Image Carpets

Antique Heriz Silk Rug -160507

This extremely fine and elegant antique silk Tabriz comes from the transition period of the 1880’s when production of luxurious silks moved from Heriz to Tabriz. The deep rust field, complex 16-point ivory medallion with internal arabesques and the yellow/light blue cartouche border all indicate a highly evolved colour and design style. There is, however, as sense of whimsy in the corners: two are pistachio while two are light blue. Later Tabriz silks have lost this naive character so prized in earlier Heriz silks. The numerous borders confirm a Tabriz origin as Heriz pieces tend to have fewer and wider. The colours are crisp and natural, with the reds and pinks from madder, and the various blues from indigo. The condition is excellent. Few transitional Tabriz-Heriz silks were ever made and this is a particularly engaging example. This is a Tabriz workshop rug at its best with formality and quirkiness combined into an artistically satisfying whole.