We wanted everyone to know that Our Beloved Uncle Harold, Harold M. Keshishian,

passed away July 23rd, 2010. After a 3 year battle with cancer.

Viewing : Wednesday, July 28th 2010, is the 6 to 8pm at Joseph Gawler's Sons, Inc. 5130 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20016

Services: Thursday, July 29th 2010, is the service @ 1pm  at the Chapel at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. (301) 871-6500. 13801 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20906 ,
Internment to follow

7-24-10 There is a great memorandum to Uncle Harold at http://www.spongobongo.com/ by Barry O'Connell

7-23-10

7-22-10 Just transcribed two articles the Dad did....take a look!

• RUGS FROM THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT: Part 1
  A History of India, Pakistan and Kashmir By: James M. Keshishian
  Mark Keshishian & Sons, Inc. Chevy Chase, MD
  
  Part 1 of a 2 part article
  Originally Published July, 1983, VOICE magazine
   

• RUGS FROM THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT: Part 2
  A History of India, Pakistan and Kashmir By: James M. Keshishian
  Mark Keshishian & Sons, Inc. Chevy Chase, MD
  
  Part 2 of a 2 part article
  Originally Published August, 1983, VOICE magazine

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• Starting this week... $5.00 Off On-Line Coupon for Padding! For a limited time! Through August 31, 2010
  (click here)
  

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  The Cleaning special will end Monday, July 12th, 2010
   

• For a Limited Time!!!  SPRING CLEANING SPECIAL!  With On-Line Coupon!
  
  
   (click Here)
  
   

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Old News


 

• On May 15th, 2003, James Mark Keshishian finished his battle with pancreatic cancer. Here is a memorial page in his honor.




Archives

•   New York Times "No More 'Pssst!' For Iranian Rugs, But Who Cares?" By CHRISTIE BROWN March 23, 2000, Thursday House & Home/Style Desk
  
•  A Few Good Pointers From Tom Atiyeh:
  It is widely reported the 13-year U.S. embargo on Persian rugs will be eased Friday with an announcement by the State Department. What does this mean for dealers?

  Ø         The media attention should create renewed interest in Oriental rugs in general. Turn that to your advantage and get some press coverage for your store as local angles are pursued.

  Ø         A brief spike in the availability of Persian rugs will temporarily disrupt the market as existing smuggled rugs come out of hiding and truckloads of rugs roll in from Canada.

  Ø         As normalization occurs, Persian rugs will have to compete with other hand-knotted rugs from countries that have firmly established rug production.

  Ø         Quality, production reliability, and price will be key issues for Persian rugs to match up to what is now a world market.

  Ø         The issue of import duty has yet to be addressed; a 45% duty, as is the case with Afghanistan imports, would make Persian rugs difficult to compete with Indian, Pakistani and Chinese rugs at less than 5% duty.

  Ø         American importers with Oriental rug production experience prior to the embargo will have an advantage in reestablishing business

  What does the lifting of the embargo mean for consumers?

  Ø         They should shop at local reputable stores who can show them a selection of rugs from a variety of countries. Avoid the itinerant auctions or weekend shows.

  Ø         Persian rugs are currently produced in color pallets and sizes more suited to European homes. Until new production is in the distribution stream, expect the selection to be limited for the American market.

  Ø         Even when Persian rugs are available in quantity do not expect to see a wide variety of sizes of the same pattern. Iran is not noted for special order programming.

  Ø         Consumers should be careful to select Persian rugs with stable dyes. Dealers with cleaning facilities are often the most careful about dye stability in rugs.

  Ø         Prices will be unstable as the market adjusts to the availability of Persian rugs. It may be prudent to comparison shop Persian design from countries other than the Islamic Republic of Iran when making major purchase.

  Ø         Older more collectible Persian rugs should be more available as inventory from Europe can now be shipped into the U.S. without a license.

   

• 3/15/00 INTERESTING NEWS! State Department announces an easing to the embargo!
  • Is this good or bad? 
  • How will it impact US Retailers & Wholesalers?
  • See Article  USA Today