Garabed Apelian was a master weaver (ustad) originally from the city of KAYSERI in Central Anatolia (Turkey). He moved to IstanbuL during the early twentieth century and opened his workshop in Kadik Pasha, a suburb of the city. He was known for his perfection in rug design, coloration, and execution.
Designs featuring animals and birds with * Shah Abbas palmette, leaf, and vine motifs among all over and Mihrab (prayer arch) styles are characteristics of Apelian's artwork. His rugs are very finely made with a silk foundation and a silk pile. His weavings include gold and silver metallic threads (brocade) for the wefts.
Apelian separated himself from other HEREKE and KUM KAPI master weavers who mainly chose reds or ivory for the background during this period (you can read more about masters of Hereke here). His rugs characteristically have a variety of background colorations, such as cinnamon, silver, gold, and reddish brown.
Garabed Apelian rugs are rare in the antique market. Collectors and consumers are willing to pay high prices for his woven artworks, which are considered to be an investment by connoisseurs.
Source: The Encyclopedia of Antique Carpets: Twenty-Five Centuries of Weaving
Abraham Levi Moheban