Object Description
Exceptional c. 1880 Laver Kirman Carpet
3.46 x 2.86 m
Laver Kirman carpets are among the most highly prized, and most unique, of all Persian workshop pieces. The workshops of Kirman, well known for the high quality and creativity of their weavings, won the royal patronage of the Safavid court in the 17th Century, and became some of the earliest Oriental carpets to make their way into the Western market. Later on, its weavers, in turn, took a certain influence from European textile traditions, incorporating a unique palette, inspired by the colours of 19th Century French carpets, while remaining faithful to the original Persian designs of the Classical Era.
This handsome late 19th Century Laver Kirman is a beautiful example of its type, employing a range of artistic design characteristics from 17th Century Safavid era works, although adopting a more open, balanced composition, rather than the conventional central medallion layout. The drawing features a range of fine floral motifs, in a palette of gracefully aged vegetable-dyed colours including various greens and muted reds over a rare ivory field, framed by a wide five-part border.
Retained in very good condition for everyday use, with its outer borders preserved on all sides – remarkable for a piece of this age.
A connoisseur’s piece, and one of the finest examples of its type we have had the pleasure of having in our collection in some time – a true work of art.