Resembling that of hieroglyphics, this Moroccan rug tells a mystery of a story to its viewers. It looks like a design that only a master cryptographer could truly understand.  More »

Resembling that of hieroglyphics, this Moroccan rug tells a mystery of a story to its viewers. It looks like a design that only a master cryptographer could truly understand. Perfectly asymmetrical, the rug tells a story rather than trying to display a pattern. This is one of the most intriguing rugs in our collection. If not for the solid black and white contrast of the piece, then for the cryptic message it carries. Style: Region Specific Origin: Morocco Size: 5. ft x 10 ft (1.52 m x 3.05 m)   « Less

43812 Antique Sumak, Persia, late nineteenth century. Sumak flatwoven carpets like this are prized for the crisp, precise geometry of their design and their rich but  More »

43812 Antique Sumak, Persia, late nineteenth century. Sumak flatwoven carpets like this are prized for the crisp, precise geometry of their design and their rich but delicate palette. The best-known Sumaks are those of the Caucasus. Those produced in Northern Persia like this are much rarer. Here the field consists of an unusual allover pattern of octagonal and diamond medallions framed by a hexagonal lattice of latch hook vines and serrated leafy fronds. The ‘dragon’ border recalls the Sumaks of the Caucasus, although it is rendered here in a distinctive, unusual way, with diamond forms interspersed among the ‘dragons.’ The use of contrasting but harmonious color nicely complements the complexity of the design. Style: Sumak / Soumak Origin: Persia Size: 5. ft 09 in x 11 ft (1.75 m x 3.35 m)   « Less

Antique Northwest Persian Long Rug, late nineteenth century. The term Northwest Persian is used to distinguish an outstanding group of antique Persian village rug weavings  More »

Antique Northwest Persian Long Rug, late nineteenth century. The term Northwest Persian is used to distinguish an outstanding group of antique Persian village rug weavings closely related to Caucasian carpets produced further north. This splendid example has all the bold graphic power of a great medallion Kazak. Star medallions in gold, ivory, green, and navy repeat down the length of the rich red field. The filling ornamental detail is excitingly archaic and dynamic its drawing, recalling as it does the best early Caucasian and Turkish village rugs. The ‘dragon’ border adds the final touch, framing the field with a comparable mastery of form and color. Style: North West Origin: Persia Size: 4. ft 07 in x 11 ft 04 in (1.40 m x 3.45 m)   « Less

43827 Antique Karabagh, Caucasus, late nineteenth century - A highly abstract composite medallion with finials sits within a warm ivory field on this virtually one-of-a kind  More »

43827 Antique Karabagh, Caucasus, late nineteenth century - A highly abstract composite medallion with finials sits within a warm ivory field on this virtually one-of-a kind antique Karabagh. Similar medallions hover above and below the central one with a array of stylized vines and tiny animals filling the areas in between. Multiple narrow borders combine to frame the field. The range and depth of the color is outstanding, but perhaps the most unusual feature of this extraordinary piece is way that the borders indent slightly to make space for the central medallion, imparting a dynamic elasticity to the overall design. Style: Karabagh Origin: Caucasus Size: 4. ft 01 in x 12 ft 01 in (1.24 m x 3.68 m)   « Less

Antique Bakshaish, Persia, late nineteenth century Recalling the design of Serab rugs, bold hexagonal medallions connected in series run down the length of the natural camel  More »

Antique Bakshaish, Persia, late nineteenth century Recalling the design of Serab rugs, bold hexagonal medallions connected in series run down the length of the natural camel field on this striking antique Bakshaish runner. A serrated vine leaf border on a soft red ground frames the field, enclosed by two additional minor ivory-ground vinescroll borders. The rich color and detail of the border system provides a marvelous contrast to the larger scale, simplicity and cool tones of the field. Style: Bakshaish Origin: Persia Size: 3. ft 06 in x 12 ft 06 in (1.07 m x 3.81 m)   « Less

Antique Bakshaish Long Rug, Persia, late nineteenth century. Although the design of linked hexagonal medallions on a camel ground is of classic Serab derivation, the bolder,  More »

Antique Bakshaish Long Rug, Persia, late nineteenth century. Although the design of linked hexagonal medallions on a camel ground is of classic Serab derivation, the bolder, more graphic design and color, and the weave as well, all identify this magnificent carpet as Bakshaish. The sense of color in the medallions is extraordinary, especially against the cool camel ground. The dense yet understated figure-eight and barber pole borders provide the perfect framing contrast fro the openness of the field. Style: Bakshaish Origin: Persia Size: 3. ft 09 in x 12 ft 09 in (1.14 m x 3.89 m)   « Less

Style: Bakshaish Origin: Persia Size: 3. ft 04 in x 13 ft 06 in (1.02 m x 4.11 m)

Style: Bakshaish Origin: Persia Size: 3. ft 04 in x 13 ft 06 in (1.02 m x 4.11 m)   « Less

Antique Karabagh Long Rug, Caucasus, late nineteenth century. A dazzling design of complex stylized palmettes set within a honeycomb lattice repeats down the length of this  More »

Antique Karabagh Long Rug, Caucasus, late nineteenth century. A dazzling design of complex stylized palmettes set within a honeycomb lattice repeats down the length of this crisply elegant antique Karabagh. The design elements are mostly in gold and pastel tones with sparing splashes of richer color for accent, while the dark ground functions as little more than an emphatic outline around the main forms. The figure-eight double vinescroll main border echoes the honeycomb design of the field, while its flanking blue-ground running dog minor borders at just the right touch of framing contrast. Style: Karabagh Origin: Caucasus Size: 4. ft 02 in x 13 ft 09 in (1.27 m x 4.19 m)   « Less

Antique Heriz Rug, Circa 1900 This splendid Heriz runner has an interesting mix of stylized pendants laid out in an unusual manner. What makes this so intriguing is the  More »

Antique Heriz Rug, Circa 1900 This splendid Heriz runner has an interesting mix of stylized pendants laid out in an unusual manner. What makes this so intriguing is the unconventional execution of the pendants and the randomness in which the weaver placed them. Style: Heriz-Serapi Origin: Persia Size: 3. ft 01 in x 14 ft (0.94 m x 4.27 m)   « Less

Antique Heriz Serapi Runner, Persia, late nineteenth centuryHeriz carpets in a runner format are not uncommon, but most tend to belong to the sub-group known as Karadja.  More »

Antique Heriz Serapi Runner, Persia, late nineteenth centuryHeriz carpets in a runner format are not uncommon, but most tend to belong to the sub-group known as Karadja. Runners like this one belonging to the finest Heriz or 'Serapi' group, however, are rare. Here a series of graphic abstract medallions repeat along a warm red terracotta field with highly geometric floral elements interspersed as space fillers. The boldly abstract vinescroll borders echo the tribal feeling of the field design, as well as its lovely palette of ivory, soft blues, and greens set against the terracotta tones. A truly extraordinary piece. Style: Heriz-Serapi Origin: Persia Size: 3. ft 04 in x 16 ft 02 in (1.02 m x 4.93 m)   « Less