Heriz

This extraordinary Heriz carpet from Northwest Persia uses a small scale intricate lattice design composed of alternating blossoms, rosettes, and foliage known as the Herati ­pattern. While maintaining the traditional format of medallion and corner-pieces, each of these zones maintains the over-all field pattern while changing only through subtle demarcations of color and scale. A narrow indigo border elegantly draws a classic Persian scroll of alternating lilies and palmettes. Indeed, the sensibility and fine detailing of this piece is quite reminiscent of Tabriz carpets, also from Northwest Persia. The rich tones of rose, ochre, and at least three blues ranging from an almost aquamarine sky-blue to deep saturated indigo are classically Heriz.