OLD TIME SOUK AT CARAVANSERAI CAPRI

In olden times when camel, horse, mule, and foot, were the primary means of transportation travelers would end their day at the caravanserai where stables could be found for their steeds, storage rooms for their goods, and accommodations for themselves. Even the most modest of these establishments had resident traders whom provided provisions for the travelers but in the grander establishments, those on major trade routes, one could find a veritable souk where there was a lively trade in luxury goods from the far corners of the earth.

This October 15-26 in San Francisco traders from Asia, Europe, and America, will gather for 11 days setting up a highly specialized souk offering antique and archeological textiles, costume, and “oriental rugs”. The traders have been selected for the quality of their goods. The variety and high standard of the merchandise should exceed anything ever seen on the silk route. To say that they will eclipse those offered by hotel auctions in your hometown would be to say that the sun is brighter than a light bulb. There is just no comparison. 

The atmosphere will be informal; if a trader’s door is open just pop in. There will be a wealth of expertise here. These dealers are at the top of their game. If you have questions the answers that you will receive will not be the typical fairy tales that one encounters in the average shop. Many of the traders are highly specialized and most are among the foremost experts in their field. 

The weavings will not be what one typically sees in the shops and show rooms of your local mall. If you are looking for something to walk upon or to match your curtains this is probably not the place for you. The textiles being offered can only be classified as art; not furniture. Most of the rugs and textiles were made for ceremony within a tribal or village context. They were produced solely for the use of the weavers, their clans, and tribes-not for sale, trade, or export. The iconography, colors, and techniques, represent millenniums of mother to daughter tradition refined and evolved with each succeeding generation; the essence of ‘traditional’. In addition court textiles, costume, and rugs will be offered; those items produced for the emperors, sultans, khans, emirs, and shahs of the many dynasties, civilizations, and places that have faded into the dust of history. What you will see represents less than 1/10th of 1% of the ‘oriental rug’ market but it is that tiny segment that the rest of the market claims to be. It is this material that is copied, reproduced, and flogged by the decorative carpet producers and dealers that one normally encounters. It has inspired the great fine art painters of the ages from every school ranging from the Dutch masters through the Renaissance movement to the Impressionists. Many designs seen in contemporary haut couture designer luxury goods are derived from these textiles. What you will see here can only be found in a handful of Museums (including our own local museum; the de Young) but at this show you can touch, handle, and own, a rare opportunity. 

Mark this on your calendar, hop on your camel, and saunter on down to the Motel Capri, 2015 Greenwich Street in San Francisco. You may find everything that you need to know as well as a sampling of the goods by visiting our web site; http://arts.jozan.net.

Michael Craycraft, aoptions@pacbell.net

Coptic Textile Fragment 5th-6th C. AD. Exhibitor Seref Ozen

Syrian Jacket 19th C. Exhibitor Seref Ozen

Ikat Chopan/Perfect condition. Exhibitor Casey Waller

Konya kelim, circa 1800. Exhibitor Michael Craycraft