WEST PERSIA, CIRCA 1890

Bijar carpets are renowned for their lanolin rich wool which produces a lustrous sheen and soft touch but which is remarkably hard wearing. In addition, it is particularly successful at retaining the rich natural colours with which it is dyed, seen clearly in the present carpet. The particular format of the present lot, known as a kelleh, is frequently associated with the weavings from the first half of the 19th century. The design and colouring of the present lot is very similar to an example in the collection of Anthony G.C Wickersham, dated to the third quarter of the nineteenth century, discussed by John J. Collins Jr. in his article on Bijar carpets, 'Power and Simplicity, The Evolution of the Central Medallion Design in Bijar Rugs, 1840-1940', HALI 111, pp.67-75, fig.4.