Antique Bird Design Khamseh Rug

Period: Late 19th Century
Origin: Khamseh
Dimensions: 123 x 183 cm

This rare late 19th century Persian Khamseh rug highlights a powerful and rhythmic geometric composition featuring a monumental, triple diamond medallion system anchored within a saturated madder red field. This structural balance between the large scale central lozenges each containing intricate tribal motifs—and the secondary ivory ground “Morghi” (chicken) and bird motifs scattered throughout the field reflects the pinnacle of the Khamseh Confederacy’s weaving tradition. Khamseh rugs of this antiquity are world renowned for their tribal vitality and the sophisticated blending of Persian nomadic symbols with a refined sense of color and technical precision.

The color palette is masterfully balanced, featuring a primary madder red ground that serves as a dramatic canvas for high contrast shifts of midnight indigo, ivory, and golden saffron. These rich and enduring tones, achieved through the expert application of natural dyes, exhibit a chromatic strength and a saturated depth that are hallmarks of the finest late 19th century Southwest Persian productions. The inclusion of a complex, multi-layered border system anchored by a midnight indigo primary border with rhythmic floral rosettes and serrated guard bands—creates a precise visual frame that highlights the superior wool quality and distinctive technical finesse of the Khamseh weavers.

Structural analysis indicates the use of premium handspun local wool with a characteristically fine, dense pile and a supple yet resilient handle. The exceptional clarity of the angular outlines specifically the stylized botanical elements scattered throughout the red field and the precise geometric lattice of the ivory spandrels and the presence of significant, harmonious abrash within the red and blue sections definitively distinguish this antique masterpiece from later commercial examples. Ultimately, this Khamseh 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 : 2219

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