Antique Sarouk, Persia, early twentieth centuryRich sprays of flowering branches and palmettes repeat in allover symmetry across the soft salmon-gold field of this exuberant  More »

Antique Sarouk, Persia, early twentieth centuryRich sprays of flowering branches and palmettes repeat in allover symmetry across the soft salmon-gold field of this exuberant antique Sarouk. The same elements are re-arranged to make up the main border, but set against a dark ground for framing contrast, while minor borders offer a transition between the coloration of the field and border. The lush and lustrous pile accentuates the luxurious effects of the design and color. Size: 4. ft 06 in x 11 ft 08 in (1.37 m x 3.56 m)   « Less

Style: Sarouk Origin: Persia Size: 13 ft 04 in x 13 ft 06 in (4.06 m x 4.11 m)

Style: Sarouk Origin: Persia Size: 13 ft 04 in x 13 ft 06 in (4.06 m x 4.11 m)   « Less

43076 Antique Bakshaish, Persia, late nineteenth century This extraordinary antique Bakshaish has a design derived from Caucasian rugs woven further north. In the field  More »

43076 Antique Bakshaish, Persia, late nineteenth century This extraordinary antique Bakshaish has a design derived from Caucasian rugs woven further north. In the field is a series of quatrefoil medallions surrounded by barberpole outlines in diamond configuration which emit in turn antenna-like projections to either side. Smaller medallions with internal palmettes and dragon-like floral motifs fill the remaining space of the field. A rich figure-eight vinescroll or ‘crab’ border encloses the field, with reinforcing minor borders of serial rosettes. But despite the arresting design, the ultimate glory of this rug is the rich and varied range of colors, especially the way they work together as a diverse yet harmonious ensemble. Size: 5. ft 08 in x 14 ft 06 in (1.73 m x 4.42 m)   « Less

Antique Karabagh, Caucasus, circa 1900 The antique Karabagh rugs of the Caucasus often relate to the Persian village weaving traditions from further south, although at  More »

Antique Karabagh, Caucasus, circa 1900 The antique Karabagh rugs of the Caucasus often relate to the Persian village weaving traditions from further south, although at times they reflect western European style and taste. In this magnificent example both traditions come together to remarkable effect. The basic field design is the so-called ‘mother and child’ pattern – large Boteh or paisley forms with complex filler designs. But here they are filled with naturalistic floral patterns derived from French Aubusson and Savonnerie carpets. Delicate floral motifs along with stylized animal and human forms of classic Karabagh type fill out the field, with a simple, narrow Karabagh vinescroll border framing the entire composition. The rich, dramatic palette of deep terracotta, pale green, and black is also in the best Karabagh tradition. Size: 3. ft 04 in x 14 ft 07 in (1.02 m x 4.45 m)   « Less

Chinese Carpet, late nineteenth centuryAlthough the weave and coloration of this elegant and unusual antique carpet are undoubtedly Chinese, the Mina Khani or vinescroll  More »

Chinese Carpet, late nineteenth centuryAlthough the weave and coloration of this elegant and unusual antique carpet are undoubtedly Chinese, the Mina Khani or vinescroll trellis design laden with palmettes and flowers is classic Persian. The drawing of the design is excitedly kinetic with delicate zig-zagging quality throughout. The effect of the design elements in red, soft blue and ivory against the black ground is strikingly effective, in perfect contrast to the pastel effect of the vinescroll border that frames the field. The silken reflective quality of the wool pile is also characteristic of the finest antique Chinese carpets of this kind. Size: 12 ft 03 in x 14 ft 09 in (3.73 m x 4.50 m)   « Less

42520 Antique Kerman, Persia, 1870's delicately drawn Herati pattern in shades of soft blue and cocoa spreads with elegant precision across the soft gold ground of this  More »

42520 Antique Kerman, Persia, 1870's delicately drawn Herati pattern in shades of soft blue and cocoa spreads with elegant precision across the soft gold ground of this exquisite and exceptionally early antique Kerman. Multiple thin vinescroll borders on the same gold ground take the place of one large one, thereby preserving the delicacy, scale, and palette of the field design, and giving the entire piece a lovely decorative unity. Size: 8. ft 02 in x 16 ft 08 in (2.49 m x 5.08 m)   « Less

Antique Kerman rug from Central Persia, circa 1900The design and coloration of this extraordinary antique Kerman is unique among carpets of this kind. The somewhat western or  More »

Antique Kerman rug from Central Persia, circa 1900The design and coloration of this extraordinary antique Kerman is unique among carpets of this kind. The somewhat western or European pattern of naturalistic roses and flowers in rich reds and greens relates much more to certain Armenian Karabagh rugs, although here it appears on a much larger, grander format with more extensive, controlled rhythmic repetitions in staggered horizontal rows. The borders function like the edges of a formal garden enclosing these beds of roses. Size: 8. ft 04 in x 16 ft 09 in (2.54 m x 5.11 m)   « Less

Antique Kerman, Persia, early twentieth centuryA delicate medallion design reminiscent of Belgian lace unfolds across the delicate blue field of this luxurious antique  More »

Antique Kerman, Persia, early twentieth centuryA delicate medallion design reminiscent of Belgian lace unfolds across the delicate blue field of this luxurious antique Kerman. Undulating strings of flowering vines surround the medallion, followed by architectonic, arch-like cornerpieces at either end. Like the medallion and the cornerpieces, the border continues the lacey effect and pastel coloration. The thick, luxuriant pile underscores the aura of elegant opulence effected by the design. Size: 9. ft 08 in x 17 ft 01 in (2.95 m x 5.21 m)   « Less

Antique Chinese Peking (Beijing) Oriental Carpet, circa 1920 This supremely elegant Peking carpet exemplifies the design principle that less can be more. The ornamental  More »

Antique Chinese Peking (Beijing) Oriental Carpet, circa 1920 This supremely elegant Peking carpet exemplifies the design principle that less can be more. The ornamental details have been kept to a minimum. Fine vines and tiny flowers sprawl along the outer edges of a field that is otherwise occupied only by a small see-through medallion and a few floral sprays. The contrasting blue border is likewise largely open or empty. Such formal elegance and restraint are classically Chinese and regal, making this a carpet fit for a palace. Size: 9. ft 11 in x 17 ft 05 in (3.02 m x 5.31 m)   « Less

Antique Khotan Rug from East Turkestan, early twentieth century - This elegant antique Khotan carpet has a lattice field design adapted from Chodor and Ersari Turkoman rugs,  More »

Antique Khotan Rug from East Turkestan, early twentieth century - This elegant antique Khotan carpet has a lattice field design adapted from Chodor and Ersari Turkoman rugs, although the soft, sandy coloration is distinctly Khotan. There is a fine, tone-on-tone mesh of floral detail within the lattice proper, but it hardly shows up, making the whole design look more open. While the inner border is classically Turkoman, the outer one is the floral cloudband so dear to Khotan weavers. Despite its varied background, this carpet is nonetheless a picture of perfect harmony. Size: 9. ft 03 in x 17 ft 11 in (2.82 m x 5.46 m)   « Less