43868 Antique Serab Runner, late nineteenth century - A series of Hexagonal medallions with flowering inner detail repeats down the length of this extraordinary Serab  More »

43868 Antique Serab Runner, late nineteenth century - A series of Hexagonal medallions with flowering inner detail repeats down the length of this extraordinary Serab runner. The use of a uniform dark camel ground and the same floral embellishment within and without the medallions creates the impression of an allover openwork trellis. The narrow vinescroll border yields pride of place to the field design. But the most striking and unusual aspect of this piece is the series of large serrated Boteh or paisley motifs that repeat in series around the border. The palette of fiery terracotta, soft blues, greens, mauve, and ivory is particularly effective against the camel. Style: Serab Origin: Persia Size: 3. ft 06 in x 12 ft 07 in (1.07 m x 3.84 m)   « Less

Style: Kilim Origin: Persia Size: 5. ft x 13 ft (1.52 m x 3.96 m)

Style: Kilim Origin: Persia Size: 5. ft x 13 ft (1.52 m x 3.96 m)   « Less

Style: Kazak Origin: Caucasus Size: 3. ft 09 in x 13 ft 04 in (1.14 m x 4.06 m)

Style: Kazak Origin: Caucasus Size: 3. ft 09 in x 13 ft 04 in (1.14 m x 4.06 m)   « Less

Northwest Persian, late nineteenth centurySo-called Northwest antique Persian carpets of this kind tend to reflect the abstract design sensibilities of tribal or village  More »

Northwest Persian, late nineteenth centurySo-called Northwest antique Persian carpets of this kind tend to reflect the abstract design sensibilities of tribal or village weaving, but within a larger, room-size format. On this example a staggered allover lattice defined by sawtooth leaves encloses stylized vases emitting flowering vines. A richly detailed ‘turtle’ vinescroll main border encloses the field design, set against a darker tan ground for contrast. The reserved, tone-on-tone palette of the carpet offsets the complexity of the design, increasing its potential as a decorative carpet. Style: North West Origin: Persia Size: 12 ft 01 in x 14 ft (3.68 m x 4.27 m)   « Less

Antique Afshar Rug, Origin: Persia, Circa: Late 19th Century - Here is a beautifully woven and exciting antique Oriental rug - an antique Afshar rug that was woven in  More »

Antique Afshar Rug, Origin: Persia, Circa: Late 19th Century - Here is a beautifully woven and exciting antique Oriental rug - an antique Afshar rug that was woven in Persia during the waning years of the 19th century. Characterized by a compelling and typically Afshar composition, this antique Persian rug is an excellent example of the enduringly popular tribal aesthetic that makes some of the best antique rugs most desirable to collectors. Afshar carpets like this are notable for combining classical design traditions with the abstraction and expressiveness of tribal rug weaving. Here the classical heritage reigns supreme in the field, where an allover pattern of fine palmettes unfolds in a closely worked, staggered arrangement. Still, the larger medallions arranged in a four-fold diamond grouping at either end of the field derive from the more abstract, geometric tradition of tribal weaving, as does the main border of cruciform motifs flanked by 'running dog' minor borders. The rich, saturated quality of the color is also classic Afshar, with its deep terracotta and greens set off nicely by pale blue and gold. Style: Afshar Origin: Persia Size: 5. ft 03 in x 14 ft 03 in (1.60 m x 4.34 m)   « Less

Antique Oushak / Ushak, Turkey, circa 1900 Subtle color and design combine to make this a particularly wonderful antique Oushak. In the field, palmettes of classical  More »

Antique Oushak / Ushak, Turkey, circa 1900 Subtle color and design combine to make this a particularly wonderful antique Oushak. In the field, palmettes of classical derivation grow from a trellis of large serrated vines. But the soft color of the trellis makes it recede into the neutral buff ground, so that the darker palmettes almost appear to float in an empty, spacious field. The serrated forms of the trellis recur in the border where they stand out more because of the deeper color that contrasts to the soft palette of the field. Although restrained and self-possessed, this carpet is full of interest because it has surprises for those who look carefully. Style: Oushak / Ushak Origin: Turkey Size: 12 ft 03 in x 14 ft 05 in (3.73 m x 4.39 m)   « Less

Antique Serab Runner, Persia, late nineteenth century - A network of ogival compartments defined by beaded vines unfolds with consummate grace across the soft salmon field  More »

Antique Serab Runner, Persia, late nineteenth century - A network of ogival compartments defined by beaded vines unfolds with consummate grace across the soft salmon field of this lovely antique Serab. Abstract floral sprays fill t he various compartments of the field, while similar designs on a smaller scale comprise the main border in a box format. A minor vinescroll border makes a nice transition back to the undulating rhythms of the field. Style: Serab Origin: Persia Size: 3. ft 06 in x 15 ft 09 in (1.07 m x 4.80 m)   « Less

Antique Serab, Persia, early twentieth centuryHexagonal medallions with finials float within a patterned field on this richly detailed antique Serab. Surrounding cornerpieces  More »

Antique Serab, Persia, early twentieth centuryHexagonal medallions with finials float within a patterned field on this richly detailed antique Serab. Surrounding cornerpieces and half medallions enclose the medallions, echoing their coloration and interior detail. The ground, patterned with a tone-on-tone honeycomb design, still functions essentially as a textured open field against the more richly colored medallions and cornerpieces. Narrow borders frame the entire composition, again echoing the color scheme and design elements of the medallions. Style: Serab Origin: Persia Size: 5. ft 07 in x 16 ft 03 in (1.70 m x 4.95 m)   « Less

Northwest Persian Carpet, 18th century - this exciting and unusual antique Northwest Persian long carpet translates the design of small village rugs to a monumental,  More »

Northwest Persian Carpet, 18th century - this exciting and unusual antique Northwest Persian long carpet translates the design of small village rugs to a monumental, room-size format. The zig-zag lattice with its fill of floral sprays, as well as the rosette vinescroll border are reminiscent of smaller Caucasian and Kurdish rugs, as is the rich, saturated coloration. But here these features are allowed to sweep majestically before the viewer on a large scale. The overall effect is heightened especially by the dark ground border that contrasts so dramatically with the lovely saffron-tan field. Style: North West Origin: Persia Size: 6. ft 07 in x 16 ft 05 in (2.01 m x 5.00 m)   « Less

Antique Northwest Persian, late nineteenth centuryThe term ‘Northwest’ is used to designate a distinctive group of antique Persian rugs and carpets produced in  More »

Antique Northwest Persian, late nineteenth centuryThe term ‘Northwest’ is used to designate a distinctive group of antique Persian rugs and carpets produced in the Trans-Caucasus region, but whose precise origin remains unknown. True to form, this magnificent example seems closely related to the Bidjar, Serapi, and Bakshaish carpets of Northwest Persia, but nonetheless it stands apart. Here a grand indented diamond medallion in ivory and black floats within a lush complex Mina Khani or trellis design of multi-colored vines and palmettes, all set against a dramatic black ground. A vinescroll border on a red ground offers the perfect framing effect. The unusually varied and rich coloration suggests ties with Kurdish weaving as well. Style: North West Origin: Persia Size: 7. ft 01 in x 16 ft 08 in (2.16 m x 5.08 m)   « Less