Antique Persian Sultanabad Rug, 08'04 X 10'02

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79907 Antique Persian Sultanabad Rug, 08'04 x 10'02.

The Midnight Dynasty: An Antique Persian Sultanabad Masterpiece of Noble Heritage

A … Read more 79907 Antique Persian Sultanabad Rug, 08'04 x 10'02.

The Midnight Dynasty: An Antique Persian Sultanabad Masterpiece of Noble Heritage

A captivating testament to the celebrated weaving traditions of the late 19th century, this hand-knotted wool antique Persian Sultanabad rug captures the artistic refinement and cultural richness of a bygone era. Its deep navy blue field unfolds beneath an intricate tableau of botanical ornamentation, illuminated by shades of ruby, terracotta, green, ivory, and antique gold. Woven during a period when Sultanabad carpets gained international recognition among European collectors and American tastemakers, this stunning masterwork reflects the accomplished craftsmanship of artisans who transformed ancient design traditions into enduring works of decorative art. The harmonious interplay of color, proportion, and elaborate detailing evokes the atmosphere of an ancestral estate, where furnishings were thoughtfully collected and cherished across generations. Its stately presence and historical character lend an air of cultivated sophistication to interiors that celebrate heritage and timeless design.

Across the midnight-hued ground, an allover Herati pattern unfolds in a rhythmic arrangement of flowering rosettes, palmettes, serrated leaves, and interlacing diamond formations. Traditionally associated with the classical garden aesthetic, the iconic Herati motif, also known as the Mahi or fish design, evokes the perpetual movement of life, flowing water, and nature's regenerative forces. Its characteristic curved foliage surrounding a central blossom creates the impression of fish swimming through an enchanted aquatic garden, recalling symbolic associations with abundance, fertility, and spiritual continuity. Stylized lotus blossoms suggest rebirth and enlightenment, while floral rosettes represent harmony and the cyclical renewal of existence. Graceful arabesques weave throughout the composition, lending fluidity to its geometric structure. The absence of a central medallion allows the ornamentation to extend uninterrupted across the field, creating an immersive landscape of botanical artistry and visual movement.

Encircling the exceptional composition is a distinctive Samovar turtle vine scroll border, characterized by an elaborate interplay of angular botanical forms, scrolling tendrils, and stylized medallions. The turtle-like devices recall traditional associations with longevity, protection, and steadfastness, while continuous vines symbolize growth and the passage of generations. Rendered against a warm brick red ground, the principal border establishes an architectural framework that complements the intricate drawing of the interior. Flanking carnation meander guard borders introduce blossoms associated with devotion, admiration, and the pleasures of cultivated gardens. An outer boteh guard band completes the arrangement, its repeating flame-shaped emblems evoking the seed of life, immortality, and eternal renewal. Together, these ornamental passages preserve a fascinating vocabulary of ancestral symbolism, revealing the cultural imagination and artistic discipline of Sultanabad's weaving heritage.

Rooted in the decorative traditions of the late Victorian era, this antique Persian Sultanabad rug carries the quiet authority of an heirloom shaped by history. Its densely articulated Herati design, generous proportions, and atmospheric palette reflect the craftsmanship that established Sultanabad carpets as sought-after furnishings in the international art market. Envisioned beneath a mahogany dining table, gracing the library of an English country manor, or anchoring the salon of a Fifth Avenue residence, this exquisite work of art brings warmth, depth, and a sense of permanence to its surroundings. The intricate symbolism and hand-knotted construction invite contemplation, revealing the individuality of the weaver's artistry through every carefully rendered detail. An extraordinary masterpiece for the discerning collector, this Sultanabad preserves the beauty of a centuries-old tradition while offering an enduring connection to the elegance of historic interiors.

Abrash.
Hand knotted wool.
Measures: 08'04 x 10'02.
Pile Height: 0.17 of an inch.
Date: 1890's. Late 19th Century. See less