpets knowledge until now. Therefore, they need to consult with as many experts as possible and read books about carpets to develop their knowledge. After doing all these do’s, I can only suggest to Not Rush when buying antique carpets.
What is the most valuable carpet that you have ever came across in your business thus far?
The most valuable collection under my possession was Isfahan carpet made by Mohammad Reza Serafian in 1940. It had 1600 knots per square inch. There are only two existing Isfahan carpets by this artist in the world; one is currently displayed at Tehran museum in Iran and the other one was in my collection that was sold to a private collector in Jakarta. I have also seen another 16th century woven and antique Isfahan carpet last year, sold by auction in London for a staggering amount of £ 33 million.
From a collecting point of view, what kind of carpet will increase in value over time? How do you find out?
Basically, most of Oriental (hand-woven) carpets have market value, especially the ones from the 16th-19th century are considered for its value to collect as well as for investment due to the rarity and age. There are also new oriental carpets that are made by famous master weaver that have high quality work and material. For Collector, these oriental carpets are considered to be luxurious and collectible as well.
To find the overall value for your carpet, you need to keep updated through auction house catalogues and sales reports. There is also HALI magazine that will give you information on which carpets, where and when, and sales price. Nevertheless, the best oriental carpet in the world is the carpet that you like and appreciate. As collector, I do believe in this.
What are the challenges in your business so far?
My greatest challenge is to bring Asian collectors not only the finest pieces of artworks but also knowledge, understanding and appreciation towards oriental carpets and rugs rich history and heritage. Unfortunately, what I see in the region so far is the diluted reputation of oriental carpet and rugs due to lack of education and knowledge from the commercial carpet dealers. Over time I want to educate my clients to invest in pieces of arts that will have value in time and will be an alternative way to invest for future needs.
Secondly, the whole industry is going through a revolution, as making carpets is becoming a dying art, more and more replicas are being produced in various countries as alternative for customers. Here again, I found the need for education is extremely important for my clients, so that they are able to recognize and differentiate copies from original pieces.
And future plans?
My vision is to create an Islamic art gallery and museum here in Jakarta. I would like to bring the finest pieces of oriental rugs and carpets from across the world and make them available for not only the real art coinsurers but also for the any person in Jakarta. I want people to visit and appreciate the rich world of oriental carpets and rugs. Furthermore, I wish to make Jakarta as a hub for the finest Islamic art for Asia and allowing clients from across Asia to be able to see it in the museum and also online.