Object Description
Early Tabriz Carpet
3.66 x 2.78 m
The city of Tabriz in Northwest Persia has long been known as a centre for Persian arts, culture, and literature, but especially for the quality of its carpets, with a tradition dating back as early as the 14th Century. Thanks to its location, incorporating influences from nearby Azerbaijan and Turkey, its weavings are among the most diverse of any city in Persia, and antique Tabriz carpets are especially distinguished by their impressive artistry and close adherence to the traditions of Classical Persian rug weaving design.
This stunning 19th Century example employs an unusually open design – with delicate, scrolling vegetal motifs over a rare muted hazelnut-tone field, framed by a wide border – lending the work a sense of understated grace. The colours are worked in fine organic dyes, including tones of ochre red, camel, ivory and duck egg blue, which have taken on a charming patina with age. One especially attractive feature is the subtle abrash – or, colour variation – across the ground, giving real depth and character to this piece’s otherwise stripped-back, understated design.
Retained in good condition for everyday use, this near-150-year-old carpet retains its outer borders on all sides.
An elegant workshop weaving, to suit a wide variety of interior styles.