This article is part of Jozan Magazine’s ongoing series of personal portraits from the oriental rug world, highlighting the experiences and perspectives of dealers, researchers, and experts.
Hagop Manoyan, born in Istanbul and now based in New York, reflects on a lifelong journey through the world of antique rugs. Trained in restoration and grounded in decades of trade across continents, he shares personal insights into market shifts, collector passion, undervaluation of rugs as art—and why honesty still matters.
I was born in 1964 in Istanbul, Turkey, to Armenian parents. Early in life, I worked with grand master Migirdic Agasyan and learned the craft of antique rug restoration. In 1989, I moved to London, where I was exposed to European culture, taste, collecting styles, and market trends. Eventually, in 1994, I moved to New York to expand my contacts and build a business trading in high-quality antique rugs.
I primarily deal in antique rugs and carpets. Alongside authentic carpets, I also carry a wide range of textiles of all kinds. My main focus is on Caucasian, Anatolian, Persian, Turkmen, and Baluch rugs, as well as pieces from Europe. I also offer tribal trappings and bags, along with kilims, soumaks, and other flatweaves.
The market has changed a lot over the years. The decorative rug market usually moves according to decorators’ demands, but collectible rugs are like classical music—they never go out of fashion. Financial challenges around the world affect sales, of course, but the love for antique collectible rugs is always there.
These days, one has to buy more carefully and ask an honest professional’s opinion before purchasing, since there are a lot of fakes being sold. One of my collector clients once had to choose between buying a rug and going on vacation—he chose the rug. That’s how strong the love for rugs can be.
Unfortunately, the younger generation with good financial means often isn’t interested in antiques in general. To appreciate rugs or antiques, you need a different lifestyle—a love for art and an understanding of how much time and effort it takes to weave a rug. Most people look at rugs as just floor coverings, but good ones are far more than that.
Yes, there are plenty of commercial rugs that are only floor coverings. But there are also many out there that are as important as great paintings—if not more. Let’s not forget that there are museums around the world full of important rugs. And I’m not talking about rugs from the dealer around the corner.
Also, rugs are significantly undervalued compared to other forms of art. I remember exhibiting at the Los Angeles Antique Show. A wealthy couple asked me about an antique rug on the wall. I spoke with them for 20 minutes. When they heard the price—$75,000—they nearly had a heart attack. But next door, a small painting was priced at $1.5 million, and they weren’t shocked at all. They didn’t buy either piece, but it shows how people view rugs versus paintings.
This has to change. People need to respect quality antique rugs.
We see absurd valuations in other areas—a monkey drawing fetching $20,000, an elephant footprint even more. People spend money, but many don’t know where or how much.
I try to educate my clients, and they are eager to learn. In fact, many of them now know more than some rug dealers. I just hope that in the end, honesty wins.
Interview conducted by Ivan Soenderholm for Jozan Magazine. Text edited with permission from Hagop Manoyan.
Hagop Manoyan Antique Rugs, 37 East 28th st. Suite 502 New York NY 10016