DORASHT, Northeast Persian
10' 4" x 12' 7" Late 19th Century Price: $9,800
(High-Decorative)
In now stylish low-pile condition, this elegant, nearly square antique medallion carpet from the unique Persian Dorasht weaving tradition stands out the more commonly seen rugs with repeating allover patterns. Here an entrancing arabesque display in the field starts from a triple-layered, lobed medallion with a sacred lotus flower nucleus. Its meticulous weavers channeled their creative expression through the lens of balance and symmetry, from the majestically scalloped Burmese ruby-toned shield reserve (likely hued from an expensive, imported cochineal beetle dye) to the grand-scale scrolling feathery garland meander of its primary ivory border. This regal exemplar has a tremendously fine weave and would be a perfect non-competitive match with fine art displays and antique furnishings.