Signed Persian Qum Carpet – Fine Pure Silk

Fine signed Persian Qum carpet handwoven from fine pure silk in Iran.

Qum is a relatively recent centre of production for traditionally based urban workshop carpets and rugs with workshops first appearing there around 1927. Qum rapidly became highly significant and important with an emphasis on producing technically fine silk rugs, and output was prolific by the late 1930’s. Initially their rugs displayed designs firmly influenced and inspired by the classical carpet designs originating from the neighbouring city of Kashan, which in turn was one of the most historically important centres of carpet weaving with a tradition of carpet making dating back to the ‘Golden Age’  under the patronage of the Safavid Rulers ( 1502- 1736 ).

Persian Qum carpets can, however display highly individual and unique patterns, without being constrained by tradition due to the fact that it is a relatively new centre of carpet weaving. This exceptionally fine Persian Qum carpet, signed by the designer,  displays a unique style of  design, pushing the boundaries of any tradition to its limits. The eye is drawn to a magnificent circular multi coloured medallion which lays on a remarkable, rare blue ton-sur-ton field. This field is adorned with realistically drawn floral bouquets each presenting a mass of jewel like blossom. The drawing of all the floral elements is exceptionally fine and the number of colours used is verging on endless. The profusion of small flower heads and related tendrils and foliage are reminiscent of a style of pattern as seen in exceptionally fine wool pile carpets originating from the city of Kerman in South East Persia, dating to the late 19th and early 20th Century, referred to as ‘Millefleurs’ carpets. As the name indicates these carpets display a mass of tiny blossom, often incorporating pictorial representations. Remarkably this exceptionally fine Persian silk Qum carpet is symmetrical on both the horizontal and vertical axis. The border pattern acts as a magnificent frame focussing complete attention to the floral profusion presented.

The exceptionally fine knot density in this Persian Qum silk carpet allows for the pile to be cropped to such a degree that exceptional detailing is achieved almost comparable to a silk velvet textile.

This Persian Qum Carpet is a triumph in individualism combining original and traditional iconography, adapted and presented in a magnificent, technically excellent celebration of individual Qum workmanship, duly signed by the master weaver.