Extremely Fine Persian Tabriz Carpet – Signed

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.

This Persian Tabriz carpet displays the ‘Boudoir’ style of design, and as seen here, is an outstanding example of contemporary Persian Tabriz weaving. The amalgam of varying styles is certainly present; it combines traditional Persian, Indian and French elements in a modern fashion, presented in a characteristic modern Tabriz colour palette, with some traditional colours present, namely the deeper red and blue background colours. The classical Indian aspect is seen in the curving floral element, repeated in the field throughout 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 ivory shaped  surround. Many examples from this group display full detailed patterns in the central field and borders, and this is surely present in this magnificent, formal designed Persian ‘Boudoir’ Tabriz carpet. A wonderful array of modern colours are combined together to ensure this maximises the beauty of every element of the harmonic design. Worthy of particular note is the use of gold toned ochre which is used to outstanding artistic effect in the drawing and highlighting of the delicate floral pattern details, enhancing to maximise the ornate visual experience. This Persian Tabriz carpet, is unsurpringly signed by the master weaver at one end of the carpet; such inscriptions appear to be included in particularly fine examples of the genre. This is a magnificent example of type and origin and 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.

Extremely Fine Signed Persian 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.