Object Description
An early antique Hamadan carpet with a large scale all over pattern using the famous ‘Herati’ design. This all over design is repeating in the main field which consists of a flower centred in a diamond with curving lanceolate leaves located outside the diamond and parallel to each side. There are many versions of this design in different shapes and varying sizes. This design has been stylised through the centuries and is supposed to represent two fish swimming around a water-lily, the design in 19th century carpets depicts two leaves around a flower.
Using varying dyes, the background colour changes several times throughout this oversize antique carpet, as the weavers changed the dyes many times. This is often what makes a late 19th century carpet appeal, as they are full of interest and character.
Hamadan is located in the west of Persia and the city was a centre for trading and weaving carpets, hundreds of villages surround Hamadan which produced various designs and qualities of rugs.