Fine Decorative Persian Carpets and Collectible Tribal Rugs
Lesghi Star Shirvan Persia, Caucasus Region, ca. 1910 Wool, 81 x 45 inches This beautifully configured rug from the Caucasus region features pure, vibrant colors and an excellent weave. It is extremely rare to find antique Lesghi Star Shirvan rugs in this state of preservation with original ends and sides. Six powerful Lesghi stars which form a chain of medallions stand out against the midnight blue ground of this carpet. The interior of each medallion holds latch-hook medallions with diamonds in their core. The border decoration is taken from the classical repertoire of Shirvan carpets: serrated leaf and wine cup motif flanked with octagonal rosettes.
Daghestan Prayer Rug Daghestan, North Caucasus Region, ca. mid-19th century Wool, 43 x 50 inches Clear, austere style marks this splendid pile rug. The prayer niche, accentuated by a floral band with “Z” motifs, gives it a striking character. The diamond repeat is displayed with the clarity typical of the mountainous region of the northeastern Caucasus. The diamond repeat contains a profusion of flowering shrubs and sprays. Diamonds in a checker pattern symbolize the diversity of the world. The main border displays the double “Z” – an abstract form of an erstwhile zoomorphic design that is characteristic for this type of rug. This is framed by two secondary borders with the same stylistic elements as the band around the prayer niche. On the inner edge of the border framework there is a reciprocal floral device guard-stripe.
Senneh Kilim Western Persia, ca. 19th century Wool, 41 x 61 inches The kilims of the Sanandaj region of Kurdestan, under the name of Senneh, have been renowned for centuries. Safavid kilims must be considered precursors to the Senneh kilims, for a great many features of the Safavid kilim can be found in them. The delicacy and tightness of weave in these kilims, as well as their patterns and designs, bear out such a relationship. The pattern of Senneh kilims generally consists of repeated bottehs—or star-filled octagons—motifs. The weave structure generally used in the Senneh kilim is inclined-slit tapestry with eccentric weft.
Veramin Kilim Persia Wool, 156 x 66 inches WC-C0006 Virtually every Iranian tribe or ethnic group is represented in Veramin, a vast expanse of wilderness south of Tehran. Diverse weavings necessarily are a hallmark of this area. The Shahsavan of Veramin are represented by two kilims, the first with a striped composition and diamond-shaped stars, and the second with a comb-like pattern. The eye-dazzling design and vivid, varied colors of this rug is characteristic of Veramin.
Serapi Northwest Persia, ca. 19th century Wool, 158 x 111 inches WC-C0020 This spirited 19th century Serapi carpet exemplifies the compelling asymmetry and primal motifs of this style. Classically formatted, it features a palette of deeply saturated tones and an utmost clarity of design. Bold, stylized flora enlivens the regal carnelian red background. Striking dragon pendants radiate from a grand medallion onto a densely adorned field, and then reappear in each of its spacious corner pieces along with numerous expressively drawn organic forms.
Hajikabul Shirvan Hajikabul, Azerbaijan, ca. 19th century Wool, 57 x 89 inches WC-C0011 From the village of Hajikabul in Azerbaijan, this rug features a central field that displays an elongated octagonal medallion characteristic of the given pattern, enclosing round motifs called the alma or apple; the medallion framed by zigzags comprising a hexagon; elsewhere in the field are geometrical motifs, and the central area is framed by four graduated borders.
Surahani Shirvan Surakhany, Apsheron Peninsula, Turkey Wool, 102 x 56 inches WC-C0012 Also known as baku, the Surahani Shirvan is specific to a coastal region of Turkey, and this example exemplifies the bold patterning and vibrant colors which exemplify the area’s renowned textile practice. The central cross patterning of this rug is offset with multitudinous ornaments and figures.
Bordjalou Kazak The Caucasus, ca. 19th century Wool, 48 x 114 inches WC-C0014 The varied cultures of the Caucasus region are reflected in the wide scope of rugs produced in the area. There is one Caucasian rug about which there can be no doubt; the family stamp is unmistakable. They are called Kazaks. Basic characteristics are the fine quality of the wool and a relatively high pile, occasionally close to three quarters of an inch thick. The art is expressed in rugged construction with bold scale of patterns and colors deep and rich. Kazak pieces are renowned for their execution, technique, scale, and color.
Çanakkale Bergamo Çanakkale Province, Western Anatolia, ca. 19th century Wool, 59 x 78 inches WC-C0015 This elaborately detailed rug features a central cruciform medallion, surrounded by apotropaic stylistic elements that also provide the secondary canon in the compartments around the medallions. The lushly designed border features interesting and varied motifs. The inner border features a scrolling vine design, belonging to the characteristic iconography of this province.
Gashgai Shekarlu Southwest Persia, 19th century Wool, 82 x 65 inches WC-C0018 Vibrant patterning and expressive color characterize many antique weavings from the Zagros Mountains of Southern Persia. Bordered by an elaborately detailed flower-andstem motif, the rug’s central area is dominated by kaleidoscopic colors, and a variety of designs, including medallions, leaves, and abstract or symbolic elements.
Sudj Bulah Runner Northwest Persia, 19th century Wool, 82 x 65 inches WC-C0019 This ornately detailed, elegant rug centrally features a rich blue, overlaid with golden designs and floral embellishments. Outer borders consist of varying designs, primarily in alternating tones of cream and red.
Hadji Jalili Tabriz Northwest Persia, 19th century Wool, 137 x 108 inches WC-C0021 The weavers of Tabriz in northern Persia are responsible for the largest number of extant examples of classical carpets held in museum collections worldwide. The town of Tabriz, a cultural center that was heavily influenced by the Ottomans, Armenia and the Caucasus also had a geographical location that provided all the necessary elements for the production of carpets of outstanding quality, namely high quality wool and plant materials used for dyes. Tabriz carpets as we know them now are generally of high quality but there is one workshop that was established during the last quarter of the 19th century that produced carpets of outstanding quality, the workshop of Hadji Jalili. The master designer named Jalili became famous for carpets produced of the finest quality materials skillfully knotted with a palette that has become a hallmark identifying carpets from his atelier. The palette replaced the more traditional heavily saturated colors used in the area with softer, more muted tones of rust, taupe, teal, and celadon. The wools used are of the highest quality and produced carpets that when clipped appropriately close have a frosty quality to the surface. The best examples display a luster that reminds one of silk velvet. Tabriz carpets from this workshop were highly valued from the day they were produced and remain one of the most coveted antique carpets sought by collectors and connoisseurs. Examples in fine condition have become extremely rare.
Eastern Anatolia Lenkoran Northeast Turkey, 19th century Wool, 126 x 61 inches WC-C0023 This colorful rug, with four seemingly zoomorphic, central palmettes and crossing panels on a ground of Adriatic blue, was made in Northeast Turkey, perhaps in an Armenian village. Its border is taken from the so-called yuruk style of eastern Anatolia. The Lenkoran pattern carries its name from a city of that name by the Caspian Sea. This piece shows a kazak-like knotting with three to four red wefts on natural un-dyed wool with plaited-end finishes seen in Kurdish nomadic pieces. While several carpets of this type featuring this splendid and obviously archaic design are known and have been published, this superb carpet may be the only surviving main carpet of this type.
Karapinar Central Anatolia, ca. 19th century Wool, 62 x 51 inches WC-C0025 From central Anatolia, Karapinars employ distinctive stylistic tools and reflect iconographic traditions that are deeply rooted in Anatolian culture. This piece has the dimensions of the classic Anatolian village prayer rug. An off-white border with colorful floral designs surrounds a richly hued central composition. A central creamcolored medallion is outlined in red and features a nested blue diamond.
Moghan Mofrash Persia Wool, 16 x 42 inches WC-C0022 (Kermanshah) and WC-C0032 (Shahsavan) The Mofrash is a type of cargo bag. In many cases, these satchels are split up and sold in pieces; the two examples here are complete and original. These striking pieces came from the Shahsavan and Kermanshah Provinces of Persia and were woven using the slit tapestry species of weft-faced plain weave.
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Cihanbeyli Carpet Cihanbeyli, Central Anatolia Wool, 54 x 42 inches WC-C0037 Kurdish rugs from this area exhibit beautiful, rich cochineal and almost always contain a vivid red prayer box set against a green field. Similarly characteristic is the inclusion of a white stepped surrounding border. The weave on this carpet is especially fine and soft, indicative of very finely spun wool.
Yomud Fixed-Weave Carpet Turkmenistan, ca. 19th century Wool, 120 x 60 inches WC-C0005 This finely woven rug is richly rendered in the color palette normal to its type. Flatweaves from the second half of the 19th century are almost always wider in format with a relatively sparse use of cotton in the white areas. Towards the end of the 19th century, such weavings became narrower, with broader patterned bands in the kilim technique and narrower dividing bands in the so-called oidume technique, a form of brocading. The border is also worked in this latter, richly detailed technique.
Daghestan Kilim Daghestan Wool, 69 x 123 inches WC-C0007 The mountainous area of the northeast Caucasus called Daghestan is inhabited by culturally varied, independent groups of people. Perhaps the powerfully vibrant and eccentrically styled rugs reflect this independence and cultural variation. The two large abstract designs that dominate this rug are imbued with meticulously detailed patterning. Outer borders feature floral and “S� motifs.
Obruk Djidjim Obruk, Central Anatolia, early 20th century Wool, 104 x 57 inches WC-C0013 Obruk, a village in Turkey, is one of the largest and richest textile centers in the area. A special characteristic of Obruk wool is that it can be spun very finely; this is one of the reasons why the quality of rugs from this region is so exquisite. This beautifully preserved, dynamically graphic tribal flatweave is woven in the so-called djidjim brocading technique.
Ferraghan Sarouk Western Persia, second half of 19th century Wool, 80 x 55 inches WC-C0016 With its subtle coloration and perfection of formal stylistics, this imposing carpet reflects the high standards achieved by pile-weaving centers in the northern Arak region during the Qajar Renaissance. The complex filigree repeat that stands out against the off-white ground is indebted to the local tradition. Between a row of fanshaped blossoms and lancet leaves, there stretches a scrolling vine with blossoms, small rosettes, leaves, and floral embellishments. The main border evidences great skill and the secondary borders are typical for the stylistic canon of this province.
Ferraghan Sarouk Prayer Rug West Persia, ca. early 20th century Wool, 80 x 55 inches WC-C0017 The west Persian region of Ferraghan is known for highly developed pile-weaving. The harmonious composition, mirrored along the vertical axis, displays clear courtly traits. The floral canon almost makes us forget that the asymmetry of pillars, tree motifs, and gracefully curved niches had a function in the strictly utilitarian category of pile weaving: this luxurious carpet would have served as a prayer rug for a member of the Qajar elite. The vertical axis is formed by a brown tree motif which leads into a magnificent palmette in the prayer niche at the top.
Gashgai Kilim Southwestern Iran, ca. 19th century Wool, 111 x 68 inches WC-C0026 Sophisticated, graphic layout and expressive color characterize this exquisite Gashgai Kilim. Three large, concentric diamonds form the central pattern, surrounded by fourleaved floral cruciform shapes in red, cream, and gold. The zig-zag outer border is composed of vibrant, brilliantly contrasting colors.
Yomud Yurt Door Runner Turkmenistan, ca. 19th century Wool, 105 x 44 inches WC-C0028 This gorgeous rug was most likely made in the border regions between the mountain pastures of the Kopet Dag region, the shores of the Caspian Sea, and the semi-deserts of the Kara Kum. The elegant patterning of this rug is wonderfully offset by its cream tassels and its curving border, which incorporates alternating colors found in the inner part of the rug.
Keyhole Shirvan Caucasus Region Wool, 49 x 74 inches WC-C0029 The varied cultures and artistic influences of the Caucasus region are immediately visible in this Shirvan carpet from the. Medallions of varying sizes and colors are surrounded by floral designs, and linked together above a rich red ground that features four-petaled plant forms. The carpet’s border consists of multi-colored, dynamic designs.
Malatya Flatweave Malatya Region, Turkey Wool, 135 x 76 inches WC-C0033 This handsome rug features graphic patterning in moderated shades of red, blue, and cream. Alternating bands spread across the rug, consisting of both an interrupted stripe motif and a subtle array of multi-colored medallions.
Malatya Flatweave Malatya Region, Turkey Wool, 163 x 79 inches WC-C0034 This rug features a variety of design techniques; interrupted or “fence� striped details alternate with linked diamond patterns and areas of richly colored medallions. The Eastern Anatolian province from where this style of rug originates is well-regarded for its use of moderated, subtle tones and sophisticated graphic compositions.
Cihanbeyli Kurd Carpet Cihanbeyli Region, Turkey Wool, 79 x 52 inches WC-C0036 Kurdish rugs from this region of Turkey exhibit dynamic, richly colored designs. This wonderfully detailed carpet features a pattern of cascading, intricately bordered diamonds in shades of purple and blue, set dramatically against a cream background. The main border of the rug incorporates a motif of vibrantly colored, nested designs.
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