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Lot Essay
The knot count measures approximately 7V x 8H per cm. sq.
Silk Heriz rugs and carpets are not infrequently offered at major auctions however, this is a truly exceptional example in its clarity of drawing and combination of colours. The design is based upon that of the so-called 'Vase’-carpets made in the 17th century attributed to Kirman, combined with a typical north west Persian colour palette. In this more recent interpretation, the older ascending pattern has been adapted into a symmetrical version mirrored along the central vertical axis, which was probably more suited to the square format. The deep, ink-blue field serves as a perfect backdrop to accentuate the individual palmettes, leaves and stems that create the layered floral planes. Finely chequered bi-coloured silk detailing fills the curled saz leaves which only an accomplished workshop would be able to achieve so successfully.
Production of these unique pieces likely began in the last quarter of the 18th century and ended in the final quarter of the 19th. They were intended for the wealthy Persians of the period and were highly prized when new and are no less so today.
Silk weavings attributed to Heriz have soft yet saturated hues that make up a fine and harmonious colour palette. In this regard, Heriz silk rugs resemble silks produced in nearby Tabriz. Some have suggested that, because of their shared design characteristics, these finely-woven pieces cannot be attributed to Heriz with any certainty, (see Murray L. Eiland Jr. and Murray Eiland III, Oriental Carpets, London, 1998, p.93). In fact, the complex curvilinear drawing of this carpet's border design is more comparable to those found in contemporaneous Tabriz weavings. However, the fine, blanket-like handle of our carpet suggests that it is the product of Heriz silk weavers, who are known to have executed extremely pliable works that most often surpass the quality of their Tabriz counterparts.
A larger silk Heriz carpet of 'vase' field design with a cypress tree border sold in these Rooms, 18 October 2016, lot 73. A red ground Heriz silk carpet of 'Vase' design, with a not dissimilar border design to ours, sold Sotheby's New York, 18 November 2011, lot 328. Other small and mid-size Heriz silk weavings with fields decorated in a similar fashion include one sold Sotheby's New York, 14 December 2006, lot 22 and another which sold in the same Rooms, 16 December 2005, lot 40. The very high quality of craftsmanship of this carpet, along with the precious material preserved in its near original condition, are testament to the excellence of Qajari carpet weaving.
Silk Heriz rugs and carpets are not infrequently offered at major auctions however, this is a truly exceptional example in its clarity of drawing and combination of colours. The design is based upon that of the so-called 'Vase’-carpets made in the 17th century attributed to Kirman, combined with a typical north west Persian colour palette. In this more recent interpretation, the older ascending pattern has been adapted into a symmetrical version mirrored along the central vertical axis, which was probably more suited to the square format. The deep, ink-blue field serves as a perfect backdrop to accentuate the individual palmettes, leaves and stems that create the layered floral planes. Finely chequered bi-coloured silk detailing fills the curled saz leaves which only an accomplished workshop would be able to achieve so successfully.
Production of these unique pieces likely began in the last quarter of the 18th century and ended in the final quarter of the 19th. They were intended for the wealthy Persians of the period and were highly prized when new and are no less so today.
Silk weavings attributed to Heriz have soft yet saturated hues that make up a fine and harmonious colour palette. In this regard, Heriz silk rugs resemble silks produced in nearby Tabriz. Some have suggested that, because of their shared design characteristics, these finely-woven pieces cannot be attributed to Heriz with any certainty, (see Murray L. Eiland Jr. and Murray Eiland III, Oriental Carpets, London, 1998, p.93). In fact, the complex curvilinear drawing of this carpet's border design is more comparable to those found in contemporaneous Tabriz weavings. However, the fine, blanket-like handle of our carpet suggests that it is the product of Heriz silk weavers, who are known to have executed extremely pliable works that most often surpass the quality of their Tabriz counterparts.
A larger silk Heriz carpet of 'vase' field design with a cypress tree border sold in these Rooms, 18 October 2016, lot 73. A red ground Heriz silk carpet of 'Vase' design, with a not dissimilar border design to ours, sold Sotheby's New York, 18 November 2011, lot 328. Other small and mid-size Heriz silk weavings with fields decorated in a similar fashion include one sold Sotheby's New York, 14 December 2006, lot 22 and another which sold in the same Rooms, 16 December 2005, lot 40. The very high quality of craftsmanship of this carpet, along with the precious material preserved in its near original condition, are testament to the excellence of Qajari carpet weaving.