19th Century Afshar Rug

A 19th century Persian Serab rug with intensely intricate floral field surrounded by a geometric border, with an interesting additional wide border feating a repeated paisley pattern.

An early 20th century Persian Afshar rug with an all-over pattern of flowers in vases on a natural undyed wool background, surrounded by a complementary floral border.

Afshar Rug 17463, 19th century Exuding elegance, this finest of Afshar rugs is woven with symmetrical knots and a delicateness that approaches petit point. Afshar pile weaving was greatly inspired by the textile traditions of Persia, particularly that of Kerman. The Afshars of south Persia were centered around Kerman, which was an important weaving center on the Indian trade route. While Persian models largely shaped artistic styles and design in Mughal India throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, during the 19th century Kerman and southeastern Persia absorbed tastes emanating from their eastern neighbor. In fact, the insect-derived red dye used in the field of this remarkable piece is most likely Indian lac. Lac was utilized in the workshop carpets of Kerman, as well as for the shawls woven in the region. This piece displays superb color. Blossoming ‘boteh’ paisleys are sketched with hues of pistachio green, golds, sky blue, and white highlighting. The openness of these devices recalls similar drawing from both Kerman and Kashmiri shawls...

Antique Persian Afshar rug, size: 4'0" x 6'0".