Antique Sultanabad Carpet

Period: Late 19th century
Origin: Sultanabad, Central Iran
Dimension: 365 x 590 cm

This late 19th century Sultanabad rug was woven in the Sultanabad (Arak) region of central western Iran, an area that became internationally renowned during the 19th century for producing high quality carpets for both local use and the Western market. Sultanabad rugs are celebrated for their refined drawing, balanced compositions, and harmonious integration of Persian classical and regional design elements.

The rug features an allover floral design arranged in a spacious and well structured layout. The field is decorated with repeating palmettes, rosettes, stylized floral sprays, and delicate vine scrolls, creating a rhythmic and elegant pattern across the surface. These motifs are inspired by classical Persian garden imagery and symbolize growth, harmony, and abundance.

The softly abrash infused warm terracotta field is complemented by gentle shades of ivory, light blue, muted greens, and soft browns, resulting in a calm and sophisticated color palette. This subtle coloration is characteristic of late 19th century Sultanabad carpets, which were often designed with Western interiors in mind while preserving traditional Persian aesthetics.

Framing the field is a wide main border decorated with floral cartouches, palmettes, and curvilinear vine motifs, flanked by multiple guard borders featuring smaller repeating floral elements. The border design provides a graceful architectural frame that enhances the overall balance and symmetry of the rug.

Woven with high quality handspun wool on a durable foundation, the rug exhibits a supple texture and a medium pile, typical of Sultanabad production. The use of natural dyes has resulted in soft, well aged tones that have developed a beautiful patina over time.

Overall, this rug is an excellent example of late 19th-century Sultanabad weaving, combining refined floral ornamentation, spacious design, and timeless elegance, making it both a decorative and historically significant textile.

Stock No: 5491

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