Ashkan Sobhe, Afshin Nejad, Me, Barry Amiri, and Dr. Khosrow Sobhe.

Me and Barry Amiri

About ten years ago I was looking up Barry Amiri's contact information for the third time. You see I was beginning to write about rugs and answer questions on the internet and people would ask where to find good dealers. I would do a little research and then post an answer. Finally I decided to make a list and that is how I started my Trusted Dealers List.

L to R. Dr. Khosrow Sobhe, Christopher Fager, and myself.

I have known Chris for years through the Internet but this was the first time that I had a chance to meet him. Chris teaches a course on Oriental Carpets at a local University and is very knowledgeable about rugs.

Parvin Arefi of www.PersianGabbehRugs.com

I first heard of Parvin when she was nominated for my Trusted Dealers List

On the left Dr. Arash Aftabi and Mr. Rahim Soltani a Kashan from his collection.

My rug notes often start with a thought jotted down in a notebook. Men such as Dr. Khosrow Sobhe act as my teachers and help me collect data.

Discussion between myself, Mr. Rahim Soltani, Dr. Arash Aftabi (with his back turned) and Dr. Khosrow Sobhe.

Randolph Buckmaster between Brian and Stephanie Morehouse.

I never met Randolph Buckmaster until this trip but he is a nice guy with an excellent knowledge of rugs. Brian and Stephanie Morehouse are people I have known for ages. Brian has long been a source of knowledge and advice. They are also listed in my Trusted Dealers List (see Guide to the Best Carpet Dealers of The Greater Los Angeles Metro Area).

Brian Morehouse, Me, and Randolph Buckmaster