Antique Afshar Rug

Period: Late 19th Century
Origin: Iran
Dimensions: 140 x 195 cm

This rare late 19th century Persian Afshar rug highlights a powerful and rhythmic floral composition featuring a vertical arrangement of stylized “vase” or “flower pot” medallions anchored within a luminous ivory field. This structural balance between the repeating, large scale botanical motifs characterized by their tiered, fan like blooms and the expansive white ground reflects the pinnacle of the Afshar nomadic weaving tradition from South Central Persia. Rugs of this antiquity are world renowned for their graphic charm and their ability to blend formal Persian workshop aesthetics with the bold, expressive spirit of tribal craftsmanship.

The color palette is masterfully balanced, featuring a primary ivory field that serves as a dramatic canvas for high contrast shifts of madder red, midnight indigo, and forest green. These rich and enduring tones, achieved through the expert application of natural dyes over 130 years ago, exhibit a chromatic strength and a saturated depth that are hallmarks of the finest late 19th century Kerman region tribal productions. The inclusion of a complex multi layered border system anchored by a dark ground primary border with a rhythmic sequence of geometric rosettes creates a precise visual frame that highlights the superior wool quality and the distinctive technical finesse of the weavers.

Structural analysis indicates the use of premium hand spun local wool with a characteristically thick, resilient pile and a firm, substantial handle. The exceptional clarity of the angular outlines specifically the nested geometric details within the flower pots and the precisely executed “checkerboard” guard borders definitively distinguishes this antique masterpiece as an authentic late 19th century Afshar. Ultimately, this rug stands as a premier example of Persian tribal art, representing a peak in both technical endurance and graphic majesty for global textile collectors.

Stock No: 2276

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