Object Description
Woven in Qum during the 1930s, this carpet comes from a city that only began producing rugs in the early 20th century, quickly gaining recognition for its use of exceptionally fine wool and precise designs. Being an earlier piece, made before the commercialisation of carpet weaving, it boasts a much greater quality of wool—either Merino, or a similar grade—as well as craftsmanship, lending a crisp clarity to its drawing.
The design is a sophisticated all-over pattern based on the Botteh motif—originally an ancient Zoroastrian symbol, representing the evergreen cypress tree, associated with everlasting life. Here, the Botteh is rendered with a lyrical fluidity, arranged in staggered rows, repeated in its borders, that lend movement and rhythm to the composition. Its palette is particularly refined: sky blue, sage green, terracotta, and chestnut tones are set against an ivory ground, giving the piece both vibrancy and elegance. As an early rug, it boasts a wonderful variety of high-quality vegetable dyes, lending depth and charm to its tones and enhancing the overall visual harmony.
Retained in very good condition for everyday use, with its borders intact on all sides.
A wonderful decorative piece, among the most interesting examples of its type we have had for some time.