Object Description
Early 20th Century Qum Carpet
3.30 x 2.37 m
A stunning 1930s carpet, finely woven in the workshops of Qum; this piece features delicately worked floral and geometric decoration, in tones of terracotta and turquoise, stamped on an ivory-colour ground and framed by a wide border. The paisley motif, seen here, repeated in the central field, is an ancient Zoroastrian design, originally representing the evergreen cypress tree, a symbol of everlasting life.
Unlike many of the other Persian rug-weaving cities, Qum only established itself a centre of production in the early 20th Century, though its carpets quickly established a reputation for the high-quality of the wool, often Merino, from which they are made, and the elegance and precision of their designs – this piece is certainly no exception: retained in very good condition for everyday use, the richness of the dye, the grade of the weaving, and the skill of its makers are all visible in every detail.
A sophisticated example of its type, in very good condition for everyday use, this piece would make a worthy addition to any collection.