Heriz 1920s Antique Persian Rug W/ Large Geometric Medallion - 11'3" X 8'4"

Details

Description

Heriz 1920s Antique Persian Rug w/ Large Geometric Medallion - 11'3" x 8'4"

Origin: Heriz region, Northwest Persia
Date: Circa … Read more Heriz 1920s Antique Persian Rug w/ Large Geometric Medallion - 11'3" x 8'4"

Origin: Heriz region, Northwest Persia
Date: Circa 1920s
Material: Hand-knotted wool
Design: Geometric central medallion with floral and angular motifs
Colors: Madder red, brick red, deep indigo, navy blue, ivory, terracotta, rose, muted gold, pale blue, and green accents
Dimensions: 11' 3" L x 8' 4" W (approximately 343 x 254 cm)
Condition: Antique condition with an evenly time-worn, distressed surface, low pile, age-related wear, and minor irregularities consistent with approximately a century of use. Please refer closely to photographs for condition and details.

Description
An impressive antique Persian Heriz room-size rug dating to circa the 1920s, hand-knotted in the celebrated weaving region of Heriz in Northwest Persia. Measuring approximately 11' 3" long x 8' 4" wide, this substantial carpet displays the bold geometric drawing, powerful central medallion, saturated color palette, and exceptionally durable character for which early 20th-century Heriz carpets are so highly regarded.
With nearly a century of age, the rug has developed a beautifully mellowed surface and authentic time-worn patina. Its combination of warm madder red, deep indigo and navy blue, ivory, terracotta, soft rose, muted gold, and touches of pale blue gives the composition remarkable depth while retaining the strong architectural presence characteristic of classic Heriz weaving.

Central Medallion & Field
The composition is dominated by a monumental, multi-layered geometric medallion occupying much of the central field. Built around an angular eight-pointed star configuration, the medallion radiates outward through a succession of stepped forms, hooked extensions, stylized leaves, palmettes, and abstract floral devices.

At its center is a small geometric cartouche surrounded by contrasting passages of deep blue, rose, ivory, and warm red. Four large angular compartments surrounding the central medallion contain highly stylized floral and palmette motifs, introducing areas of indigo and blue that provide a dramatic counterpoint to the predominantly red field.

The rich madder-red ground is densely populated with smaller geometric blossoms, angular vines, serrated leaves, and stylized botanical forms. Rather than appearing strictly repetitive, these elements possess the subtle irregularities and individuality associated with hand-knotted village weaving.

Gentle tonal variations throughout the field contribute to the rug's depth and character and are consistent with the natural variation found in hand-dyed wool and separate dye batches.

Ivory Corner Spandrels
Particularly striking are the four large ivory-ground corner spandrels, which provide a luminous contrast to the saturated central field.

Their stepped outlines echo the geometry of the central medallion, creating a strong visual relationship between the center and perimeter of the composition. Within these lighter sections are dense arrangements of angular floral sprigs, serrated leaves, small blossoms, and geometric devices worked in shades of red, navy, blue, rose, and terracotta.

The contrast between the ivory corners and warm red field gives the carpet an especially dynamic architectural quality when viewed across a room.

Borders
The field is enclosed by a broad midnight-blue primary border decorated with large stylized palmettes, rosettes, angular leaves, and interconnected vines. The dark ground creates a strong visual frame around the brighter central composition while repeating virtually every major color appearing within the field.

Multiple narrower guard borders surround the principal border, incorporating smaller floral and geometric vine patterns in ivory, coral, muted gold, red, and blue. Together, these successive borders create a beautifully balanced transition from the highly detailed central field to the outer edge of the carpet.

Color & Character
One of the most appealing qualities of this Heriz is its mature, naturally softened palette. Nearly a century of age has mellowed the colors without diminishing their richness, producing the warm, sophisticated appearance collectors and interior designers seek in older Persian carpets.

The dominant brick and madder reds are balanced by deep indigo and midnight blue, while areas of warm ivory illuminate the composition. Smaller accents of dusty rose, terracotta, muted gold, pale blue, and soft green add further complexity.

The result is a carpet that makes a substantial visual statement without appearing overly bright or newly woven.

Condition & Patina
The rug displays an attractive time-worn surface consistent with its age and history of use. The wool pile is generally low, with areas of wear and visible foundation contributing to the desirable distressed character and authentic patina of the piece.

There is expected age-related wear, including minor irregularities and losses along portions of the edges and ends, all of which are visible in the photographs. These characteristics are consistent with an antique carpet approaching a century in age and contribute to its relaxed, beautifully aged appearance.

Despite its wear, the rug retains excellent visual integrity: the central medallion remains clearly articulated, the border is readily legible, and the overall composition retains tremendous decorative presence.

Decorative Appeal
Heriz carpets are particularly admired for their ability to complement an unusually broad range of interiors. The strong geometry and saturated yet softened colors of this example allow it to work equally well in a traditional, Mediterranean, Spanish Revival, English country, eclectic, or contemporary interior.

In a modern room, its intricate hand-knotted surface and century-old patina provide warmth and character against clean architectural lines and minimalist furnishings. In a more traditional setting, its monumental medallion and deep Persian palette create an immediate sense of history and permanence.

At 11' 3" x 8' 4", the rug is an excellent room-size format for a living room, library, dining room, study, or large sitting area.

Origin: Heriz region, Northwest Persia
Date: Circa 1920s
Material: Hand-knotted wool
Design: Geometric central medallion with floral and angular motifs
Colors: Madder red, brick red, deep indigo, navy blue, ivory, terracotta, rose, muted gold, pale blue, and green accents
Dimensions: 11' 3" L x 8' 4" W (approximately 343 x 254 cm)
Condition: Antique condition with an evenly time-worn, distressed surface, low pile, age-related wear, and minor irregularities consistent with approximately a century of use. Please refer closely to photographs for condition and details. See less