Object Description
Large c. 1880 Senneh Carpet
7.84 x 4.60 m
Antique Senneh rugs from Northwest Persia are prized for their exceptional quality, delicate designs and distinctive weaving technique. They represent relics of an era defined by unmatched craftsmanship and creativity, much coveted in the market today.
This striking 19th Century Senneh carpet, in an unusually large format, features a well-balanced all-over botteh (or, paisley) pattern, stamped across the field – originally an ancient Zoroastrian motif, representing the evergreen cypress tree, a symbol of everlasting life – framed by a wide border. The artist has worked the grand-scale paisley design in a harmonious, expressive colour palette, including shades of sage green, cornflower blue, and muted reds, set against a wonderfully soft ivory ground.
Retained in very good practical condition for everyday use, with its outer borders and short fringes preserved on all sides – remarkable for a carpet almost 150 years old. All of its natural-dyed colours have taken on a charming patina with age.
In two decades, we have never come across a Senneh carpet of this size and craftsmanship, so this piece must have been a very special commission in its day – a true work of art, in a rare and impressive format, to suit a wide variety of interiors.