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A Masterpiece of History and Poetry: 19th-Century Tabriz “Four Seasons” Pictorial Rug
This late 19th-century Tabriz pictorial rug is a highly refined masterpiece, woven with over 503,000 Turkish (Ghiordes) knots per square meter, demonstrating exceptional precision and craftsmanship. Measuring 316 × 225 cm, it features a fine wool pile on a cotton foundation with double blue cotton weft—typical of high-quality Tabriz workshop production.
The composition represents the allegory of the Four Seasons and brings together a remarkable assembly of Persian rulers and poets. At its centre sits Darius the Great, surrounded by historic figures such as Shah Abbas the Great and literary icons including Hafiz and Ferdowsi. Signed by the Sanyeh Ijadi factory and likely woven for a royal household, this carpet serves as a woven celebration of Persian history, poetry, and spiritual tradition,
A Masterpiece of Garden Design: 19th-Century Tabriz Silk Carpet (c. 1870)
This late-19th-century Tabriz silk carpet (c. 1870) is a fine example of Persian craftsmanship, woven with a high knot density and luxurious silk foundation. The design is arranged in small compartments separated by wide bands containing poetic cartouches. Each section is further divided into rectangular panels filled with repeating motifs, creating a balanced and symmetrical composition.
The overall pattern represents a stylised Persian garden, a traditional symbol of paradise, harmony, and spiritual order. With its intricate structure, silk materials, and refined artistry, this Tabriz carpet reflects the technical excellence and cultural depth of one of Persia’s most important weaving centres.
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.
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.
The Loom: A Guide to Traditional Rug Weaving Tools
Rug weaving relies on looms that stretch warp threads for knotting and weaving, with two main types:
Horizontal Looms: Portable and used by nomadic groups like the Kashgais and Turkomans.
Vertical Looms: More complex, used by settled artisans, with three types:
- Village Loom: Simple design with adjustable warp threads.
- Tabriz Loom: Continuously loops warp threads for efficient weaving.
- Roller Beam Loom: Advanced, allowing rugs of any length with uniform tension.
Each loom type influences the size, detail, and craftsmanship of the final rug.