Handsome North-West Persian Runner, Circa 1880, 4.27m x 1.03m

Probably woven in the Heriz district of North-West Persia in the last quarter of the 19th century, this is a truly handsome runner. It has very fine wool quality, a relatively high knot count and excellent natural dyes with a robust structure. The design is handsome and elegant, and has clearly been influenced by the weavings of the nearby Shahsavan tribes. In particular, the field is decorated with a row of geometric medallions on a sapphire blue background with myriad scattered geometric and zoomorphic motifs, a design format often seen in Shahsavan tribal runners, while the narrow sky-blue main border has a stylised repeat floral pattern. Overall, the entire composition is balanced and beautifully drawn. A word about the colours: the dyes are excellent and have created a range of very harmonious colours including sapphire blue, terracotta, an amazing green, light blue, golds and yellows. Over time they have all mellowed in uniform harmony to create a very warm and relaxing palette. Furthermore, it is in an excellent size, long and narrow, and would work in any number of decorative settings, including corridors and landings. It has been professionally cleaned and is in outstanding original condition.