Antique Herat Rug, South Khorassan, Persia

An extremely fine and rare antique Herat rug woven in the South Khorassan province, circa 1880 the weave is very fine and the wool is of the finest quality.  Beautiful natural faded dyes, using a pale salmon background with the famous 'Herati' design consisting of two leaves around a flower.  Soft yellow minor borders either side of the large main border with gorgeous scrollwork.  The pale blues, soft greens and indigo blues on this exceptional rug have faded over the last 130 plus years to great effect, producing an exquisite palette.  A beautiful and decorative rug in near perfect condition.  Minimal lower areas of pile.

Herat, which is now a province of Afghanistan, in old Great Khorasan was once the capital city and much favored by many kings. Carpets woven in that country were all called as Herat and this title is still in use today.  Rugs woven in the province were called after the central city, therefore it is supposed that Herat carpets were made mostly in villages and numerous hamlets of Khorassan.  Designs of Khorassan carpets at the end of 12th and 13th centuries were mostly comprised of central medallions.  At the end of 19th century, another design consisted of ornamental elements was more prevalent and the famous "Herati" design we see on this rug was more often used.  The design in early examples from the 16th century was known as the fish design and comprised of two fish swimming around a water-lily, this has been stylised over the centuries.

Please request a home visit if you would like to view this rare Herat rug in-situ or visit our barn showroom in Crondall, Surrey.

Farnham Antique Carpets are specialists in antique decorative carpets, rugs and runners. Varying from antique tribal rugs woven in the Caucasus to classical Persian carpets dating from the mid 19th century to the early 20th century.

As members of the BADA - The British Antique Dealers Association and LAPADA - The Association of Art & Antique Dealers we adhere to strict guide lines as affiliated members and pride ourselves on maintaining its high standards. We exhibit at the BADA fair in Chelsea, London every March and the LAPADA Fair in Mayfair, London every September.