Kerman

Mid 19th century, 195 x 123 cm, South Persia

This white-ground Kerman with a very narrow border shows an elegant repeat of large, lively botehs placed in offset horizontal rows and all aligned to the left. The rug is strikingly fine in weave and its pile has been cut short, resulting in a leathery handle. The field design is modelled on the botehs seen in the end panels (pallu) of North Indian Kashmir shawls woven around 1830 – not on the Kerman termeh weavings where the botehs are arranged in facing pairs. Often produced on commission for the Persian upper class, workshop rugs of this outstanding quality were coveted prestige objects during the Qajar period. – Very good condition, except for minimal signs of wear at the corners.

AZADI, SIAWOSCH, Persian Carpets. Vol.1. Katalog Teppich-Museum Teheran. Teheran 1977, Nr.30