Northwest Persian

Earlier carpets woven for the Persian market were traditionally long and narrow in accordance with local architectural norms. Such weavings, known as kellehs, would have been utilized for affluent homes or for public reception halls. This colorful and opulent Northwest Persian piece was woven sometime in the first half of the nineteenth century. The bold and incredibly well articulated all-over ”Herati pattern” design of blossoms and stylized leaves within a lattice form is highlighted with an assortment of colors including gold, blues, greens, and subtle accents of white that radiate from the rich madder-red ground. The piece is framed with an indigo main border and golden guard borders in which are drawn more geometric elements that harmonize quite well with the over-all floral theme of the field.