Antique Soumak, Persia, late nineteenth centuryAlthough Soumak flatwoven rugs and carpets are most often associated with the Caucasus, they were woven across a broad swath  More »

Antique Soumak, Persia, late nineteenth centuryAlthough Soumak flatwoven rugs and carpets are most often associated with the Caucasus, they were woven across a broad swath of the rug-producing world, as this unusual Persian example attests. Here a series of serrated or ‘Ashik’ medallions with arrowhead finials repeats down the dark navy field, surrounded by a maze of tiny floral and geometric motifs. Several arrowhead borders alternating between ivory and brown frame the field, while continuing its pointy geometric precision. The autumnal shades of terracotta and brown nicely complement the blues and greens amidst the animated complexity of the design. Style: Sumak / Soumak Origin: Persia Size: 1. ft 09 in x 3. ft 07 in (0.53 m x 1.09 m)   « Less

Antique Bidjar, Persia, late nineteenth centuryOn this lovely antique Bidjar a diamond hexagonal medallion in soft blue hovers majestically within an open red field  More »

Antique Bidjar, Persia, late nineteenth centuryOn this lovely antique Bidjar a diamond hexagonal medallion in soft blue hovers majestically within an open red field surrounded by navy cornerpieces. The entire field is covered by a fine Herati mesh that functions more a texture than design, and its coloration changes along with that of the ground colors. The borders strike a different note with their arabesque vinescroll design, although the red ground of the main border echoes nicely against the field while also contrasting with the cornerpieces. Bidjars like this are famed for their fine tight weave, and indeed it is this weave that makes the minute precision of the design possible. Style: Bidjar / Bijar Origin: Persia Size: 12 ft 10 in x 20 ft 06 in (3.91 m x 6.25 m)   « Less

Once designed as protective garments, chapan or cherpi overcoats became increasingly colorful and elaborate. Overcoats produced from Persia to the Far East are traditionally  More »

Once designed as protective garments, chapan or cherpi overcoats became increasingly colorful and elaborate. Overcoats produced from Persia to the Far East are traditionally lined with cotton or woven fabric imported from Russia. In this unique overcoat, a floral print is used on the back of the sleeves and the inside is lined with an ornate lampas-style fabric indicating the care and expense that was taken to select the best quality materials for this elegant tribal piece. Style: Gashgai / Qashqa'i Origin: Persia Size: 2. ft 06 in x 3. ft 07 in (0.76 m x 1.09 m)   « Less

Antique Turkish Rug, Turkey, late nineteenth centuryA striking contrast of burnt sienna and magenta plays with the sea-foam green lying beneath the mihrab. Ornamented with  More »

Antique Turkish Rug, Turkey, late nineteenth centuryA striking contrast of burnt sienna and magenta plays with the sea-foam green lying beneath the mihrab. Ornamented with geometric motifs this antique Turkish prayer rug utilizes symbolism particular to Anatolian culture. The sing, placed all throughout the mihrab, expresses a young woman's wish to get married. A form of communication for the weaver this particular antique Turkish rug outlines her sentiments meanwhile maintaining undercurrents of religious motifs. Alternating bands make up several narrow borders that focus on the geometric symbols adorning the border and field. The expressive abstract nature of this rug makes this an outstanding piece, but the rich palette effectively enhances the design and detail of this antique Turkish rug. Style: Turkish Origin: Turkey Size: 2. ft 09 in x 3. ft 10 in (0.84 m x 1.17 m)   « Less

Full of tribal charm, this gul carpet from Sultanabad uses a number of uncharacteristically geometric patterns. Reminiscent of classic Turkmen guls and juval motifs, this  More »

Full of tribal charm, this gul carpet from Sultanabad uses a number of uncharacteristically geometric patterns. Reminiscent of classic Turkmen guls and juval motifs, this piece includes an interesting combination of design characteristics from the intense and varied colors and unique guls to the ornate borders filled with Tree of Life symbols in oxidized shades of red and blue. Style: Sultanabad Origin: Persia Size: 3. ft 06 in x 4. ft (1.07 m x 1.22 m)   « Less

Woven with double scorpion medallions and symbolic latch hooks worked with extremely precise weft-wrapped techniques, this saddlebag was designed to show the owner’s  More »

Woven with double scorpion medallions and symbolic latch hooks worked with extremely precise weft-wrapped techniques, this saddlebag was designed to show the owner’s importance while protecting the horse and rider. In addition to the brilliant colors and impeccable craftsmanship, this tribal saddlebag includes a bridge section with a unique chevron pattern bordered by wrapped cording and durable loops that would have held decorative shells and objects to secure the openings. Style: Sumak / Soumak Origin: Persia Size: 1. ft 04 in x 4. ft 01 in (0.41 m x 1.24 m)   « Less

Antique Bidjar Persian Wagireh Rug, Late 19th Century Wagireh's or sampler's are becoming a new collecting field. These generally small rugs were woven to represent designs  More »

Antique Bidjar Persian Wagireh Rug, Late 19th Century Wagireh's or sampler's are becoming a new collecting field. These generally small rugs were woven to represent designs for larger carpets. What exists now are intriguing rugs with a variety of designs. Style: Bidjar / Bijar Origin: Persia Size: 3. ft x 4. ft 03 in (0.91 m x 1.30 m)   « Less

Antique Bezalel, Israel, early 20th century The Bezalel workshop, active in the Holy Land in the earlier 20th century, was famous for its reinterpretations of classic rug  More »

Antique Bezalel, Israel, early 20th century The Bezalel workshop, active in the Holy Land in the earlier 20th century, was famous for its reinterpretations of classic rug designs. This beautiful little example adapts colorful field and border designs from Caucasian and Eastern Turkish rugs in a subtle homage to Jewish tradition. Upon closer inspection, small stars of David appear all across the border, in the outer edge of the field, and on a larger scale as the main medallions at the center. Menorahs appear as well in the corners of the star medallions, between them on the red ground, and one last time in the cornerpieces. Style: Bezalel Origin: Israel Size: 2. ft 11 in x 4. ft 03 in (0.89 m x 1.30 m)   « Less

This unique tribal prayer rug uses dramatic white accents to highlight the stepped mihrab and border motifs. The central field inside the mihrab is decorated with a number of  More »

This unique tribal prayer rug uses dramatic white accents to highlight the stepped mihrab and border motifs. The central field inside the mihrab is decorated with a number of star motifs seen in some of the earliest known carpets. Designed for protection against evil, this prayer rug includes a significant number of comb motifs and amulets. Traditionally seen in tribal carpets, this rug features symmetric sections of striped, flat-woven tapestry on each end. Style: Turkish Origin: Turkey Size: 3. ft 02 in x 4. ft 03 in (0.97 m x 1.30 m)   « Less

With a highly desirable ivory field, this impressive sampler or wagireh exhibits luscious floral designs intended for larger carpets. The colors in this sampler subtly play  More »

With a highly desirable ivory field, this impressive sampler or wagireh exhibits luscious floral designs intended for larger carpets. The colors in this sampler subtly play with one another's complimentary hues. Style: Sultanabad Origin: Persia Size: 3. ft 05 in x 4. ft 04 in (1.04 m x 1.32 m)   « Less