In this category I list recently acquired pieces of all groups and sizes for a duration of maximum 6 months after arrival, thereafter they appear in their respective sections. More images of any lot available on request. Updated 5/1/2022.
A lovely example of the prestigious Jozan rugs from a fertile valley famed for its raisins as well as its rugs. The villagers say there's something in the local water that imparts extra lustre and softness to the wool, clearly apparent in this fine example with its superb pile all dyed with natural colours.
Finely knotted at 240 pr sq inch and heavily depressed warps these Jozans invariably last for generations even with regular floor use. The rug is now around 100 years old and will easily survive for a few generations to come. In excellent condition throughout, free of repairs and complete with its original sides and end kilims intact.
€SOLD
This is a extremely robust, well made piece showing influence from several known village regions in NW Persian Azerbaijan. Woven on cotton foundation with tightly packed wefts it handles like a Bidjar, yet it's very close in design to Sarab, Meshkin and even Heriz.
In full pile throughout, the lustrous high quality wool beautifully reflects the glowing natural colours. The weaver obviously worked from memory as you can see from the quirky and highly decorative border with other token motifs like birds and evil eye symbols haphazardly thrown in.
In exceptional condition throughout, full high pile with no wear, original side and ends fully intact apart from a short stretch of side cord with some gentle rebinding. If you are searching for an unusual, decorative vintage runner suitable for heavy traffic and daily use for generations to come, this is for you.
€SOLD
Rugs of this appearance were woven in a number of small towns and villages in the Mahallat region, mainly in the town of Arak.
Woven on cotton foundation with fine quality wool dyed entirely with natural dyes including a lovely soft green and ivory spandrels that lift the composition. Note the beautiful and unusual main border. In very good condition throughout it has only very slight, even surface wear, original side cords and one lower end intact, loss of 2-3 knot rows at the opposite end. A good, decorative antique rug at a reasonable price
€2400
This very attractive rug is typical of the work by the Shishboluki - the centre four armed "crab" motif with its matching halved corners is often encountered, as does the linked, flowering plants in the main border. Later examples normally appear much busier in style, the earlier examples being far more attractive in their relaxed, open style of design.
Like all tribal rugs this piece was woven entirely from the weaver's memory and hence it's full of quirky, charming improvisations. The dyes are all natural, meaning the rug can be safely washed and be exposed to light without further fading.
In good condition throughout showing only slight, even wear, original side cords and no loss at short ends other than the original kilim strands. Free of repairs and ready to go on the floor, or on a wall where its visual reward is maximised.
€2900
This lovely carpet is a perfect example of Bakthiari weaving from a time when they had settled into sedentary village life having lived a nomadic lifestyle for centuries. The charming design is well composed, woven freestyle without the aid of sterile cartoons, showing the wonderful playfulness of the weavers especially seen in the main border. The quirky improvisations and very beautiful, glowing natural colours, draw you in, searching for other surprises. See if you can spot the single goat and other small animals scattered around.
Small carpets of good age and character, in top condition, are extremely difficult to source, making this piece an exceptional buy. Lovingly cared for through the generations the carpet is in excellent condition, in near full pile throughout with original sides and ends intact and secured, virtually repair free. A treasure to add warmth and happiness to traditional as well as contemporary settings.
€5200
A curious piece woven by the Avshars, dated three times of which two are correct (one is back the front), translating to 1960 AD. The dyes are clearly all natural, showing some abrash and other proof if needed, yet at this time almost all Persian rug weavers had long abandoned natural dyes in favour of inferior chemical one. Most likely the rug was made by a family who had managed to hold on to the forgotten dye making secrets.
The design is typical tribal Avshar - birds, animals, flowers, evil eye symbols, around the two bold medallions that later became the norm for more commercial rugs woven in Shahr Babak. In perfect condition throughout, ex a Swedish private collection where it has been stored away for a generation or more.
€SOLD
A very beautiful, early village rug from Bidjar, ticking all the boxes on my "check list". The complex design is clearly woven "freestyle" without cartoons, making it unique, the natural dyes and glossy wool of top quality, the condition close to perfect with full pile, original ends and sides intact and only one minor repair to the upper left corner.
Rugs of this quality have not been woven in Iran for a very long time, the newly made "Bidjars" having none of the properties that made early examples so superior and value retaining. A great rug suitable for both traditional and contemporary settings, set to last for another century with a modicum of care. The slightly dark upper right corner is a natural shadow from a tree in our garden.
€SOLD
