Ralph Kaffel (1932–2023) left a legacy to rug connoisseurship well beyond the fabled collection he and his wife Linda assembled over the past forty years. His steadfast curiosity led him to amass an extensive research library, write noteworthy articles and books, and organize important exhibitions and conferences. The world-wide rug community became more enlightened because of Ralph’s insightful and enduring contributions.
Ralph assembled a detailed archive of virtually every rug in the collection, with his handwritten notes for each rug organized geographically in a three-ring binder. In honor of Ralph’s rug knowledge, the voice throughout the auction catalogue is his: the terminology, descriptions, dates, and footnotes are drawn directly from his archive. A facsimile of his corresponding notes will accompany each purchased rug.
It is with honor and respect that we offer The Kaffel Collection.
