Oriental_Tabriz_Antique_Rug_at_Darius_Antique_Rugs

49081D Tabriz, Northwest Persia, 8.2 x 11.9 , Early 20th century

Weavers in the city of Tabriz were among the most versatile craftsmen in Persia who were able to adapt to the perpetually-changing markets of the late nineteenth century, when western interest in Persian carpets had dramatically increased. Tabrizi weavers were able to easily understand and produce what domestic and foreign customers wanted, which made Tabriz one of the most important weaving centers catering to foreigners in the late 1800s and the early 1900s, when most of the city’s carpet industry was controlled by European firms. To satisfy the increased demand, carpets in Tabriz were woven in every size and shape, with different color palettes and designs and employing wool, cotton and silk.

Carpets with both rectangular and curvilinear designs were produced in Tabriz and it is impossible to associate weavings from the city with one particular look or color scheme. However, no matter how creative weavers became with shapes, motifs and color, they always produced precisely drawn and carefully executed pieces.

Layers of four six sided medallions in alternating shades of ivory and copper lay in orderly succession, small to large moving outward, one on top of the next and each blanketed with the classic “herati” pattern. A palette of subtle colors consisting of ivory, copper, and walnut and give this piece a restful repose to contemplate and admire the exceptional skill the weavers employed to craft this complex and detailed carpet.

Elegant processions of slender guard borders flanking the main border contain meandering vines adorned with diminutive palmette repeat designs. The deep copper main border displays a brilliant pageant of alternating ivory and walnut rosettes interlaced with a linear ivory vine bearing angular ivory leaves and conical shaped ivory palmettes appointed with two sets of bi-colored leaves situated on an angle.

Kimberly O’Connor

Darius Antique Rugs