Judy Brown of Bounds Cave’s Rug Gallery
Words by Ellen Jones | Photography by Courtney Snyder
For over 40 years, Judy Brown and her partner, Mark, have traveled the globe extensively in search of rare and unique rugs. Leaving no antique market or artisan workshop unturned, they have curated a world-class collection at their gallery, Bounds Cave’s Rug Gallery in Cashiers. A veritable Aladdin’s Cave, this remarkable showroom whisks you on a magic carpet ride upon Pakistan, Turkey, Nepal, Iran, and India’s most exquisite rugs.
Here, every knot, weave, and fiber carries a tale of heritage and elegance. Iconic Persian Hadji Jalili Tabrizs sit alongside homespun American hook rugs. Although they may come with different price tags, each rug has a story to tell. The rich tapestries and vibrant hues of Bounds Cave’s Rug Gallery are a wonderfully woven universe to which Mark and Judy hold the key.
Like soldiers standing to attention, roll after roll of rugs line up in perfect rows along the walls of Bounds Cave’s Rug Gallery. Piles rise high in corners, and almost every inch of the space is filled with color and texture.
What can people expect to find when walking into the showroom for the first time? “We have a wide range of styles, from traditional Persian patterns to contemporary designs,” explains Judy. “For instance, we have rugs that are perfect for mountain homes, with earthy tones and textures that blend seamlessly with natural surroundings. On the other hand, we also offer vibrant, modern pieces that can make a bold statement in any room.”
Unpicking Rug DNA
For those keen to immerse themselves in the world of rugs, what are the key things to know? And how does one begin to navigate the thousands of designs and patterns? “Each country has its own distinctive style and technique,” explains Judy. “For instance, in Turkey—which has a rich tradition of rug making—the names of the rugs often come from the villages where they were made.”
The intricate craftsmanship involved in every rug is astonishing. Judy dives right into the rugs’ DNA, from the dyes to the finishing process. “Unlike many modern rugs that use chemical dyes, we have hand-knotted Indian rugs dyed using traditional methods with expensive rare flowers. For instance, green comes from indigo, and yellow comes from saffron. Only this natural dyeing process can give the rug an unmistakable depth and character that chemical dyes can’t replicate. Each batch of wool absorbs the dye slightly differently, creating subtle color variations that add to the rug’s beauty.”
How long would a rug like this take to be made? “Typically, they take three to four months to complete, depending on the quality. It starts with dyeing wool in large stone pots with fires underneath them. Then, the wool is hand-knotted on a vertical loom by a team of weavers. Each knot is meticulously tied, following a detailed design known as a cartoon.”
Transforming Mountain Interiors, One Rug at a Time
Using their discerning eyes, Judy and Mark have sourced and supplied rugs to some of the area’s most tasteful homes. “We work with both interior designers and homeowners,” says Judy. “We have a lot of clients who come in with their interior designers. They pick out the rugs they want based on the designer’s vision. It’s always interesting to see how different designers incorporate our rugs into their overall design concepts.”
And is there a style or trend that locals prefer? “Preferences vary. Some like traditional patterns, while others prefer more contemporary designs. We went through a phase where everything was gray and white, but now color is making a comeback. In terms of mountain styles, something rugged would work well, in colors that can be seen out the window.”
Finding Your Perfect Rug
When it comes to choosing the perfect rug for a room, Judy emphasizes the importance of tying the room together. Imagine a room where the warmth of a fireplace dances with vibrant colors. Judy’s advice? Don’t overlook this connection. “There’s so much color in fireplaces,” she explains, nodding to the challenge of harmonizing decor with such a focal point. “If you don’t tie into that fireplace, [the room] is never going to seem quite comfortable.”
For Judy, choosing the right rug can be decided can be decided by considering your intentions. Are you in it for the long haul or for short-term trends? “The main thing you should consider when purchasing a rug is your taste and lifestyle. If a rug is purchased with the intention to keep it for a lifetime and adjust your decor to suit the rug, buy one that you see as a piece of art. A beautiful, classic rug can be used in just about any decor. However, if changing your decor often and following trends is your priority, I would opt for a rug that suits that trend.”
Can rugs work as investment pieces that will appreciate in value over the years? Judy doesn’t recommend it. “If you are looking to invest in rugs, one that is hand-knotted may increase in value, but I wouldn’t advise buying a rug for that purpose. Finding a rug that appeals to your personal taste should be your main motivation for buying.”
From American Heirlooms to Hadji Jalili Treasures
What makes the Bounds Cave’s Rug Gallery collection so extraordinary is Judy and Mark’s open-minded approach to sourcing. Judy explains that they don’t just sell rugs from rug-making countries. “We try to get into anything we can in any country that we can. For instance, we have old English needlepoints, too. We generally look for a blend of aesthetics, quality, and cultural importance.”
With such a globally sourced array of rugs, does Judy have any particular styles or individual rugs that are her most treasured? “American hooked rugs have a special place in our collection,” she enthuses. “They were often made by women using leftover rags, which makes each one unique. We have one that is very special to me; it was made by a ten-year-old girl in the 1930s who won a state fair competition.”
While much of Judy and Mark’s portfolio sits around the three-to-four-figure mark, there is a handful of statement rugs that truly dazzle. One of Tabriz’s most famous rug design families, Hadji Jalili, crafted exquisite rugs in the late 1800s. These were the kinds sought after by the wealthiest collectors in Europe and America.
“We acquired a modern Hadji Jalili from the 1990s, made by a great-grandson using the original designs passed down through generations. Each knot was tied by hand, taking over a year and a half to two years to complete. It’s truly a labor of love and skill. The Hadji Jalili rugs are famous for their intricate designs and use a lot of silk. A truly antique Hadji Jalili Tabriz that was made by the family can go for seven figures at Christie’s or Sotheby’s.”
Million Dollar Masterpieces
With rugs seemingly a high-numbers game, what have been some of their biggest ticket finds? Weve sourced rugs that can fetch anywhere from $250,000 to $5M, depending on their rarity and historical significance. Recently, we had a client looking for a very specific rug. I managed to find it for them, and although I didnt sell it for millions, the price tag was still substantial. Its incredible how these rugs hold such immense value for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Therein lies the 64-million-dollar question. How on earth do they value rugs? Like antique furniture, it comes down to a mix of age, craftsmanship, rarity, and condition. We determine pricing by beauty, the quality of the wool, the yarn dyes, and the knot count, says Judy. The longer a rug takes to produce on the loom, the more expensive it will be. A rug handwoven by a renowned artisan or one that comes from a specific historical period or region can significantly increase its value.
Bounds Caves Rug Gallery is more than just a rug showcase; its a treasure trove of global artistry and craftsmanship. Judy and Marks expertise and passion have transformed countless homes and spaces with their vast, enviable inventory of rugs. Whether youre seeking a timeless masterpiece or a unique conversation starter, pay a visit to Judy and Mark and let them guide you through their stunning collection.
To learn more about Bounds Caves Rug Gallery, visit Boundscaverugs.com.