Blogs
1940s Heriz Rug from Azerbaijan – A Bold Masterpiece of Persian Weaving
This 1940 Heriz rug from Azerbaijan is a large and powerful example of classic Persian craftsmanship, measuring 360 x 268 cm. Woven with a compact Turkish (Ghiordes) knot at 98,600 knots per square meter, it features a durable wool pile on an unbleached cotton foundation with double blue wefts—typical of authentic Heriz construction.
While the rounded design elements show subtle influence from nearby Tabriz, the structure and bold geometric character are distinctly from Heriz. The carefully detailed border reflects 17th-century Persian motifs, and the white spandrels brighten the composition.
Strong, decorative, and highly durable, this Heriz carpet is ideal for large interiors and remains highly valued by collectors and designers worldwide.
A Rare 19th-Century Tabriz Silk Carpet with Symbolic Landscape Design
This mid-19th-century Tabriz silk carpet represents the artistic spirit of its time—a period when Persian weavers blended tradition with creative storytelling. Its unusual landscape composition, symbolic elements, and refined craftsmanship make it not only a functional textile but also a work of art.
For collectors, historians, and lovers of Persian design, such carpets offer a glimpse into the poetic imagination and technical mastery of Tabriz’s master weavers.
Inside the Rare Floral Lattice Design of Antique Joshagan Carpets
This antique Persian rug originates from Joshagan in the Isfahan region and dates back to the 17th century Safavid era, a peak period of Persian carpet craftsmanship. Measuring 269 × 163 cm, it is hand-knotted using high-quality wool on a cotton foundation, with approximately 172,900 knots per square metre, reflecting fine weaving and durability.
The rug features a rare lattice (lozenge) design filled with floral motifs set on a deep blue background, a traditional Joshagan pattern that is no longer commonly produced. It is framed by a wide floral and arabesque border with narrow decorative guard borders, typical of high-quality Safavid-period rugs. Today, rugs of this age and craftsmanship are considered highly collectible and represent an important part of Persian artistic and cultural heritage.
Kerman Rug - Österreichisches Museum für angewandte Kunst, Vienna
Iranian Carpet carpets are among the rarest and most fascinating creations of 16th-century Safavid Persia. Distinguished by their bold central medallions, rich floral symbolism, and extraordinary depictions of European figures and ships, these carpets reflect a unique moment of cultural exchange between Persia and the Portuguese world during the Age of Exploration. Woven with exceptional technical skill and narrative depth, they stand not only as masterpieces of Persian art but also as woven records of early global trade, diplomacy, and cross-cultural encounter.
All-Over Animal and Floral Carpet: The carpet Museum of Iran
The All-Over Animal and Floral Carpet, a 17th-century masterpiece from Tabriz, exemplifies the rich artistry of Persian rug weaving. Now housed in the Carpet Museum of Iran, this rug features intricate designs depicting wildlife, trees, and symbolic motifs, blending Persian and Chinese influences. Its technical excellence includes a silk warp, cotton weft, and wool pile, with a high knot density of 489,600 knots per square meter. This exquisite piece reflects Persian storytelling and craftsmanship, making it a significant artifact for collectors and historians alike.
17th Century Persian Silk Carpet in the Staatliche Museen, Preussischer Kulturbesitz, Berlin
This 17th-century Persian silk carpet, originating from Isfahan or Kashan during the reign of Shah Abbas the Great, is a true masterpiece of Persian craftsmanship. Currently housed in Staatliche Museen, Berlin, it features an intricate arabesque design, silk pile enriched with silver and gold-gilt threads, and an extraordinary knot density of 740,000 knots per square meter.
Part of the famous 'Polonaise' carpets, these luxurious pieces were highly sought after by European royalty. This specific carpet was gifted by Prince Jean of Liechtenstein, further emphasizing its prestige. A nearly identical version is held in a private collection.
Persian silk carpets remain among the most valuable and collectible rugs, admired for their unparalleled craftsmanship, luxurious materials, and historical significance. Their timeless beauty and investment value make them a prized possession for collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.
Explore more about authentic Persian rugs and their legacy at Persian Carpet Gallery.
Silk Carpet with Cloud-Bands - In the Österreichisches Museum für angewandte Kunst in Vienna
This exquisite 17th-century Persian silk carpet, originating from Isfahan or Kashan, is a stunning example of Safavid-era craftsmanship. Measuring 214 x 141 cm, it features 300,000 knots per square meter and is woven entirely from silk, with silver and gilt thread embroidery enhancing its luxurious appeal.
Belonging to the famed ‘Polonaise’ type, this masterpiece showcases wide cloud-bands enclosing intricate arabesques, complemented by a variety of floral motifs. The unique border, featuring a meandering brown band over a green background, sets it apart from traditional Persian rug designs.
Housed in the Österreichisches Museum für angewandte Kunst, Vienna, this carpet stands as a testament to the artistic and technical excellence of Persian weaving, admired by collectors and historians worldwide.
Floral Mashhad Carpet in Museo Poldi-Pezzoli, Milan
This exquisite late 16th-century Persian carpet, now housed in the Museo Poldi-Pezzoli in Milan, exemplifies the artistic excellence of the Safavid era. Originating from East Persia, it features a dense Persian knot count of 410,000 knots per square meter and a rich wool pile.
While Herat was historically considered the primary hub of carpet weaving in Khorasan, the sacred city of Mashhad also played a significant role. As a major pilgrimage center, Mashhad fostered a thriving carpet industry, supported by offerings made at its holy shrines.
The carpet's design is a breathtaking display of floral motifs, intricate arabesques, and stylized palmettes, arranged in an organic, asymmetrical pattern. These elements extend into the wide border, creating a sense of movement and depth. This masterpiece remains a testament to the enduring beauty and cultural significance of Persian weaving.
The Exquisite Animal Carpet of Isfahan
The 16th-century Isfahan Animal Carpet, housed in the Carpet Museum of Iran, is a masterpiece of Persian craftsmanship. Measuring 233 x 168 cm, it features 30,400 Persian knots per sq. meter, with a raw silk warp, beige cotton weft, and wool pile. The design showcases harmoniously arranged animal motifs, all facing the same direction, contrasted by geometric cartouches in the border. This balance between movement and structure reflects the elegance of Safavid-era weaving, making it a timeless representation of Persian artistry.
The Magnificent Silk Animal Carpet
The Silk Animal Carpet, woven in Isfahan in the late 17th century, is an exquisite masterpiece reflecting the pinnacle of Persian craftsmanship. Measuring 233 x 168 cm, this carpet features a vibrant design of animals inspired by Safavid-era miniatures, dynamically placed across a floral background. Its intricate border of intertwining flowers and birds adds to its elegance.
With a remarkable density of 600,000 knots per square meter, the carpet’s silk pile and unbleached cotton foundation highlight the weaver’s precision and artistry. Now housed in the Carpet Museum of Iran, Tehran, two similar pieces reside in the prestigious Louvre Museum in Paris, cementing its status as an enduring symbol of Persian heritage and artistic brilliance.
Floral Carpet with Arabesques – A Masterpiece of Persian Weaving
This exquisite 16th-century Persian rug from Mashhad is a testament to the golden age of Persian carpet weaving. Commissioned by Shah Abbas the Great, it confirms Mashhad’s prominence as a weaving center during the Safavid era. Measuring 560 x 354 cm, the rug features an impressive density of 490,000 knots per square meter, with a wool pile and flat-woven silver thread, creating a stunning relief effect. Its intricate floral patterns and arabesques showcase Persian artistic brilliance. Remarkably well-preserved, this masterpiece remains a symbol of elegance, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage, housed in the Shrine of the Mosque at Mashhad.