Description
Impressive and difficult to find antique Persian Ardabil geometric rug from Northern Iran near the Caspian Sea.
The carpet displays elegant medallions and various small bird and animal icons. Looks like small dragon or snake icons as well, which is very uncommon on Persian rugs.
Excellent condition. Very tiny wear in a few spots — hard to even see. Also some faint spotting in one area that’s very hard to see without putting your nose on the rug. Probably would come out completely in a wash.
Woven from 100% natural wool. The warp and weft is cotton.
Last photo with Morgan silver dollar shows the backside of the carpet.
The exact size is 9 ft. 4 in. by 5 ft. 7 in.
Antique and old Ardabil rugs are uncommon — and beautifully crafted. The weavers often work in light pastel colors.
The Ardabil area is famous for its intricate ‘Mahi’ (fish pattern) Herati carpets. These less common geometric pieces are more balanced with open space to let the motif breath.
The area around Ardabil (also Ardebil) is famous for its Shahsavan tribal weavers. More information on Ardabil and its famous carpets below.
Shipping will be $69 within the continental U.S. Or possible free pickup near San Leandro – Stockton – Sacramento – San Andreas – East Bay Area with prior arrangement.
Please email me with questions. Thank you.
The Splendor of Ardabil Carpets
Ardabil rugs usually display the classic Mahi Herati design, with a diamond medallion and small flashing ‘fish’ across much of the carpet. Occasionally, weavers use silk on the wool to accentuate highlights in the pattern. Favored colors include various shades of beige, rust and blue.
Ardabil is a major rug production center for tribal and village rugs; the carpets and bags of the Shahsavan tribe are especially admired by international collectors. Many Ardabil rugs use Caucasian designs. One reason for this is that when the Christian Russians expanded into the Caucasus, many Shia Moslems moved out of the newly Russian areas and into present day Iran.
The major north and south road from the Caucasus passes through Ardabil so many of the displaced immigrants settled around Ardabil, and naturally brought their Caucasian weaving motifs and traditions with them.
Tribal Shahsaven men and women are well known for their horse riding skills, and even the women partake in riding competitions.
The Mausoleum of Sheikh Safieddin Ardebili is an important historical site in the area. Because of Sheikh Safieddin Ardebili and his Safavid descendents, Ardabil became a base for the Safavi clan and the Sufi order that they founded.
Ardabil produced two of the most important, famous, and oldest dated carpets in the world. One is the 34′ x 17′ masterpiece housed in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. The second of the pair belongs to the LA County Museum of Art. These carpets date to the mid 16th century and are stunning in their size, complexity and beauty.
(A0033 G24)
