Material Culture continues to draw large and impressive mixes of antique, collectible and decorative rugs, carpets, kilims and trappings for its ongoing series of auctions under the rubric of 'Oriental Rugs from American Estates.' The current sale is number 61 in the series and brings together 549 lots from estates and private collections stretching from New England to California. Notable among many Anatolian offerings is lot 253, a fine 18th-century Central Anatolian kilim in very good condition, boasting wonderfully saturated colours (starting price $5000). Also of interest is lot 254, which represents one of the oldest Central West Anatolian Cal rugs ever to appear at auction (starting price $2000).

Amongst the Turkmen weavings, one standout piece is lot 350, a beautiful ikat-patterned Ersari main rug from the early to mid-19th century, starting at $2500.

Among the decorative room-size and palace-size Persian carpets, including many fine Serapi, Sultanabad and Bijar examples, there is lot 463, an outstanding and rather unique 19th-century Bakhshaish carpet with a large central tribal medallion floating on an ivory field (starting price $7500).

A total of fifty-two Aymara and pre-Columbian textiles are on offer. One of these is lot 45, a lovely alpaca warp-faced tunic with discontinuous warps displaying interlocking temple stair steps, perhaps paying homage to the precincts of the rulers. It uses complementary red and gold colours, respectively representing the female and male principles. South Coast, Inca Empire, circa 1400-1550 CE (starting price $500).

HALI readers and the public are invited to a catered live auction reception at Material Culture on 19 November from 12–4pm. This event is an excellent opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts to view the items up close and network with fellow aficionados.