Persian Tabriz Carpet – Fine Silk and Wool

Persian Tabriz carpet handwoven in Iran from fine silk and wool.

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.

The Persian Tabriz ‘Boudoir’ rug as seen here is an outstanding example of  Tabriz weaving. The amalgam of varying styles is certainly present; it combines traditional elements in a modern fashion, presented in a characteristic Tabriz colour palette, and 17th century Indian elements of Persian inspiration. This is seen in the curving floral element, repeated in the field as part of the design and encircling the central medallion; it is made up of several small flower heads decreasing in size towards the end and resembling a raceme of wisteria blossom. The composition also incorporates European styles of design, consistent with the group, exemplified by the inner dusky pink surround. Many examples from this group display full detailed patterns in the central field and borders, though this Persian ‘Boudoir’ Tabriz rug displays a wonderful spacious design giving an open airy feel to the entire composition. A wonderful array of soft pastel colours are combined together to ensure this maximises the beauty of every element of the harmonic design. There are two ‘designer’ inscriptions, one at each end of the rug and these appear to be included in particularly fine examples of the genre. In the context of handmade Persian carpet history, this significant group of 20th Pahlavi weavings will stand the test of time as outstanding works of woven art.

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.