Object Description
Early Serapi Carpet
3.95 x 3.10 m
The term ‘Serapi’ belongs to a subset of high-end Heriz carpets, woven in Northwest Persia, known for their higher quality weaves and simpler, more refined designs. Prized for their geometric designs, fine durable construction and creative vegetable-dyed colours, they make ideal long-lasting rugs, and have always stood out for their striking tribal motifs. In our experience, Serapi-Heriz carpets prove to be among the most versatile decorative weavings, with the ability to unite both modern and traditional design elements in a room.
This exceptional example, dating to c. 1870, boasts a top-quality weave, high-grade hand-spun wool and a wide variety of vegetable dyes, lending a crisp clarity to its drawing and a wonderful softness to its colours. A particularly rare feature of this carpet is the uniformity of colour across the wide outer border and the central field – a charming warm terracotta tone – which adds a sense of openness and balance to the composition. The drawing employs a bold central medallion in muted blue, with touches of elephant grey, flanked by the ivory spandrels, with simple graphic motifs throughout.
Retained in very good practical condition for everyday use, this 19th Century Serapi carpet has had some minor age-related restoration, finished to a high standard, but still preserves its outer borders on all sides – its organic dyes have taken on a fine patina with age.
A sophisticated example, with a sense of tribal charm and character, to suit a wide variety of settings – one of the most impressive pieces of its type we have had in our collection in some time.