Oriental Rug Appraisal

We can document the value of your rugs

Even priceless works of art need to be insured. We offer appraisals by Ken Ashtari, one of the industry's most highly qualified and respected experts.

Ken Ashtari has been a qualified appraiser since 1995. He is one of only two active certified appraisers in Pennsylvania, and the only one in the Pittsburgh area. His appraising area of expertise is personal property, with a specialty in carpets, rugs and antique furniture. Ken has traveled extensively around the world, including Afghanistan, China, India, Iran, Georgia, Pakistan, Romania, Turkey, and many remote villages. He has met weavers and seen firsthand how rugs are made from start to finish.

Appraisals by an accredited expert

As a credentialed member of the Oriental Rug Retailers of America (ORRA), Ken is well-respected for his knowledge and experience in assessing the overall quality and value of carpets, including knot type, dye content, fiber and origin of your carpet.

Certification through the ORRA recognizes Ken as a highly qualified appraiser with the accreditation of Certified Rug Appraiser (CRA), endorsing the code of ethical business practices, providing consumer education consultation, and appraisal expertise.

Ken works with the United States Customs Office, providing agents with the origin, value and age of pieces being declared by travelers through the Pittsburgh International Airport. Ken is a yearly participant in the Pittsburgh Home and Garden Show, as well as the Hidden Treasures event at the Heinz History Center. These events led to appearances on The Antiques Roadshow as an expert Oriental rug appraiser.

There are many instances when you may require the experienced expertise of Ken Ashtari. A variety of situations may occur that create the need for appraisals such as: estate tax, insurance, charitable donation, liquidations, purchases and sale. Clients include disaster restoration companies, insurance companies, museums, libraries, houses on the historic registry and private estates.