Extremely Fine and Rare Persian Tabriz Carpet-Signed

An Extremely Fine and Rare Persian Tabriz Carpet, North West Persia, Wool and Silk on Silk Foundation, Signed

Mid 20th Century

An exceptionally fine and rare Persian Tabriz carpet, with an extremely complex central medallion format, overall floral design, presented in multi coloured pastel colour tones throughout.

The pastel polychrome field with a central lobed cartouche medallion enclosing an oval centre piece radiating boteh and dense flowering vines linked on either side by intruding pendant style medallions all with dense flowering vines and plants within an in and out cream and coral arcaded floral border, plain pale ochre ends each with an inscription cartouche.

The style of design as seen in this fine handmade Persian Tabriz rug dominates a major aspect of Persian city weaving and forms a recognisable significant group dating from the mid-20th century onwards which could appropriately be described as the ‘Boudoir’ style.

This ‘Boudoir’ style, particularly associated with Tabriz, though not exclusive, can be defined by an amalgam of French, Indian and Persian styles of design. Characteristically they tend to be made with an extremely fine weave with a soft kork wool and silk highlighted pile on silk foundation dyed with pale pastel colours, volumes away from earlier traditional colour palette. Historically the origins of this fusion can be traced back to mid-19th century Turkey, where, under the influence of Sultan Hamid ‘all things French’, were extremely popular and which subsequently influenced local styles of design in all areas of fine and decorative art. Unsurprisingly this influence spread into Persia. Furthermore, there was an increasing number of European merchants involved not only in commerce but increasingly becoming more directly involved in the design and production of carpets made specifically to appeal to western tastes to an ever increasing more affluent clientele. The ‘Boudoir’ style has proved extremely popular in western, middle eastern and far-eastern markets. Undoubtedly the ‘Boudoir’ style will stand the test of time as a significant group of fine decorative rugs in urban handmade Persian rug history.

This Persian Tabriz carpet is an exceptional example of woven complexity. Such detail and amalgam of varying styles consistent with the ‘Boudoir style is extremely rare, simply since there are relatively few skilled weavers who could possibly contemplate weaving such complexity. The ‘Boudoir’ style is normally presented with a degree of openness and space between the defining pattern elements; that is certainly not the case here which supports the rarity element of the composition. The incredible range of pastel colours is also noteworthy and   applied in such a way as to maximise the exceptionally beautiful visual experience.

Extremely Fine, Signed Persian Tabriz Carpet. This piece was handwoven in Tabriz , Iran. For further information please contact us and our team will be pleased to assist you. All pieces in the collection are under the auspices of Essie Sakhai, one of the world’s foremost experts and collectors of fine handmade Persian rugs and carpets.