Antique Isfahan Rug

Period: Late 19th Century
Origin: Isfahan, Iran
Dimensions: 145 x 217 cm

This rare late 19th century Persian Isfahan rug highlights a powerful and rhythmic floral composition featuring a monumental, multi lobed central medallion in midnight indigo and ivory anchored within a vibrant, saturated turquoise blue field. This structural balance between the expansive, densely decorated field and the intricate central rosette reflects the pinnacle of the Isfahan workshop tradition, known for its aristocratic elegance and technical refinement. Rugs of this antiquity are world renowned for their sophisticated curvilinear aesthetics, often drawing inspiration from the golden age of Safavid court designs.

The color palette is masterfully balanced, featuring a primary turquoise blue field that serves as a dramatic canvas for high contrast shifts of madder red, ivory, and soft ochre. 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 Central Persian urban productions. The inclusion of a wide madder red primary border decorated with a rhythmic sequence of reciprocating floral cartouches and delicate scrolling vines 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 fine clipped, silky pile and a firm, substantial handle. The exceptional clarity of the botanical outlines specifically the minute internal petals of the central medallion and the precisely executed “Shah Abbasi” palmettes throughout the field definitively distinguishes this antique masterpiece as an authentic late 19th century Isfahan. Ultimately, this rug stands as a premier example of Persian textile art, representing a peak in both technical endurance and graphic majesty for global textile collectors.

Stock No: 6278

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