Object Description
Rare Early Isfahan Carpet
3.32 x 3.37 metres
The city of Isfahan, in central Persia, rose to prominence during the 16th Century, when the Safavid ruler, Abbas the Great, made it his capital – from this period on, it served as a major centre for the arts, renowned for its school of painting, as well as for the exceptional carpets woven in its workshops, commissioned to adorn the royal courts.
This elegant 19th century Isfahan example was created before the widespread commercialisation of Isfahan carpets, and showcases a creative colour scheme and composition, reminiscent of the early 17th Century Safavid period works for which the city’s weavers are best known. It features a warm red field, which provides a complimentary backdrop to the grand-scale drawing and wide palette of vegetable-dyed colours, including ivory, sky blue, muted gold, and soft greys, framed by a tasteful border. Being an earlier work, it boasts a remarkably tight weave, which lends a crisp clarity to its design.
Due to its age, this carpet has a thin pile, but is otherwise in very good condition for everyday use, retaining its outer borders and fringes on all sides.
One of the finest examples we have had the pleasure of acquiring – a handsome piece, rare in this square format, to compliment a sophisticated interior.