Object Description
Fine Early Sarab Runner
3.41 x 1.05 m
Sarab, in the north-west of Persia, has long been known as an important weaving centre, known for the creativity of its designs and the wide variety of colours used, as well as for borrowing elements from weavings of the nearby Caucasus region, lending these works a sense of charming tribal naivety and carefree spontaneity. Due to the size of the looms traditionally used in this region, Sarab is especially known for producing high-quality runners, of which this piece, dating to the 1860s, is a prime example.
Being an earlier carpet, this example features an especially fine weave and high-quality wool, which lends a crisp clarity to the drawing and a real sense of depth to its colours. The composition employs a muted, camel-tone ground, with a wonderful abrash (colour variation) across the field, with a repeated diamond motif in tones of terracotta red and duck-egg blue, all in gracefully aged vegetable dyes. One especially rare and attractive feature in this runner is the uniformity of colour across the wide outer border and the central field, which gives the carpet a feeling of space and balance.
This piece is in very good condition for practical use, with its outer borders well preserved – remarkable for a runner over 150 years old.
A handsome tribal piece, to add character to any setting.