FERAHAN
West Central Persian Antique Rug

(High-Collectible) ("New Arrivals Gallery") Persian Town rugs such as this expressionistic folk art Ferahan can be extremely finely knotted like a city carpet yet still maintain a fluidity both in color and drawing that is captivating and imbued with a palpable movement. It harkens to more ancient examples, and this weaver must have been able to maintain the freshness and playful spontaneity that set apart earlier Ferahan rugs while those produced around them were often becoming more predictable. This piece offers thrillingly deconstructed botanical ornaments in a suggestion of symmetry that is anything but. Tiny geometric devices are found sprinkled throughout, advocating for tribal-nomadic roots extending back for centuries. Weaving families eventually found themselves in a more settled cottage industry but, in this case, were able to hang on to a whimsically creative spark. Lush color tones vacillate from earthy rich rust reds, tangerine, sand, and umber to sparkling cobalt, with luminous cerulean in the corner spandrels plus many other subtle hues awaiting discovery. Differing outline strategies and a confident abrash technique are introduced across the center, causing the pattern to advance and recede from tangible to ethereal to tangible again as the eye moves upward. This very personal, consummately crafted rug remains in superb condition after more than 150 years in existence.

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