Antique Mehajeran Sarouk, Persia, late nineteenth centuryAntique Mehajerans like this are distinguished from other Sarouks by their more monumental scale, and their richer,  More »

Antique Mehajeran Sarouk, Persia, late nineteenth centuryAntique Mehajerans like this are distinguished from other Sarouks by their more monumental scale, and their richer, more dramatic coloration. Here a central rosette spews forth grand design of swaying vines brimming with leaves and flowers in shades of red and gold against a blue back field. The scale of the border is much smaller, underscoring the grandeur of the field, while also using a terracotta ground to achieve a framing color contrast. The lustrous, almost silken pile emphasizes the golden, jewel-like coloration of the carpet as a whole. Size: 12 ft x 19 ft (3.66 m x 5.79 m)   « Less

Antique Karabagh, Caucasus, circa 1900Although antique Karabaghs are among the most classic types of Caucasian village rugs, they do at times reflect the influence of western  More »

Antique Karabagh, Caucasus, circa 1900Although antique Karabaghs are among the most classic types of Caucasian village rugs, they do at times reflect the influence of western carpet design, like this lovely example. Here an elaborate pattern of swirling acanthus scrolls derived from French Aubusson and Savonnerie carpets winds its way down the field. The use of this motif on such as scale as the main design element, however, is unparalleled in the French forerunners and betrays the sensibilities of the Karabagh weaver, as does the distinctive palette of terracotta, cream, and ivory set against a deep chocolate ground. Size: 4. ft 01 in x 19 ft (1.24 m x 5.79 m)   « Less

Antique Bidjar, Persia, late nineteenth centuryAn allover trellis pattern of rococo scrolls inspired by French Savonnerie carpets spreads dynamically across the field of this  More »

Antique Bidjar, Persia, late nineteenth centuryAn allover trellis pattern of rococo scrolls inspired by French Savonnerie carpets spreads dynamically across the field of this richly ornamental antique Bidjar. Within the trellis are naturalistic roses set dramatically against a black ground. The main border features an exquisitely rendered ‘turtle’ or arabesque vinescroll that returns us the world of oriental carpets, although it suits the French-inspired field remarkably well. The rich, almost pungent palette owes nothing to the European style that inspired the field design, however. Rather, it is classically Bidjar, as is the precision of the drawing and the weave. Size: 12 ft 02 in x 19 ft 01 in (3.71 m x 5.82 m)   « Less

ON HOLD 44615 Antique Agra, India, late nineteenth century - The carpets woven in Agra in the late nineteenth century are the proud heirs of the great tradition of  More »

ON HOLD 44615 Antique Agra, India, late nineteenth century - The carpets woven in Agra in the late nineteenth century are the proud heirs of the great tradition of Mughal court carpets produced there two centuries earlier, but seldom do they retain the perfection of design and saturated color of such forerunners as this magnificent example does. An allover design of lush, swaying palmettes in pale green, saffron, ocre, and ivory repeats rhythmically across the rich red ground. The main border consists of round and oblong cartouches with lace-like detail set against red like the field, while minor rosette borders and guard stripes add the requisite framing contrast. The square proportions are also quite unusual for a rug that really has no peer. Size: 18 ft x 19 ft 01 in (5.49 m x 5.82 m)   « Less

Antique Kashan, Persia, late nineteenth centuryA classical Persian compartment design repeats with consummate poise and precision across the field of this incomparably  More »

Antique Kashan, Persia, late nineteenth centuryA classical Persian compartment design repeats with consummate poise and precision across the field of this incomparably beautiful antique Kashan. The various cruciform medallions alternate in color, some red, some slatey blue, with scalloped halos around them in colors arranged as a complementary reciprocal effect, giving the entire composition a remarkable chromatic rhythm. A classical Persian cartouche border encloses the field, preserving the color effects and design texture of the latter despite its different design. Although they are prized for their adherence to classical Persian design, Kashans rarely evoke such precedent with the skill and finesse of this example. Size: 12 ft 01 in x 19 ft 02 in (3.68 m x 5.84 m)   « Less

Style: Karabagh Origin: Caucasus Size: 3. ft 07 in x 19 ft 03 in (1.09 m x 5.87 m)

Style: Karabagh Origin: Caucasus Size: 3. ft 07 in x 19 ft 03 in (1.09 m x 5.87 m)   « Less

Antique Sivas, Turkey, early 20th centuryThis elegant Sivas is a pictorial rug in the classical tradition. It depicts a lush forest or wild garden of vines and cypress trees,  More »

Antique Sivas, Turkey, early 20th centuryThis elegant Sivas is a pictorial rug in the classical tradition. It depicts a lush forest or wild garden of vines and cypress trees, replete with birds and arbors. The tonality is stunning, with its soft blues, taupes, mauves, and ivory. A classic reciprocal arabesque border complements the field, its inner mauve section providing a framing contrast for ivory ground of the garden. Size: 12 ft 04 in x 19 ft 04 in (3.76 m x 5.89 m)   « Less

Antique Persian Tabriz carpet, early 20th centuryA lovely scalloped medallion and cornerpieces comprises the main elements of the field on this exceptionally decorative  More »

Antique Persian Tabriz carpet, early 20th centuryA lovely scalloped medallion and cornerpieces comprises the main elements of the field on this exceptionally decorative Tabriz, although only the former makes an immediate impression. The cornerpieces are rendered in the same ivory tones a small floral details as the ground, and so they recede initially from our view. The border too follows the tones and graphics of the field, imparting a unified texture to the overall design. Size: 14 ft 04 in x 19 ft 04 in (4.37 m x 5.89 m)   « Less

Antique French Needlepoint Carpet, nineteenth century A lush compartment design filled with vases spewing exuberant leafy sprays repeats in allover symmetry across the  More »

Antique French Needlepoint Carpet, nineteenth century A lush compartment design filled with vases spewing exuberant leafy sprays repeats in allover symmetry across the field of this extraordinary antique French needlepoint carpet. Leafy vinescrolls reminiscent in style and color of the floral sprays fill the various borders comprising the compartment system. But they are set against an ivory ground fro graphic contrast. The style and design repertoire here recall the great French Savonnerie and Aubusson carpets, although with a richer, more vibrant palette entirely appropriate to the richness of the design. Size: 10 ft 03 in x 19 ft 04 in (3.12 m x 5.89 m)   « Less

Antique Farahan, Persia, early twentieth centuryAlthough antique Farahans are famed for their classical Persian medallion designs, this one has an allover pattern of  More »

Antique Farahan, Persia, early twentieth centuryAlthough antique Farahans are famed for their classical Persian medallion designs, this one has an allover pattern of flowering vines or shrubs arranged in staggered vertical columns. The design is carefully articulated to produce a latent effect of staggered, openwork circular medallions. The subtlety of this approach is further enhanced by the unusually soft palette of the carpet in shades of tan, ivory and soft mauve. A beautiful ‘turtle’ vinescroll border encloses the field, using the same soft coloration. It is flanked by minor borders with dark outlining to reinforce its framing function. Size: 7. ft x 19 ft 04 in (2.13 m x 5.89 m)   « Less