Very Fine Rare Persian Tabriz Rug

The city of Tabriz is a historically important centre for the production of fine and decorative rugs and carpets with a history of rug making dating back to the ‘Golden Age’ of Persian weaving synonymous with the 17th Century Safavid Dynasty. From these early times the Persian Tabriz weavers established themselves as masters in the art of carpet weaving, and are still recognised as such today. The Persian Tabriz weavers often create exceptional works of woven art which are pioneering, experimental and highly original, which compare favourably with the innovative artists of the Classical Safavid Dynasty.

There is no doubting that this remarkable Persian Tabriz silk rug has been designed and woven  by an exceptionally talented and skilled Ustaden ( Designer ).

The composition can be described as highly original though with certain established Classical characteristics being maintained. This is exemplified by the ‘infinite repeat’ device whereby pattern details on both sides and both ends disappear behind the borders as if continuing for infinity. This artistic device helps create a sense of fluidity to the staggeringly beautiful composition. The use of silk allows for exceptional detail to be presented, as is visible in this Persian Tabriz silk rug. The rare green field supports the main pattern element shows magnificent Chrysanthemum blossom in varying scales and maturity coloured in three shades of purple, these colours used to amazing artistic effect presenting a realistic rendition creating a ‘3D’ appearance to each blossom. These magnificent blossoms are attached to upright and wavy brown stems with supporting spear shaped leaves in varying shades of ochre, pale, medium and dark green also presented in differing orientations as if blowing in a gentle wind. The varying shades of colour as seen in the leaves, gives depth to the design and also supports a ‘3D’ appearance.

The Chrysanthemum genus is in the plant family Asteracea, native to East Asia and North Eastern Europe. It is of significance in Persian culture as the plant is associated with the Zoroastrian spiritual being Ashi Vanghuhi,( meaning; Good blessings, rewards ), a female Yazad ( Angel ) presiding over blessings. These amazingly drawn Chrysanthemums are balanced by Buttercup ( Ranunculus repens ), plants, flower heads and buds coloured ochre, dark ochre and brown, and when seen, with a red bulls eye centre. The way these colours have been used gives a sense of depth and realism to each flower head. The more subtle colours superbly compliment the strength of colours used in the Chrysanthemum blossom. The Buttercups are drawn in varying scales and in varying stages of maturity from unopened buds, to opening and fully open blossom presented as plants and unattached floating sprigs in varying orientations. These plants and stems are supported by brown outlined three toned green and bright ochre foliage which is multi layered with leaves overlaying or tucking behind  plant stems and other leaves which presents a great sense of movement and flow, and enhancing the incredible ‘3D’ appearance of the primary composition. Further balanced flora ‘infill’ is provided by Digitalis spear floral sprigs. The light Caramel border colour magnificently compliments the rare pale green main field colour, and displays continuous Chrysanthemum plants similarly drawn and orientated to the main field plants, though they are drawn in a smaller scale and display a larger amount of dark purple seen at the base of each blossom. The smaller scale of the repeat plants continues the theme, and serves to visually enhance the importance of the main field design. The greater use of deep purple generates a strong and highly effective ‘3D’ image creating the illusion as if the plants are growing out of the rug. The use of butterflies of varying forms and orientations serve to enhance the sense of movement and fluidity to the design and are ingenious infilling additions to the composition. The pale apricot guard borders continue the theme though with different coloured flower heads, and occasional pendant forms, all presented in perfect harmonic scale to compliment the main border and field decoration.

This Persian Tabriz silk rug is a phenomenal work of woven art. It represents the very best of 20th Century innovation and originality, characteristic of Tabriz ingenuity and creativity, and woven with outstanding technical skill.

Very Fine Persian Tabriz Allover Rug – Pure Silk with delightful Floral motif Light complexion purple bouqet on complementary yellow base.

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.