Extremely Fine Persian Nain Carpet – Signed

This magnificent Persian Nain carpet dating to the mid 20th Century exhibits true characteristics of this Revivalist approach to carpet design made with the best possible quality materials. The design displays an architectural pattern based on the elaborate interior decoration of a tin glazed ceramic tiled mosque dome ceiling or interior arch. These tiles are ornately decorated in bright complementary colours displaying traditional floral forms similar to those seen in carpet pattern details. 16th and 17th Century Persian Mosque ceilings, arches and walls were invariably embellished in this way. Historic Isfahan Mosques displaying such elaborate and stunning decoration include the Shah Mosque 1629, Janchi Mosque, 1610, the Sheikh Lotf Allah Mosque, 1618, and the Khaju Bridge, 1650, constructed with twenty four highly decorated arches, constructed under the auspices of Shah Abbas II around 1650. All these wonderful buildings would inevitably have been used as inspiration for the weavers of exceptionally fine Persian urban woven carpets in Classical times and also in the finest 20th Century Revivalist times as is clearly the case in this beautiful impressive Persian Nain carpet.

The definition of the pattern details are beautifully drawn artistically cleverly arranged with the intricately detailed central circular medallion woven with intricate floral details surrounded by ue pendants radiating from small to large to create a massive ‘dome’.  Each pendant is decorated in exceptional detail with an arrangement of conjoined arabesques and palmettes reminiscent of the main medallions as seen in 16th Century central Persian ‘Polonaise’ silk rugs. This large circular medallion overlaid on a formal arrangement of a Classic Safavid Persian pattern comprising two tiered meandering scrolling curvilinear vines adorned with beautifully drawn classical palmettes of varying forms supported by similarly technically finely drawn flower heads and leaves, all presented in delicate complementary colours with tones of colours from the Nain palette. The scale of the overall background pattern elements serves to enhance the importance and focus on the central pendant circle. The highly detailed arcaded border complements the main field area by utilising renditions of the teardrop motifs in a continuous formation infilled and supported by delicately drawn flowering vines. The combination of the larger motifs with fine detailing compliments and enhances the harmonic design as seen in the main area. The colours are used to exceptional artistic effect with blue, contrasting light blue, beige and ivory combined harmonically to produce an exceptional carpet displaying an established style of design. Unsurprisingly this magnificent Nain carpet is signed by the Master weaver confirming this to be an outstanding work of woven art.

For further information please contact us and our specialist 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.