208 x 140 cm (6' 10" x 4' 7")
Persia, second half 19th century
Condition: very good, full pile, corroded dark brown, upper kilim end partially restored, minor small repairs
Warp: wool, weft: wool, pile: wool
An impressive rug that, on the one hand, seems familiar to us, but on the other hand is quite enigmatic. Shield-shaped motifs are arranged in staggered rows, tile-like, to form an endless repeat pattern. Nothing in the color or design language appears immediately unusual. However, if one specifically searches for a comparable piece, it is difficult to find one.
As for the main motif, one might initially think of a specific type of Sevan-Kazak; see Eder, "Caucasian Rugs," nos. 13 and 15. A comparable tile-like arrangement can be found in Schürmann, " Teppiche aus dem Kaukasus," on a Bordjalou, No. 10. In the case of the Surahani-Shirvans, the main motif appears significantly different at first glance but is quite comparable in its structure; see Eder, Nos. 272-275.
Returning to the Sevan carpets, we notice that their central squares resemble a type of Shahsavan bags. This, in turn, brings to mind the popular arrow-cross type, for example, Wertime, "Sumak Bags," nos. 74 and 125. If we mentally omit the side arms and trim the sides, we come a little closer to our motif.
Admittedly, this is quite vague. However, there is one rug that actually depicts the motif almost exactly as in our piece:
In "Oriental Rugs from Atlantic Collections", No. 97, it appears in a vertical row; the rug is attributed there to the Shahsavan.
The colors of our rug are wonderful, and the field is bordered by a beautiful, classic "wine glass" border. Particularly charming is the secondary border with reciprocal battlements and its varying rhythm; there is also a small color change at the upper end.
Furthermore, the rug is knotted with great care. The use of multiple contour lines is particularly beautiful, giving the individual motifs additional depth and clarity. Despite the overall precision of the design, the weaver has allowed herself a small personal liberty in the lower right corner and - almost like a signature - has inserted a small comb motif.
Estimate: € 6000 - 9000