19th Century Sarab Runner

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 1890s, is a prime example. 

The design employs an understated tan colour ground, with a repeated diamond motif across the central field, in gracefully aged vegetable-dyed colours ranging from shades of denim blues to ochre and terracotta reds – one particularly notable feature is the uniformity of colour across the field and the surrounding borders, which gives the design a rare sense of balance and space, especially given its narrow format. 

A handsome early piece, retained in very good to excellent condition, to add personality and style to a variety of settings.