Antique Isfahan from Central Persia, circa 1900Arabesque vines and palmettes in shades of blue undulate in dynamic rhythms across the soft apricot field of this sumptuously  More »

Antique Isfahan from Central Persia, circa 1900Arabesque vines and palmettes in shades of blue undulate in dynamic rhythms across the soft apricot field of this sumptuously elegant antique Isfahan. Their arrangement effectively defines adjacent compartments of differing form in a larger reciprocal pattern. Various palmettes and flowers fill the intervening spaces. The border asserts a bolder contrast with its golden vines against a deep blue ground, which all provides a clear and truly classic Persian framing effect for the overall composition. Size: 10 ft 03 in x 18 ft (3.12 m x 5.49 m)   « Less

44667 Antique Sultanabad, Persia, late nineteenth century - Antique Sultanabads are famed for their bolder, more spontaneous treatment of classical Persian designs, but this  More »

44667 Antique Sultanabad, Persia, late nineteenth century - Antique Sultanabads are famed for their bolder, more spontaneous treatment of classical Persian designs, but this one has all the finesse and delicate elegance of the classical forerunners. Here we see an allover palmette design reminiscent of the finest Kerman or Isfahan carpets of the Safavid period. Richly detailed palmettes and sprays of flowering vine spread gracefully across the soft terracotta ground in staggered array. The ‘turtle’ vinescroll border is even more finely detailed than the field, with multiple small flowers as additional space fillers, all set against a soft blue ground for a gentle framing contrast. Te softness of the palette offers the perfect complement to the delicacy of the design. Size: 12 ft 02 in x 18 ft (3.71 m x 5.49 m)   « Less

Antique Tabriz, Persia, early twentieth centuryA complex medallion with vase-like finials floats airily within a mesh of flowering arabesque vines and palmettes on the field  More »

Antique Tabriz, Persia, early twentieth centuryA complex medallion with vase-like finials floats airily within a mesh of flowering arabesque vines and palmettes on the field of this exquisitely delicate antique Tabriz. The subtle use of color, relying on tans and pale blues or sage greens causes much of the dizzying detail to recede from our view, so that only the details rendered in dark blue catch our attention. The borders continue this approach to design and color, imparting a harmonious decorative unity to the overall composition. Size: 13 ft 03 in x 18 ft 02 in (4.04 m x 5.54 m)   « Less

43883 Antique Bidjar Runner, Persia, late nineteenth century - Lush palmettes and flowering vines of classical Persian inspiration repeat in rich shades of saffron,  More »

43883 Antique Bidjar Runner, Persia, late nineteenth century - Lush palmettes and flowering vines of classical Persian inspiration repeat in rich shades of saffron, terracotta, and soft blue along the deep navy field of this outstanding antique Bidjar runner. The diagonal pale blue palmettes sprouting flowers reminiscent of crab claws or ‘Harshang’ impart a dynamic excitement to the design amidst the delicate poise of the surrounding elements. The ‘turtle’ vinescroll main border is set against a terracotta ground and is smaller in scale and more finely proportioned to achieve the proper framing contrast to the field. Antique Bidjars are prized for the range and depth of their palette, but they seldom achieve the quality of color that we see in this lovely runner. Size: 4. ft x 18 ft 02 in (1.22 m x 5.54 m)   « Less

Antique Angora Oushak, Turkey, circa 1900 An elegant scalloped medallion with cartouche finials of classical Turkish and Persian derivation is surrounded by cornerpieces  More »

Antique Angora Oushak, Turkey, circa 1900 An elegant scalloped medallion with cartouche finials of classical Turkish and Persian derivation is surrounded by cornerpieces within a spacious open field on this sumptuous antique Oushak. The delicate vinescroll design of the main border recalls the interior ornamental detail and coloration within the medallion. The palette of soft salmon, celadon, and pale aubergine tones is set off to great effect by the exceptionally lustrous Angora wool pile. Size: 11 ft x 18 ft 03 in (3.35 m x 5.56 m)   « Less

Antique Kashan, Persia, early twentieth centuryAn allover design of stylized vases spewing flowering vines unfolds with classic Persian grace and finesse on the field of this  More »

Antique Kashan, Persia, early twentieth centuryAn allover design of stylized vases spewing flowering vines unfolds with classic Persian grace and finesse on the field of this sumptuous antique Kashan. The palette of dominant reds and blues is more reminiscent of Sarouks, however, although the suave drawing and precisely articulated design are quintessentially Kashan. The red-ground vinescroll borders reverse the color effect of the field to provide a suitable frame for the entire composition, while still preserving the overall color harmony of the carpet. The rich velvety pile plays beautifully against the elegant design. Size: 11 ft 06 in x 18 ft 03 in (3.51 m x 5.56 m)   « Less

Antique Heriz /Serapi Silk Rug, Late 19th Century - Lush arabesque interlacing tendrils swirl across the ivory ground of this opulent silk Heriz. Ruby red and sapphire blue  More »

Antique Heriz /Serapi Silk Rug, Late 19th Century - Lush arabesque interlacing tendrils swirl across the ivory ground of this opulent silk Heriz. Ruby red and sapphire blue details shimmer against the ivory, nicely set of by soft cocoa outlines. In place of the massive border typical of Herizes, this example has three smaller borders in red and ivory to balance and contrast the coloration and grand scale of the field. Size: 12 ft x 18 ft 06 in (3.66 m x 5.64 m)   « Less

Antique Kerman rug from Central Persia, circa 1900A bold scalloped medallion enclosed by cornepieces of the same design and coloration comprises the field of this unusual  More »

Antique Kerman rug from Central Persia, circa 1900A bold scalloped medallion enclosed by cornepieces of the same design and coloration comprises the field of this unusual rug, made by master Hossein Kermani whose signature appears in the upper border. The rose-like filler motifs repeat across the ground and the medallion and cornerpieces alike. Only the bold serrated outlines and differing ground color serve to distinguish all these elements. The rose forms used throughout the field recur in somewhat different form in the border, again emphasizing the remarkable formal unity of the carpet. Size: 3. ft 08 in x 18 ft 07 in (1.12 m x 5.66 m)   « Less

Antique Oushak / Ushak, Turkey, circa 1900 While antique Oushak carpets generally have a centralized or medallion design, this Turkish Oushak with its allover pattern comes  More »

Antique Oushak / Ushak, Turkey, circa 1900 While antique Oushak carpets generally have a centralized or medallion design, this Turkish Oushak with its allover pattern comes from the so-called "Selendi bird" design, which consisted of pinwheel-like forms arrayed in rows across the field. Here, a series of delicate forms, including serrated leaves, all in red and apricot tones, help to achieve the subtle, dynamic pinwheel effect. In place of the large borders typical of Oushaks, this carpet has several smaller ones, each with light, linear ornaments that play nicely against the pattern of the field. The light tone on the main border also provides a clear, framing contrast against the deeper hue of the field ground. Size: 13 ft 06 in x 18 ft 09 in (4.11 m x 5.72 m)   « Less

Antique Khorassan, Persia, early twentieth century A delicate pattern of vines and flowers spreads in graceful symmetry across the deep golden field of this elegant antique  More »

Antique Khorassan, Persia, early twentieth century A delicate pattern of vines and flowers spreads in graceful symmetry across the deep golden field of this elegant antique Oriental Khorassan carpet from Persia. A somewhat denser vinescroll comprises the main border, but set against a blue ground that offers a faming contrast to the field color. Gold-ground minor borders offer a transition back to the design and coloration of the field. Size: 9. ft 07 in x 18 ft 09 in (2.92 m x 5.72 m)   « Less