About
For over 93 years, Mark Keshishian & Sons has been a leading provider of antique, semi-antique and modern rugs, working with the finest locations in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.
They have had the privilege of serving The White House, The State Department, embassies and museums, as well as residents of Washington, D.C. and the greater metropolitan area. The Keshishian family continues a tradition of dedication to quality, service, and expert care, serving as the area’s foremost resource of beautiful textiles and rugs.
Mark Keshishian began working with oriental rugs under his father as far back as 1907 and later in Istanbul with two of his brothers in 1920. He and his family arrived in Washington, D.C. in 1931 by way of London through New York, then arriving in Washington DC by mid 1931, establishing Mark Keshishian Oriental Rugs.
Mark’s sons James and Harold joined the family business.
James came in the late 1940’s full time after serving in the Army during WW2 both in Europe and the South Pacific. James was a foremost expert on antique Armenian rugs and lectured widely on all aspects of oriental rugs and wrote many articles for magazines and a book on Armenian Inscribed Rugs.
Harold, came in full time in the 1950s after serving in the Army during the occupation of Germany in the Big Red 1. He also was a world class collector, amassed rugs from the 16th to the 20th century, lectured as well. He was very active with Textile Museum. All three have published multiple books on the subject.
Today, the next generation of Keshishians maintains the tradition with Mark S. Keshishian and Melissa M. Keshishian managing the gallery in Rockville MD.
Mark S. Keshishian, CRA ORRA
Mark S. Keshishian grew up surrounded by world class oriental rugs and textiles. He is the third generation to help run Mark Keshishian & Sons, learning about rugs and textiles from his grandfather Mark, father James and uncle Harold. Mark’s knowledge and expertise span more than 35 years.
Mark is a certified appraiser. He lectures as a guest at The George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum’s Rug and Textile Appreciation Mornings. He leads discussions for private groups including the Antiques Study Group and Ambassadors’ Wives Group.
Mark serves on the board of the Oriental Rugs Retailers of America Association (ORRA) and is a past President (2005-2007) and Vice President (2002-2005). He is an Academy of Oriental Rugs Senior Fellow.
Melissa McGee Keshishian
Books
If you are interested in learning more about oriental rugs, the following books are available for purchase.
Caucasian Rugs by Ulrich Sherman
$165
The Treasure of the Caucasus by Harold M. Keshishian
$85
The Book of Carpets by Reinhard Hubel
$45
Inscribed Armenian Rugs of Yesteryear by James M. Keshishian
$75
Carpets from Eastern Turkistan by Hans Bidde
$36
ABOUT
Mark Keshishian & Sons is a leading provider of antique, semi-antique and modern rugs, serving the finest locations in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.
HOURS
10:00am - 5:00pm M-F
10:00am - 4:00pm Saturday
Sunday By Appointment Only
© 2024 Mark Keshishian and Sons. All rights reserved.