Stretching back to the 17th Century, The city of Kirman has a long-standing reputation as among the most highly ranked Persian rug weaving centres. Its workshops particularly flourished in the 19th Century, when their pieces, known for their technically complex weaves, delicate drawings and wide palettes, caught the eye of Western buyers – highly sought-after, these carpets often feature in the grand British and European stately homes of the period.

This striking Kirman rug, dating to c. 1900, is a prime example of its type, rare in this large format, featuring crisp drawings in hues ranging from burnt ochre to deep azure, over a muted ground which works to bring out the richness of the vegetable dyes: remarkably well preserved for a piece of this age. The composition is made up of floral motifs framed by inticately woven border of great proportion, inspired by earlier 17th Century works from the region, though more balanced and spacious than the more traditional designs.

In very good to excellent condition, the borders and fringes retained on all sides, this stunning early workshop piece would compeliment a wide variety of contemporary or classic interiors.