Authentic 19th Century Persian Tabriz Handmade Wool Rug BB7509 11'0" × 18'5" $80,000

A late 19th century Persian Tabriz carpet, the sand field with delicate vinery and rows of brown and sand botehs overall surrounding an arabesque-formed central light brown medallion containing dense floral motifs and a petal-formed centerpiece within a light brown palmette and floral spray border.

Tabriz, the capital of the northwestern Iranian province of Azerbaijan, has for centuries enjoyed a great reputation as a center of Persian culture. Under the benign patronage of Shah Abbas the Great (1587-1629), artists and artisans designed illuminated manuscripts, embroidered silks, painted miniatures and fabricated metal work in the Safavid style. It was in this fertile, creative atmosphere that the weavers of Tabriz rugs for the Court were inspired to reach for new artistic heights and created exceptional antique oriental rugs and Persian carpets. The art of carpet-weaving was handed down from generation to generation and considered a family treasure, allowing artists to ply a respected trade.