Antique Persian Shiraz Gift-Sized Square Rug by Rug & Kilim, 1920-1929

Details

Description

Hand-knotted in wool and originating circa 1920-1929 from Persia, this 2x2 antique Persian Shiraz rug joins Rug & Kilim’s Antique … Read more Hand-knotted in wool and originating circa 1920-1929 from Persia, this 2x2 antique Persian Shiraz rug joins Rug & Kilim’s Antique collection. Featuring a deep midnight-navy field populated by six hexagonal terraced medallions, geometric bird motifs, and a warm sand-toned border, this piece translates the authentic folk-art symbolism of nomadic Fars weaving into a rare gift-sized format.

On the Design:

Rooted in the historic Fars province of southwestern Persia, Shiraz rugs carry a celebrated legacy shaped by nomadic Qashqai and Khamseh weaving traditions. Celebrated for using rich, saturated vegetable dyes and soft, hand-spun local wool, Shiraz artisans blended rigid tribal geometries with fluid regional motifs. Small-format gift-sized mats, traditionally known as pushti or bagface panels, provided weavers an intimate medium for artistic experimentation, compressing complex tribal schemes and regional symbolism into portable, gem-like textiles.

Rather than relying on a singular central anchor, the weaver employs modular geometric tessellation, organizing six terraced hexagonal medallions across a midnight-navy field or *sormeyi* to establish a rhythmic grid of dual-axis rotational symmetry. Rendered in rich madder terracotta and slate blue, these stepped hexagons resemble ancient tribal shields or protective talismans. At their centers lie serrated diamond cores framed by protective latch-hooks or *serek*, traditionally woven to ward off ill fortune. Scattered across the surrounding dark canvas are angular L-shaped figures and stylized bird silhouettes or *morgh*, evoking roosting peacocks that symbolize prosperity and divine spiritual light. Enclosing the field, a sand-toned border filled with repeating geometric florets and stylized avian motifs echoes regional flat-weave embroidery, bounded by barber-pole guard stripes. This masterclass in tribal geometry offers designers and collectors an extraordinary, museum-caliber study in folk-art symbolism.

Condition:

This antique Persian Shiraz rug enjoys good condition for its age and origin. See less