Antique Keshan Rug

Period: Late 19th Century
Origin: Keshan, Iran
Dimensions: 135 x 216 cm

This rare late 19th century Persian Keshan (Kashan) rug highlights a powerful and rhythmic floral composition featuring a centralized, blossoming “Tree of Life” motif populated with birds and dense botanical sprays anchored within a luminous, shimmering ivory field. This structural balance between the ascending, curvilinear vines which fill the field with extraordinary density and the elegant corner spandrels reflects the pinnacle of the Keshan workshop tradition, known for reviving the “Golden Age” of Safavid design. Rugs of this era are world renowned for their sophisticated curvilinear precision and their status as the premier “prestige” rugs of the late Qajar period.

The color palette is masterfully balanced, featuring a primary ivory field that serves as a dramatic canvas for high contrast shifts of rose pink, sapphire blue, and spring 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 urban productions. The inclusion of a wide, multi layered border system anchored by a primary border containing a rhythmic sequence of reciprocating floral rosettes and stylized palmettes 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, velvety pile and a firm, substantial handle. The exceptional clarity of the botanical outlines specifically the minute details of the perching birds and the precisely rendered “islimi” (scroll) motifs definitively distinguishes this antique masterpiece as an authentic late 19th century Keshan. Ultimately, this rug stands as a premier example of Persian decorative art, representing a peak in both technical endurance and graphic majesty for global textile collectors.

Stock No: 5726

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