Signed Exceptionally Fine Tabriz Carpet

The city of Tabriz in North West Persia, was the earliest Capital of the Safavid Dynasty, (1502 – 1736), and as such is most likely to have been the centre of carpet production longer than any other significant centre in Persia. Regarded as the ‘Golden Age ‘ of carpet making, the Safavid Shah’s were avid patrons of the arts in all subjects, and actively encouraged pursuit of excellence in craftsmanship and creativity. Tabriz led the way, and as a result of this long tradition, Persian Tabriz carpets, influenced by varying cultures over time display a huge repertoire of varying designs from ‘medallion’ to overall repeat patterns.

The range of colours is seemingly endless, and the combination of colours used is always carefully considered to create the most harmonic and decorative end product. From these earlier times, these established traditions have continued through to the present day, and many exceptional Persian Tabriz carpets have been made closely based on the ‘original’ Safavid carpet designs. This magnificent Persian Tabriz carpet displays a staggeringly intricate design based on 17th Century Classical ‘models’. The materials used, Kork wool, and silk on silk foundation allow for this intricacy to be created.

The central medallion recalls an architectural mosaic ceiling feature and serves as a focal point to which the supporting pattern compliments superbly. The inclusion of the continuous boteh motif framing the central medallion is a remarkable addition not often used in this way, but adds a highly decorative element to the composition of this carpet. The central medallion lies majestically on a layer of complex scrolling curvilinear vines which are adorned with delicate flower heads, and small leaves. This layer of flowering vines are then overlaid on similar scrolling vines which are adorned with flower heads and delicate curling leaves, which are drawn differently to the first layer of vinery. This format, incorporating layers of pattern is from 17th Century Classical iconography and gives depth, helping to create a sense of movement to the overall pattern. The pattern is symmetrical on the horizontal and vertical axis which includes the cream inner surround. This cream surround is decorated with more intricate and detailed scrolling flowering vines compared with the main field flowering vines, this smaller drawing enhances the overall decorative appearance and helps to focus attention on the main field and medallion. In addition the cream surround is adorned with a continuous band of inward facing boteh drawn in a similar way as the botehs radiating from the central medallion. These boteh are drawn in a larger scale to the central medallion boteh, and as such these larger renditions serve to enhance the overall decorative appearance of the composition. The border treatment compliments the central field area superbly, with the same intricacy as the drawing of the floral pattern in the central field. The choice of colours selected with great care and combined to ensure maximum visual beauty and impact, with ivory and cream tones as the background colours and motifs defined with shades of ochre, deep ochre, aqua marine, three shades of green, white silk, copper red, pale salmon.  A stronger blue tone is used for outlining which gives depth and emphasis to the overall composition.

This exceptionally fine Persian Tabriz carpet, combines all the very best attributes of Tabriz artistry of the 20th Century, and it is no surprize that this outstanding Persian Tabriz carpet is signed as a Masterpiece by the Ustad ( Designer).

Signed original Fine 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.