Very Fine Tabriz Signed Carpet

The Shahs of the Safavid Dynasty were collectively proactive Patrons of the Arts, including the production of exceptional decorative carpets which set the standards of excellence. Following the demise of the Safavid Dynasty which ended in 1736, there was stagnation in the creation of magnificent carpets, partly due to decreased Art Patronage within Persia, and due to shifts in decoration styles in Western markets which erred towards a preference in European artistic styles.

In carpet terms, the English Axminster and Wilton styles and the French Aubusson and Savonnerie styles became more popular and established in the home markets during the 18th and 19th centuries. However, from the second half of the 19th Century there began resurgence in fine Persian carpet production, and by 1910 the industry was back in prominence. The ‘Revival’ of Persian excellence recalling the ‘Golden Era’ of magnificent 16th and 17th century carpet production was now well under way. This transpired due to a return to Royal Patronage of the Arts under the auspices of Nasr al-Din Shah of the Qajar Dynasty, ruled 1848-1896, the following Pahlavi Dynasty through to the present day. This resurgence was also enhanced by a return of interest, now to a wider Western market as a result of Industrial growth which created a considerably larger new wealthy clientele.

The major traditional Persian urban centres, including Tabriz, Esfahan, Kashan, Kerman, Mashed, for example, responded to this new and significant interest, not only striving to recreate the magnificent styles of carpet design established in the 16th and 17th Centuries, but also looking at new sources of inspiration for the creation of fine carpet designs. The accent on striving for excellence recalling the exemplary standards of the 16th and 17th Century, ‘Golden Age’ carpet production would always have been in mind, and this Persian Tabriz carpet represents a remarkable example of combining differing weaving traditions as part of this ‘Revivalist’ approach to carpet design.

This stately Persian Tabriz carpet displays a design clearly related closely to the 18th and 19th century European styles of design. The primary features are typically European, drawn in a distinctive traditional style, including the majority of the floral pattern details. The drawing of delicate vines in the main border are however eastern in style. The colours used are incredibly subtle and verging on mono chromatic, presenting an outstanding regal appearance. The highly skilled Persian Tabriz weavers and designer have clearly demonstrated their understanding of the European styles of design, and re-created a magnificent carpet which would sympathetically grace traditional palace or state room interiors. The soft colour palette allows for maximum flexibility from a decoration point of view.

Very Fine Tabriz Signed 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.