The city of Isfahan, in central Persia, rose to prominence during the 16th Century, when the Safavid ruler, Abbas the Great, made it his capital – from this period on, it served as a major centre for the arts, renowned for its school of painting, as well as for the exceptional carpets woven in its workshops, commissioned to adorn the royal courts.

This stunning 19th Century example was created before the widespread commercialisation of Isfahan carpets, and showcases a creative colour scheme and composition, reminiscent of the early 17th Century Safavid period works for which the city’s weavers are best known – it features a warm terracotta ground and tones of denim blue, ivory, sage green, and carnelian in the drawing, all in well-aged vegetable dyes, with four palmettes in the central field, framed by a decorative seven-part border of generous proportions. Thanks to the skill of the artist, the designs of this piece have a wonderfully crisp clarity, due to the high density of knots in the weave.

A rare work of art, and a real collector’s piece, preserved in very good condition for everyday use – remarkable considering its age – which would make a beautiful addition to any setting.