Antique Qum Rug

Period: Late 19th Century
Origin: Qum, Iran
Dimensions: 136 x 203 cm

This rare late 19th century Persian Qum (Kum) rug highlights a powerful and rhythmic vertical composition featuring a sophisticated “Moharramat” or striped pattern anchored within a luminous ivory and sky blue field. This structural balance between the repeating vertical bands—each filled with a continuous sequence of delicate “Boteh” (paisley) motifs—and the surrounding curvilinear spandrels reflects the pinnacle of the Qum weaving tradition, which is world renowned for its extraordinary technical refinement. Rugs of this era are highly sought after by collectors for their painterly execution of complex botanical details and their graceful interpretation of classical Persian design elements.

The color palette is masterfully balanced featuring a primary sky blue ground in the border that serves as a dramatic canvas for high contrast shifts of madder red, ivory, and golden 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 urban workshop productions. The inclusion of a wide, multi layered primary border decorated with a rhythmic sequence of reciprocating floral palmettes and scrolling vines creates a precise visual frame that highlights the superior wool quality and the technical finesse of the weavers.

Structural analysis indicates the use of premium hand spun local wool with a characteristically high knot density and a supple, flexible handle. The exceptional clarity of the decorative outlines, specifically the minute internal details of the Boteh motifs and the precisely rendered symmetry of the corner spandrels, definitively distinguishes this antique masterpiece as an authentic late 19th century Qum. Ultimately this rug stands as a premier example of Persian workshop art representing a peak in both technical endurance and graphic majesty for global collectors.

Stock No: 2746

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