Antique Persian Isfahan Rug

This Persian Isfahan rug dates to about 1900.

Its field design depicts a large, mainly red central medallion decorated with intertwining tendrils in shades of blue. The medallion is set on a white ground, which is embellished with a rich tapestry of tendrils, flowers and arabesques. The main border on a pale red, slightly pink ground depicts a repeat of flower arrangements emanating from tufts of grass. 

Whilst the main part of the rug is typical of an Isfahan carpet, one of the minor borders is somewhat unusual: it contains a continuous chain of more geometrical elements in the manner of a rectangularly executed knot.

Such rugs were often made by village weavers who had purchased a cartoon from a specialist shop in the bazaar giving them all the information they needed to weave the carpet. The result, as in the case in hand, was weaving in the style of a workshop rug. 

It has a wool pile on a cotton foundation and is in excellent condition, sill retaining the original braiding on the ends.

Carpets and rugs of this provenance, especially those on a white ground, are sought-after decorative pieces for the more formal interior.

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This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance

Condition report

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