Large Antique Silk Persian Tabriz Palace Rug 28411
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.
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.
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.
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.
