Object Description
Outstanding Early Sarab Runner, c. 1860
4.77 x 1.04
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 piece, it features an especially fine weave and high-quality wool, which gives a real, fresh clarity to the subtle ton-sur-ton effect across the field, as well as to the other colours used in its design, including a wonderful olive green tone, terracotta reds, and shades of soft denim blue – this piece was woven prior to the widespread commercialisation of rug weaving, so showcases a much greater degree of creative freedom with regard to its composition and palette than later pieces from the region.
Retained in very good condition – remarkably so for a mid-19th Century carpet – though with some minor age-related restoration, finished to a very high standard.
An exceedingly fine antique runner – among the finest of its type we have had in some time – to suit a tasteful setting.