Magnificent Serapi Carpet, North-west Persia, Circa 1880, 4.70m X 3.52m

The enigmatic term 'Serapi' denotes a certain decorative style of 19th century Persian carpets rather than a place name or weaving centre. We know that these carpets were woven in Azerbaijan region of North-West Persia, but a precise location has never been identified. Nor can they be classified according to their technical characteristics. Although Serapi carpets are usually finely knotted, they do have a variety of different weaves, including differences in warp depression and the number of wefts. What makes them distinctive and desirable, of course, is their wonderful drama, the sparing use of colour and the restrained designs. At first glance they resemble other carpets from Azerbaijan namely Heriz, and Karaja carpets, but the aesthetics are very different. All the complexity of other designs have been stripped away, leaving only the most essential elements, a very pure form of the design, which can often feel quite archaic. This is certainly the case with this magnificent carpet. Finely knotted and with a thin even pile, the design is dominated by a terracotta central medallion with a star-like central ornament on an ivory field. The rest of the field is decorated sparingly with geometric motifs and expressive spandrels. The main border is a delight. Stylised palmettes and other floral motifs are repeated in a spacious repeat design, again on a terracotta ground. The entire composition feels both elegant and very contemporary at the same time. The large size adds to the sense of grandeur. Professionally cleaned with some minor restoration in places. Otherwise good original condition. This special carpet is a true tour-de-force which could define many types of decorative spaces.

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