An early and exceptional antique Serapi carpet from the mid to late 19th century.  Bold and vivid geometric designs on a off white background, the natural wool colour famous for early examples of these fine Heriz weavings.  An early scrolling serpent border on a rich brick red background, this border design is seen on weavings from the 18th century and earlier.  The minor ivory borders are beautiful frame work to the main border too.We can see in the pale blue inside border cartouches - Persian writing, which we believe to be poetry from the famous Persian poet Hafez.  He loved to write poetry about love and wine, and in this poem we have translated part of the poem to read ''Where are the three barrels of wine?''.  We have struggled to decipher lots of it, so any additional help would be most welcome.  Poetry in cartouches is rare to find in Heriz weavings, and highlights the rarity and importance of this carpet.  The dyes and balance of the medallion and bold corner spandrel desi...