Example from our inventory of large oriental area rugs gallery: 16′ x 24′ Large oversized Silk antique Persian Tabriz ca. 1870 attributed to Hadji Jalili workshop.

16' x 24' Large oversized Silk antique Persian Hadji Jalili Tabriz ca. 1870

3rd quarter 19th century antique silk Persian Tabriz.

Extraordinarily large and oversized carpet from one of the finest areas in history of hand knotted Oriental rug production.  A highly collectible, very rare, unique and desirable carpet with extraordinary history, decorative value and historic importance.

A testament to the finest in Persian carpet weaving, exhibiting unparalleled accuracy to two of the most famous and historic carpets in the world: The twin Ardabil carpets^[1].  While the 16th century predecessors are woolen pile, this 19th century version is constructed of silk.  Around the time this carpet was woven, a revival movement of renown Safavid dynasty weaving was underway.  The concept of creating this carpet was most definitely built around knowing original examples existed.  Whether a celebration of 16th century originals or a custom order for a Palace, there is no question the designing and use of materials seen in this carpet were intended to meet or exceed the originals with a slight shift.  The color palette would have been an extraordinarily unusual derivation from any norm of the era, featuring a most unique green field accented throughout with bright naturally dyed silk.  An exquisite example far beyond tradition, while doing so in the effort to maintain a sacred art form as an adventurous, yet tasteful and timeless carpet.

Outside of the historical importance, design lineage akin to that of the famous Ardabil carpets, harmonious and unusual color motif, is also the considerable size of this carpet.  Hand knotted with a silk pile and silk foundation, this is one of the largest, if not the largest, antique silk Carpets in the United States.

Fine Antique Silk Persian Tabriz with Signature

Simplistic use of color within the main medallion seems to render a placid decorative outlining. Yet the initially perceived simplicity is deceiving and unusually gravitating: The highly intricate shadow outlines linger in the mind while your eye continues to explore the overall motif further. Delicate tendrils scroll throughout the carpet, rhythmically interlacing the motif with harmonious complexity. Large Lanterns hang from either end of the medallion with extraordinary intricacy only attainable by true master weavers. Highly detailed border consisting of floral-filled cartouches, alternating with pomegranates buffered by an interlinking arabesque outer minor border and repeating cloudband inner.  Accents of aqua blue, cranberry and ruby pink make this an unusual and highly decorative carpet.  There are few who would dispute this carpet may be considered the most masterful ode to the Ardabil carpets in existence today.

Reading in ancient Persian “Except for thy haven, there is no refuge for me in this world. Other than here, there is no place for my head. The work of a servant of the Court, Maqsud of Kashan, 946″

Finished at the top of the carpet is an identical signature panel to the Ardabil carpets:  Reading in ancient Persian “Except for thy haven, there is no refuge for me in this world. Other than here, there is no place for my head. The work of a servant of the Court, Maqsud of Kashan, 946″

Woven in similar dimensions, knot density, and design to that of the famous Ardabil Carpets located in LACMA and the Victoria & Albert Museum in London dated from the 16th century.

^[1] Also See The Ardabil Carpets at the Victoria & Albert Museum and LACMA.

Measuring 19′x43′6″, ca. 1900 India.

19' x 43'6" Antique Palace Carpet. Wine red Indian Carpet ca. 1900

Measuring 19′ x 43′6″, ca. 1900 India.

The largest rug in our collection, also believed to be one of the largest, if not the largest, antique rug/carpet in the United States.  A masterful feat to have crafted a rug of such quality and beauty over 100 years ago.  Carpets of this length and width, even today, are extraordinarily rare and hard to come by.  Measuring approximately 826.5 square feet, averaging approximately 225 knots per square inch, an approximated 26,000,000 +/- hand tied knots comprise the pile to this tremendous rug.

Deep, rich wine red field with golden accents throughout, the pile exhibiting a magnificent patina. Colossal size medallion with large lanterns on a grand open field; border consisting of large palmettes finished in a highly coveted, laleh abbasi reciprocating border. Ends and sides completely original and intact. A highly unusual example in condition, age, size, type and quality.

The rug is in near-perfect unused condition, with no loss to ends or sides.  Two very small repairs may be found, measuring less in size than 2 square feet total.  Perhaps attributable to transportation of this massive Palace carpet.

Contact us for more information about this rug.  914.472.1700

Sample of our large rug and oversized Palace rugs.  Browse the gallery or click for larger images and details.  More information about our large rug collection at the bottom of this page.

Peter Paul Rubens, Alethea Talbot with attendants and Sir Dudley Carleton, c. 1620. Alte Pinakothek

History of large carpets: Prior to the 18th century, Oriental rugs were rarely affordable by those other than royalty, notable dignitaries and the highly affluent.  With exceptions to the previously mentioned, hand knotted rugs in the West were often exclusively displayed as above-floor coverings atop tables, adorning chairs and couches.

Holbein, The Ambassadors. The National Gallery, London, England.

Although fully intended and woven for use and utility under foot, it was not until the mid-18th century that much of Western culture began moving rugs onto the floor, and in small sizes at that.

In 19th century, however, a revival of 16th century Safavid inspired rug production continued in Persia.  Growing wealth in America and appreciation for fine rugs and carpets peaked high demand for precious Rugs of the far East.  At times, rugs made were abnormally large and unusual in size.  Well-to-do families in Europe, Asia and America identified well with these carpets not only for the aesthetic appeal, but the symbol of status.  In consideration of depictions of rugs in great paintings, and known examples of fine rugs still in existence from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, a clear momentum was underway.  There is little prestige close to that of possessing a carpet made in the spirit of those reserved, enjoyed and commissioned for the most prestigious members of society through the ages.

Large rugs today: Popularity in large and oversized rugs increases, as for centuries past, they exude an extraordinarily regal statement.  Massively scaled design elements are unusually more descriptive of overall motifs.  A Palace rug under foot is exhilarating, with proportions in a grand and epic level.  Whether bold or subtle, the aesthetic satisfaction of a large rug in context of a large room is virtually unparalleled by any other interior investment.

Oversized rugs and carpets often fall into several “categories”.  Terms such as “large”, “mansion”, and “palace” may be used to describe rugs of unusual size or unique dimensions, although are archaic and nondescript when reference to actual measurements.

Custom and unique looms are made to create hand knotted carpets of large or  unusual proportions: Those which exceed 12′ +/- ” in width.  Therefore, a large, oversized rug is generally greater than 13′ wide.  Some carpets may also be considered large and oversized if they exceed 22′ in length, provided they do not fall under the category of narrower rugs such as “runners” or “gallery rugs”.

Dilmaghani’s Large Rug and Oversized Carpet Collection:  The large and oversized carpets seen at the top of this page (exclusive to Dilmaghani) are of very fine quality, condition, vintage (semi-antique and antique) as well as unique in size and shape.  Select Kerman rugs in stock bear our Crown trademark: A 150-year-old representation of our reputation and excellence in Oriental rug production.

Our sample gallery of large and oversized carpets are all available for acquisition via online purchase or local viewing by appointments only.  For special size requests, please contact our sales department at 914.472.1700.

Oversized Persian rugs seen in the gallery above are from all regions and provinces of Persia including Kerman, Tabriz, Sarouk, Shiraz, Kazvin, Yezd and many more.  Other countries of weaving origin include Bulgaria, Pakistan, as well as India.

Sizes included are 11×23, 11×24, 12×23, 12×24, 12×26, 13×23, 13×24, 13×28, 14×21, 14×22, 14×23, 14×24, 14×25, 14×26, 14×27, 15×19, 15×22, 15×23, 15×26, 15×30, 16×22, 16×24, 16×25, 17×24, 17×27, 19×43 and many more rare, unusual, and unique sized large, oversized hand knotted rugs and carpets.

For special size requests or more information please contact our sales department at 914.472.1700.