Description

This Kurdish rug dates to the late 19th century. It originates from the far northwest of Iran.

Three large medallions with protuberances at the bottom and, on the two bottom medallions, top ends run down the central vertical axis of the field. These shapes have, in the literature, been connected  to pond motifs, which seems a somewhat far-fetched construct. They are filled with concentric twelve-stepped diamond patterns, which are surrounded by flower heads and, in the bottom medallion, comb motifs.

The field on a camel brown ground is richly ornamented with stylised flower heads, quartered squares, diamond shapes and two odd motifs near the centre of the rug – these are reminiscent of boteh designs and could conceivably be taken to be amulets.

Two fairly substantial minor borders on a brown ground are filled with a chain of individual flower heads. They flank the main border on a strong orange ground which is decorated in a so-called “leaf and calyx” motif.

The most eye catching feature of this rug are the intensity and range of colours, especially the strongly saturated orange, the three shades of green and a beautiful, distinctive aubergine. The fact that these colours are set against a background of various shades of brown gives this rug a beautiful, warm glow.

The rug is worked in excellent wool on a foundation of brown woollen wefts and white woollen warps. It has some repairs but is over all in good condition.