A Rare 19th-Century Tabriz Silk Carpet with Symbolic Landscape Design

In the rich history of Persian weaving, Tabriz stands as one of the most influential and sophisticated rug-producing centres. During the 19th century, this historic city in north-west Iran experienced a creative revival, producing carpets that blended classical Persian aesthetics with new artistic expressions. The following exceptional silk carpet is a fine example of this period—rare in design, refined in structure, and deeply symbolic in its composition.

Specifications of the Carpet

• Origin: Tabriz, Persia

• Period: Mid-19th century

• Current Location: Carpet Museum of Iran, Tehran

• Dimensions: 273 × 181 cm (107 × 71 in.)

• Knot Type: Turkish (Ghiordes) knot

• Knot Density:

  • 420,000 knots per square metre

  • 60 knots per 10 cm across

  • 70 knots per 10 cm lengthwise

• Foundation:

  • Warp: white silk

  • Double weft: beige cotton

• Pile: silk

The Artistic Composition: A Narrative in Silk

Unlike the more familiar medallion or repeating floral patterns seen in many Tabriz carpets, this piece presents a rare pictorial composition. The design tells a quiet story through symbolic landscape elements:

• Two stylized trees dominate the field, forming the central visual structure.

• A winding path runs between the trees, guiding the viewer’s eye across the carpet.

• Birds follow the path’s gentle curves, suggesting movement, life, and spiritual journey.

• At the end of the path, a small house appears, partially concealed beneath a decorative motif.

• The motif includes a flask and two fish, elements that may symbolize prosperity, life, and abundance in Persian visual culture.

The right-hand tree rises to the full height of the field, with flowering branches extending gracefully across the surface. On the left, a shorter, more compact tree sends up delicate blossoming stems, creating balance and visual harmony between the two forms.

The Significance of the Copper-Coloured Ground

One of the defining features of this carpet is its warm copper-toned background, a colour often associated with 19th-century Tabriz weavings. This rich, earthy hue enhances the silk’s natural sheen and gives the carpet a luminous quality under changing light conditions.

The colour palette reflects the refined tastes of the period, when Tabriz workshops experimented with sophisticated dyes and subtle tonal variations. These colours were often achieved using natural dyes derived from plants, minerals, and insects, resulting in depth and durability that modern synthetic dyes rarely replicate.

Tabriz in the 19th Century: A Centre of Innovation

By the mid-1800s, Tabriz had re-established itself as one of Persia’s leading weaving cities. Its strategic location along major trade routes allowed it to absorb artistic influences from:

• The Ottoman Empire

• The Caucasus region

• Central Asia

• Europe

This cultural exchange encouraged Tabriz weavers to experiment with new designs, including pictorial and narrative compositions like the one seen in this carpet. Workshops in the city became known for:

• High knot densities

• Fine silk materials

• Innovative layouts

• Exceptional craftsmanship

Symbolism in Persian Carpet Design

Persian carpets often carry deeper meanings beyond their decorative beauty. In this piece:

• Trees commonly symbolize life, growth, and connection between earth and heaven.

• Birds represent freedom, spirituality, and the human soul’s journey.

• Paths often signify life’s passage or a spiritual pilgrimage.

• Fish are traditional symbols of abundance and good fortune in Persian culture.

Together, these elements create a poetic landscape that transforms the carpet into more than a floor covering—it becomes a visual story woven in silk.

Craftsmanship and Technical Excellence

The use of a Turkish (symmetrical) knot in a Tabriz carpet is typical of the region. This knotting method provides:

• Strong structural integrity

• Even pile distribution

• Crisp, detailed designs

With a density of 420,000 knots per square metre, this carpet demonstrates a high level of technical skill. The silk warp and pile give the surface a luminous, almost painting-like quality, allowing the intricate motifs to stand out with remarkable clarity.

Why 19th-Century Tabriz Carpets Are Collectible

Collectors and interior designers value carpets from this period because they offer:

• A balance between classical and modern design influences

• High-quality materials such as silk foundations

• Unique compositions rarely repeated in later production

• Strong historical and artistic significance

Pieces like this one are especially sought after due to their narrative designs, which are far less common than traditional floral or medallion layouts.