Antique Serapi Carpet

Period: 19th Century
Origin: Iran
Dimensions: 300 x 413 cm

This rare 19th century Persian Serapi carpet highlights a powerful and rhythmic geometric composition featuring a vibrant terracotta-red field dominated by a monumental, multi-layered central medallion in midnight indigo and soft sky blue. This structural balance between the expansive, saturated field and the large-scale, angular “Star” medallion reflects the pinnacle of the Heriz-Serapi weaving tradition in Northwest Persia. Serapi carpets of this antiquity are world-renowned for their bold, architectural presence and the inclusion of formal Persian calligraphic inscriptions, with this example featuring horizontal cartouches at the top and bottom of the field that emphasize its prestige and historical importance.

The color palette is masterfully balanced, featuring a primary terracotta-red ground that serves as a dramatic canvas for high-contrast shifts of sage green, midnight indigo, and ivory. 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 19th-century Northwest Persian workshop productions. The inclusion of a wide, multi-layered border system—anchored by a primary red-ground border decorated with a rhythmic sequence of geometric floral palmettes and scrolling “Herati” vines—creates a precise visual frame that highlights the superior wool quality and distinctive technical finesse of the weavers.

Structural analysis indicates the use of premium hand-spun local wool with a characteristically resilient pile and a firm, substantial handle. The exceptional clarity of the angular outlines—specifically the intricate floral sprays within the teal-green spandrels and the precisely executed calligraphic characters within the cartouches—and the presence of significant, harmonious abrash throughout the red and green sections definitively distinguish this antique masterpiece as an authentic 19th-century Serapi. Ultimately, this Serapi carpet 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 : 1032

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