Antique Persian Farahan Gift-Sized Rug With Floral Design by Rug & Kilim, 1920-1929

Details

Description

Hand-knotted in fine wool and originating circa 1920-1929 from Persia, this antique 3x2 gift-sized Persian Farahan rug joins Rug & … Read more Hand-knotted in fine wool and originating circa 1920-1929 from Persia, this antique 3x2 gift-sized Persian Farahan rug joins Rug & Kilim’s Antique collection. Featuring a rich madder-red field, a crisp midnight-navy medallion, and vibrant sky-blue spandrels, the layout translates the aristocratic craftsmanship of classic Farahan weaving into an exquisite gift-sized format.

On the Design:

Hailing from the historic Farahan plain in central Persia's Arak province, Farahan carpets occupy an exalted tier in 19th and early 20th-century textile history. Highly favored by Qajar nobility and British aristocrats alike, Farahan looms were celebrated for their crisp, meticulous craftsmanship, short-clipped velvet pile, and extraordinarily sophisticated color harmonies. Farahan weavers specialized in remarkably tight, fine knotting that allowed for razor-sharp geometric outlines and intricate botanical execution. Small-format *pushti* or gift-sized mats produced in these ateliers condensed this aristocratic design program into gem-like textiles, frequently serving as refined master trial pieces or *vaghireh* or treasured diplomatic presentation gifts.

Rather than treating a small-format *pushti* as a simplified accent, the weaver applies micro-scale spatial compression, meticulously scaling down a monumental palace carpet design into a pocket-sized canvas with absolute structural clarity. The glowing madder-red field evokes a sun-drenched Persian courtyard garden or *Pardis*, anchored by a midnight-navy stepped medallion. At its core blooms a classical eight-petaled lotus rosette, a traditional Safavid emblem of spiritual purity and rebirth, framed by pomegranate blossoms or *gol-e anar* and stylized lotus palmettes. Vertical pendant extensions or *haspe* establish flawless bilateral and radial symmetry. Corner spandrels in sky-blue turquoise or *firoozeh* introduce striking simultaneous chromatic contrast, making the edges recede like architectural archways opening to the heavens. A floating field of wild jasmine tendrils and an illuminated manuscript-inspired border or *tazhib* complete this masterclass in proportional discipline, offering an extraordinary study in miniature craftsmanship for designers and collectors.

Condition:

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