Million Dollar Carpets: 5 Most Expensive Carpets in the World

Rich, soft and luxurious - there is no better feeling than walking barefoot on a good quality carpet. Many examples of the carpets we know today are thought to have originated in the 3rd or 2nd millennium BC, though there are surviving examples from even earlier than that.

If you are looking for a high quality carpet for your home, there are many highly prized examples that have been sold at auction houses around the world. In this blog we thought it would be interesting to look at a few of the most expensive carpets ever to come to market.

5. Pearl Carpet of Baroda

It is estimated that this masterwork, created from silk and fine deer hide, was created around 1685 and is embroidered with natural Basra pearls and English coloured-glass beads. It is set with approximately 2,500 table-cut and rose-cut diamonds set in silver, along with foil-backed rubies, emeralds and sapphires all set in gold. It was given a $5 million estimate when it was sold at Sotheby's Doha in March 2009, but went on to sell for just over $5.5 million.

4. Louis XV Savonnerie Carpet

Designed by Pierre-Josse Perrot, the Louis XV Savonnerie carpet formed part of the Karl Lagerford collection which was auctioned at Christie's Monaco in 2000. Estimated to have been created in circa-1750, its star-studded provenance helped it to achieve a $5.7 million selling price; having been estimated at between $5 million and $8 million.

3. Mughai Millefleurs ‘Star Lattice’ Carpet

With its origins in northern India, the Mughai Millefleurs “Star Lattice” carpet was once owned and displayed at the New York residence of Cornelius Vanderbilt II - an American socialite and businessman of the late 19th century. When the piece was subsequently passed to his daughter it went on to grace the Breakers in Newport, Rhode Island, before being sold at Christie's in London in October 2013. Despite having a guide price of $2.4 million - $3.2 million, it would go on to be sold for $7.7 million.

2. Kirman ‘Vase’ Carpet

A mid-17 century piece, the Kirman ‘vase’ carpet is one of the earliest examples of the popular Persian carpet design known as the herati pattern. In April 2010 the carpet was brought to sale at Christie's in London and was given a guide price of between $307,600 and $461,400. It went on to sell for an astonishing $9.6 million!

1. Sickle-leaf Vine Scroll and Palmette ‘Vase’ Carpet

Crafted circa 1600-1650, the sickle-leaf vine scroll and palmette ‘vase’ carpet is the most expensive carpet ever to be sold at auction. Displayed in museums and galleries as an example of outstanding Persian carpet weaving, the carpet was estimated to be worth $5 million to $7 million when it came up for sale at Sortherby's New York in June 2013. However, because the sickle-leaf design is the rarest vase-technique carpet pattern and this example is the only known example featuring the red background, it went on to sell for $33.7 million!

So if you happen to have a few million dollars going spare, there are plenty of options available for you. For everyone else our showroom features an extensive selection of high quality carpets and floor coverings for your home so come in and see us!