NORTH EAST PERSIA, SECOND QUARTER 19TH CENTURY

By the 18th century Khorassan was producing in reasonable numbers a range of kelleh sized wool carpets with overall field design. These were very similar to the products of North West Persia, but generally better drawn and with more vibrant colouring. Oil paintings of the period show that carpets of this generic design were what was also fashionable at court. The present Khorassan carpet shows this fashion, but remarkably is woven in silk. The mina khani field design is known from the 18th century carpets, and the small central medallion with a different design, here a section of herati design, can also be found. In the north west of the country such designs were produced in large quantities in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. What makes the present kelleh stand out is that it is made entirely of silk, an exceptional feature for carpets of this age and origin. It must have been a special commission for a wealthy patron.