The Curator
Hans Koehler approaches antique rugs the way a gallery curator approaches art – with deep knowledge of provenance, materials, and craft, and with the conviction that only pieces worth living with are worth offering.
Each rug in the Weaver's Knot collection has been individually sourced, assessed for structural integrity, and – where necessary – carefully repaired by hand. The result is a focused inventory of pieces that meet a single standard: they must be exceptional.
With a background in industrial design and years spent studying the construction, dye traditions, and regional styles of hand-knotted textiles, Hans brings a trained eye to every acquisition. Nothing is purchased on impulse. Nothing is listed without thorough examination.
What Makes a Rug Worth Offering
Sourcing begins with relationships built over years – trusted dealers in Turkey, Iran, and the Caucasus, estate sales across the Pacific Northwest, and private collections whose owners understand what they hold. Hans evaluates every piece in person, examining knot density, wool quality, dye authenticity, and structural soundness before committing to a purchase.
Many rugs arrive needing work. Foundation repairs, re-selvedging, and careful cleaning are done by hand, respecting the original weave and materials. The goal is always conservation, not cosmetic concealment. A repaired foundation should last another century.
The threshold is personal and non-negotiable: nothing leaves these hands that wouldn't belong in Hans's own home. If a rug doesn't meet that standard, it doesn't enter the collection.
Portland
Weaver's Knot is rooted in Southeast Portland, where Hans sources locally from estate sales and private sellers throughout the region while maintaining a global network of dealers and collectors. Each rug is photographed in a dedicated home studio under controlled lighting to present colors and textures with fidelity.
Private showings are available by appointment in Southeast Portland. Seeing a rug in person – feeling the weight of the wool, observing how light moves across the pile – is the only way to fully understand a piece.
See the Collection in Person
Schedule a private showing or browse the full collection online.