Antique Malayer, Persia, late nineteenth centuryA series of ivory medallions with projecting hooks repeats down the field of this exuberant antique Malayer. The field ground  More »

Antique Malayer, Persia, late nineteenth centuryA series of ivory medallions with projecting hooks repeats down the field of this exuberant antique Malayer. The field ground is navy blue, but it appears as little more than a dark outline around the dense, closely worked red vinescroll detail that surrounds the medallions. Zig-zag triangular red cornerpieces with lush vinescroll filling complete the field with its dominant red theme. An ivory ground vinescroll border frames the field with the requisite contrast, while also echoing the palette and detail of the medallions. More reminiscent of Persian Bidjar rugs, this design and palette is unusual within the Malayer genre. Style: Malayer Origin: Persia Size: 5. ft 05 in x 16 ft 02 in (1.65 m x 4.93 m)   « Less

Antique Khotan, East Turkestan, early 20th centuryAntique Khotans were woven in East Turkestan, located along the Silk Road at the crossroads of civilization. As such they  More »

Antique Khotan, East Turkestan, early 20th centuryAntique Khotans were woven in East Turkestan, located along the Silk Road at the crossroads of civilization. As such they represent a blending of diverse cultural traditions, always fresh and unpredictable. This magnificent example boasts a classic Khotan design, an allover field pattern of floral bouquets laden with leaves and pomegranates, all set against a midnight blue ground. The inner border displays the ‘hundred and one gifts’ motif, a classic Chinese theme, while the outer one has a classic Chinese cloudband pattern with a meander guard stripe. The middle border, however, has a design from further west, a vinescroll of Persian origin. But despite this diversity, the result is marvelously unified and harmonious, and this is the magic of Khotan design. The dominant soft golden tones balance the blues well, making this a first-rate decorative rug. Style: Khotan Origin: East Turkestan Size: 8. ft 05 in x 16 ft 03 in (2.57 m x 4.95 m)   « Less

Antique Bidjar, Persia, late nineteenth centuryA grand ogival medallion with elaborate finials floats majestically within an abrashed blue-green open field on this stunning  More »

Antique Bidjar, Persia, late nineteenth centuryA grand ogival medallion with elaborate finials floats majestically within an abrashed blue-green open field on this stunning antique Bidjar. A quatrefoil of palmettes and leafy sprays fill the interior against a red ground with graphic gold edging. Golden spandrels filled with a lively vinescroll design complete the field, enclosed by a similar main border on a soft red ground. Reciprocal trefoil minor borders flank the main one, enhancing its framing effect against the spandrels, while an outer blue-green edge zone reprises the tonality open field. For color and graphic power, this Bidjar has no peer within its genre. Style: Bidjar / Bijar Origin: Persia Size: 8. ft 08 in x 18 ft 02 in (2.64 m x 5.54 m)   « Less

Unlike many carpets in the Kerman style, this rug features an exceptionally rich, unadorned field woven with high-quality blue yarn, consistent dye quality, and a level of  More »

Unlike many carpets in the Kerman style, this rug features an exceptionally rich, unadorned field woven with high-quality blue yarn, consistent dye quality, and a level of skill only achieved by artisan studio workers and master weavers. From the symmetric floral borders filled with interconnected scrollwork to the ogival medallions in each corner of the field, many of the dominant elements display strong influences from Moughal weavers. Style: Kerman Origin: India Size: 2. ft x 2. ft 09 in (0.61 m x 0.84 m)   « Less

Antique Anatolian Yastik from Central Turkey, late nineteenth century Antique Turkish yastiks or pile-woven pillow covers are sought by collectors because they often preserve  More »

Antique Anatolian Yastik from Central Turkey, late nineteenth century Antique Turkish yastiks or pile-woven pillow covers are sought by collectors because they often preserve the traditions of early Turkish rug weaving, with designs going back to the early Ottoman era. This lovely little example consists only of border patterns arranged as vertical strips on backgrounds alternating between red and blue. The designs are highly stylized vinescrolls of the type found on classical Turkish rugs of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. The only other elements are the thin guard stripes with tiny crosses or cruciform rosettes what divide the various border panels. The rich coloration in deep tones of red, terracotta, ivory and blue, along with the lovely quality of the soft, lustrous wool, set the interest of the design off to great effect. Style: Yastic Origin: Turkey Size: 1. ft 11 in x 2. ft 11 in (0.58 m x 0.89 m)   « Less

Using a limited number of colors, this carpet reflects early weaving characteristics as well as traditions maintained by Haji Jalili and later master weavers. Hearkening  More »

Using a limited number of colors, this carpet reflects early weaving characteristics as well as traditions maintained by Haji Jalili and later master weavers. Hearkening back to the roots of carpet weaving in Tabriz, this rug features multiple borders and an inset lozenge medallion with stepped sides that have been adapted for the geometric weaving style of northwestern Iran. With subdued colors and an artful composition, the double lozenge medallion and Herati pattern field flow together and complement each other wonderfully. Style: Tabriz Origin: Persia Size: 2. ft x 3. ft (0.61 m x 0.91 m)   « Less

Antique American Hooked Rug, circa 1930Irregular circles in green, blue, maroon, red, and burnt orange hover balloon-like against an abrashed sage green ground. Though sprung  More »

Antique American Hooked Rug, circa 1930Irregular circles in green, blue, maroon, red, and burnt orange hover balloon-like against an abrashed sage green ground. Though sprung from the background of American folk art tradition, this piece has a remarkably modern feeling, almost reminiscent of a Rothko or a Miro. It could easily lend itself to the most contemporary decor despite its nubby, homespun texture. Style: Hooked Origin: America Size: 1. ft 11 in x 3. ft 04 in (0.58 m x 1.02 m)   « Less

Straddling the area between the Russia and northwest Persia, the city of Seychour developed a unique style characterized by geometric figures and floral elements that are  More »

Straddling the area between the Russia and northwest Persia, the city of Seychour developed a unique style characterized by geometric figures and floral elements that are distinctly associated with the Caucasus. Known for their vibrant and varied color palettes, Seychour weavers chose strong indigo-blues, rose-reds, and delicate greens for this carpet, which have acquired a subtle patina over the years. Style: Seychour Origin: Caucasus Size: 3. ft 08 in x 3. ft 08 in (1.12 m x 1.12 m)   « Less

Antique Kuba Seychour, Caucasus, circa 1900 - A finely detailed lattice of indented polygons is set against a rich crimson field on this elegant little antique Seychour from  More »

Antique Kuba Seychour, Caucasus, circa 1900 - A finely detailed lattice of indented polygons is set against a rich crimson field on this elegant little antique Seychour from the Northwest Caucasus. The dark outlines of the lattice are animated by small ivory shaped incorporated into their contours. All three borders consist of the same stylized vinescroll, but each varies the coloration of the components in keeping with the palette of the field. Seychour's are prized for the utmost precision of their drawing and design as well as for their saturated color. This example exemplifies the Seychour group at its best. Style: Seychour Origin: Caucasus Size: 2. ft 10 in x 3. ft 09 in (0.86 m x 1.14 m)   « Less

With bold, solid-tone lozenges and a neutral walnut-brown background filled with important figures, this tribal carpet is rich in symbols and tradition. In addition to  More »

With bold, solid-tone lozenges and a neutral walnut-brown background filled with important figures, this tribal carpet is rich in symbols and tradition. In addition to central stars symbolizing happiness, Tree of Life motifs, animal symbols, and hooks designed to catch evil spirits, this tribal rug features variegated abrash and the textural pile that are so important to the Gabbeh style. Style: Gabbeh Origin: Persia Size: 2. ft x 3. ft 09 in (0.61 m x 1.14 m)   « Less