Rare Mid 19th Century Rose Madder Proto Serapi Carpet

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Rare Mid 19th Century Rose Madder Proto Serapi Carpet

About the Item

As early as the beginning of the 20th century, within American carpet circles, the finest production of carpets from the area of Heriz in the far northwest of Persia were referred to as Serapi. Much like the origin of these weavings, the origin of the term is uncertain. Carpet weaving, both under royal patronage and as a village industry, existed in Northwest Persia from at least the 16th century and perhaps much earlier. It was not until the later 19th century, however, that a true carpet weaving industry in Heriz may be evidenced. However, this later production must have been predicated on something. Once in a blue moon we see pieces of the Serapi type that are such a cut above that they provoke some interesting questions and provide for real insight. This is such a piece. Against an open rose-madder ground a central Persian medallion is traced in sky-blue arabesque scroll. Within this very open medallion four red motifs align in a quatrefoil formation. Large but sparse blossoming tendrils are drawn within ivory corner pieces. This carpet exudes elegance. While each section is individuated by a unique sense of space and adept balance of color, the entire composition is united by an underlying design framework that has been meticulously preserved. The vine-scroll tracing the corner-pieces matches up precisely with that of the medallion. Contours are brilliantly drawn to render negative spaces—the forms of which give evidence of deeper levels of structure and understanding. Such a sophisticated aesthetic harkens to a tradition much earlier than the late 19th century. Indeed, this may be a rare example of a piece pre-dating the weaving revival of that time from which later weavers drew their inspiration.

Dimensions:
Width: 119 in (302.26 cm)Length: 166 in (421.64 cm)
Style:
Serapi (In the Style Of)
Materials and Techniques:
Wool,Hand-Knotted
Place of Origin:
Iran
Period:
Mid-19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
Mid-19th Century
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Even wear throughout with small areas of reweaving. This rug has not been acid washed.
Seller Location:
San Francisco, CA
Reference Number:
Seller: 170571stDibs: LU85552844292