SERAPI
Northwest Persian Antique Rug

(High-Collectible) ("New Arrivals Gallery") Woven in the rugged mountains of Northwest Persia before 1910, Serapi carpets are a distinct Heriz region style, with finer knotting and more large-scale, spaciously placed designs compared to other weavings from this area. These artisans successfully synthesized design elements from both the neighboring Caucasian tribal weaving traditions to the north and the elegant court carpets from the city of Tabriz to the east. In this very fine and rare example, one of the most unusual we have ever seen, an underscale medallion is the power-charged nucleus of the surrounding pattern. Drawn with tremendous freedom, casually asymmetrical botanically inspired fronds and feathery blossoms gracefully fill the field, which has forgone the more typical corner spandrel format. The deep midnight sapphire background is a rare color to see in area-size Serapi rugs and amplifies the sparkling stylized foliage. Flashes of Robin’s egg blue, garnet, coral, and teal contribute to an engaging aesthetic impact. The novel border could indicate a commissioned piece with its artful cartouched calligraphy. This piece is in even medium pile condition with that slight shimmering patina adored by aficionados of 19th-century art rugs.

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