20th Century Tabriz Carpet

20th Century Tabriz carpet. 

The city of Tabriz in Northwest Persia has long been known as a centre for Persian arts, culture, and literature, but especially for the quality of its carpets, with a tradition dating back as early as the 14th Century. 

Thanks to its location, incorporating influences from nearby Azerbaijan and Turkey, its weavings are among the most diverse of any city in Iran, and antique Tabriz carpets are especially distinguished by their tight weaves and remarkable adherence to the traditions of Classical Persian rug weaving design. 

This example, dating to the beginning of the last century, features design characteristics found in 19th Century Ziegler Mahal carpets, though with a much finer weave, lending a crisp clarity to its creative drawing. The subtle blue colour ground provides a complimentary backdrop to the design across the central field, which cleverly employs a wide palette of vegetable-dyed colours to marvellous effect, framed by an ivory border. 

This antique Tabriz carpet is in very good practical condition for everyday use, still retaining its outer borders on all sides. The vegetable dyes used in its design have all gracefully aged. 

A highly characterful piece, rare in this large format, well suited to a stylish dining or drawing room.