Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Mosby.
Robert, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My life in the rug business started in 1970 in Cincinnati, Ohio. I was browsing an antique store and bought two rugs for $150—not knowing what they were. A few weeks later, I passed a respected antique rug shop downtown. I walked in, showed them my rugs, and the owner offered me $1,600 on the spot.
That man was Richard Markarian, one of the most famous antique rug dealers in the U.S.—maybe in the world. I accepted the offer, and that moment changed my life. I eventually went to work for him, and on my third day, I sold two rugs to a college professor for $20,000. Markarian called me into his office and told me I’d just made the store’s biggest sale that month.
I spent five years under his mentorship. He taught me everything—identification, construction, repair, and the history behind every rug. When I eventually left to start my own business, he helped fund it. I owe him everything: my first sale, my love of collecting, and a career that’s now lasted 55 years.
In 1997, a friend told me he’d sold a rug I wanted for $8,000—on something called eBay. I had never heard of it. My wife Holly and I didn’t know the first thing about websites or even computers, but she learned quickly. We became one of the first antique rug dealers on eBay.
E-commerce changed everything. Suddenly, the world was our marketplace. I could buy more, hold more, and—most importantly—collect more.
Robert Mosby Rug Gallery
I became especially drawn to antique Caucasian, Turkish, and Chinese rugs. I carved out a niche in Art Deco and Peking rugs, which weren’t very popular at the time. While 9×12 Decos were selling for $500, I was quietly building a massive inventory. One dealer in Macau gave me the idea that I could build a strong domestic market. It worked.
Today, I have one of the world’s largest collections of antique Art Deco Chinese rugs.
Our business grew. Holly and I traveled the world—through Oriental bazaars and back-room deals—always on the hunt. At some point, Holly told me, “You’re buying more than you’re selling.”
Antique Caucasian Kazak Rug
By 2020, our inventory had grown to over 1,100 rugs.
What can I say? I love rugs. I’ve loved them since the first one I ever saw. Of course, I’ve broken the golden rule Mr. Markarian taught me: Don’t fall in love with the inventory!
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We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
In 1999 we discovered Ebay and the internet and found we needed to learn how to design and operate online through websites and e commerce. Prior to this we didn’t even have a computer much less computer skills. But we were quick learners and set up an international presence through our websites antiqueorientalrugs.com and afghanrugs.com
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Sales of 100 year old Antique Oriental Rugs and Tapestries.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://antiqueorientalrugs.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mosbyorientalrugs/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mosbyrugs
