Antique Persian Tabriz Hand Knotted Wool Rug BB5561 10'2" × 16'2" $70,000

An early 20th century Persian Tabriz carpet, the cream field with a condensed herati design overall surrounding a cocoa stepped medallion with a similar design and enclosing a dark brown stepped centerpiece, with similar enlarged spandrels within an abrashed light brown enlarged palmette 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.