Object Description
Square Format Hamadan Carpet, c. 1880
3.45 x 3.10 m
An early Hamadan carpet from North West Persia, with a charming naivety to its design, consisting of a repeated cypress tree pattern in a variation of muted earth tones – an ancient motif symbolising prosperity and longevity. The rare ivory field provides a great backdrop to the wide palette in the drawing, framed by over a dozen borders.
Hamadan is one of the oldest cities in Persia and is now one of the most productive and diverse weaving centres in the country. Many various ethnic groups settled in the surrounding region over the centuries and this cultural diversity is reflected in the unique designs of Hamadan weavings. The charming colour compositions in this example are all natural vegetable dyes, which have gracefully aged.
This 19th-century Hamadan Carpet is in very good to excellent condition. Amazingly, it has still retained all of its original borders on all sides – remarkable for a rug over 130 years old.
A highly unusual example, rare in this square format, with a refined simplicity that will add great charm and character to any interior.