OAKLAND, CA.- Jan David Winitz, an eminent art dealer who specializes in 19th century antique Oriental carpets, today announced the opening of an exhibition of “The Bostonian Collection,” a globally significant private rug collection assembled and held by a New England-based family over four generations.

Winitz, the president and founder of Claremont Rug Company, said, “The Bostonian Collection” will be displayed starting today at the Gallery located at 6087 Claremont Avenue in Oakland, CA.

Identified in ArtDaily as one of the three most significant collections of antique Persian Rugs to come to market this century, the 180-rug trove includes 18 highly sought after undyed camelhair rugs, dating to circa 1825 and six extremely rare Persian Motasham Kashans rugs from the first half of the 19th century. Many of these antique carpets are in pristine condition, having been in storage for more than a century and none have been seen outside the family since their original acquisition.

Winitz, author of The Guide to Purchasing an Oriental Rug, said, “It is rare that antique rugs of this distinction, held by families, come to market. To be in the position to acquire an entire long-held treasury is a dream come true for us and our clients.

“We are fortunate to have both the reputation within the art market and a network of buyer/collectors who work with us exclusively. As a result, families often approach us, giving us first access to these private troves.” Winitz said that the family also collected European and Asian paintings and antique furniture.

The other collections of 19th century Oriental carpets that Winitz compared with the “The Bostonian” are the 400-rug “Hudson River Valley Collection” (2008) and the “Intercontinental Collection” (2010), both also offered by Claremont Rug Company. Those collections served to increase the attention given to rugs from the “Second Golden Age of Persian Weaving.” Also in 2010, a 17th century Persian Laver Kirman rug obtained a record $9.59 million bid at auction, more than twice the previous record. Then in November 2011, the Metropolitan Museum in New York opened a new, permanent exhibition of Islamic Art, which features historical Oriental rugs from the First Golden Age (circa 1400 to ca 1700) and has attracted global media attention.

“The effect of these events, combined with the increased recognition by art connoisseurs of the relative undervaluing of Oriental rugs from the Second Golden Age,” said Winitz, “has created an extremely vigorous interest in rugs of the caliber of those in ‘The Bostonian Collection.’”

Winitz founded the Gallery in 1980 and has since built an inventory comprised of more than 4000 rare 19th century and turn of the 20th century Oriental carpets valued in the $20,000 to more than $500,000 per piece range. To aid clients, there are more than 1000 antique Persian, Caucasian and Turkish rugs available for viewing and an extensive educational section on the Claremont Rug Company website (http://www.claremontrug.com).

The vast majority of his art-level/investment caliber Oriental carpets are from the Second Golden Age of Persian Rug Weaving (circa 1800 to 1900). The Gallery does not participate in exhibitions, art fairs or auctions.

Additional information about the exhibition may be obtained from the Gallery (1-800-441-1332).