It's a very pretty rug, but it's hard to say what's a reasonable price because many rugs are way overpriced. Even our local Bloomingdales recently sold their rugs for 80% off, so I always wonder how much mark-up there is. Similar Gabbehs are offered for less on Ebay (see below). I'd wait and see if he takes your offer. With respect to the feedback, most of it doesn't sound like it's about rugs. Also strange that you can't look at what item actually sold for what (i.e. no clickable link to even the most recent items sold). Two other suggestions: Ask what the KPSI (knots/square inch) is for the rug and how much it weighs. I'd call some online Gabbeh sellers and ask to compare, e.g. www.persianbijar.com Also, make sure that the rug is indeed wide enough for your table and chairs. Here is a link that might be useful: Gabbeh

What a gorgeous kitty and how lucky she was to have such a nice long life with you. For big rugs I tend to buy at Pottery Barn because they are expensive and I like that I can take them back in case I don't like them. PB rugs are hit or miss in my experience - 50% have been fantastic and worn great and the other 50% had a weird extreme shedding problem and I return them. For smaller rugs that are less expensive, I have ordered a jute rug from Ballard (love and simple for color selection) and woven one from Garnet Hill (also love and it was pretty simple and grey). I have almost ordered a 3x5 just to see color when I was considering a larger rug from an online store - with the intention that I would either stick it somewhere or return it if the shipping was not too much. At least I would be more confident of the color when ordering the larger rug. But I did not end up doing this. I have almost ordered several rugs from FLOR and love their sample program. (Writing this makes me realize that I have almost ordered a lot of rugs.. I must have commitment issues!)

No. As others said, you can find something very similar these days. And if you are eating occasionally nearby, something is bound to be spilled or dropped eventually. We're just 2 as well, don't eat outside the kitchen or dining areas, but we do have a big dog, live in the country, and have grandkids and guests I like to feel comfortable having around, even on my good rugs.

Don't you just hate it when you fall in love with a custom design? Don't know if you will find anything here, but take a scroll through Park Hill Designs: http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=By+Park+Design+Hooked+Rugs&id=C3785AAE18C4F0B4E29050A983F894B62614EDBD&FORM=IDBQDM P.S. I have not had great luck with hooked rugs lasting without yarn pulls, even when barely used. I prefer hand tied wool rugs. YMMV