Antique Persian Tabriz Botanic Design Handmade Wool Carpet

An early 20th century Persian Tabriz antique rug, the open pale field surround concentric cusped medallions with floral motifs in shades of blue, sand beige and brown, with enlarged sand-colored spandrels with palmettes within a tan palmette and scrolling vinery border.

Tabriz, the capital of the northwestern Iranian province of Azerbaijan, has for centuries enjoyed a great reputation as a center of Persian culture. Under the benign patronage of Shah Abbas the Great (1587-1629), artists and artisans designed illuminated manuscripts, embroidered silks, painted miniatures and fabricated metal work in the Safavid style. It was in this fertile, creative atmosphere that the weavers of tabriz oriental rugs for the Court were inspired to reach for new artistic heights and created exceptional oriental Persian rugs and carpets. The art of carpet-weaving was handed down from generation to generation and considered a family treasure, allowing artists to ply a respected trade.