Unlike many of the other Persian rug-weaving cities, Qum only established itself as a centre of production in the early 20th Century, though its carpets quickly established a reputation for the unique creativity of their designs, as well as high-quality of the wool, often Merino or something of a similar category, from which they are made.

This fine, pure silk example is based on the design of the famous Pazyryk Rug – the oldest known carpet in the world, belonging to an ancient Scythian nobleman of the 4th/3rd centuries B.C and believed to be of either West Persian or Armenian origin – with charming motifs of horsemen and stags in the wide outer border, and a simple, all-over design across the field. The carpet employs a restrained palette of ivory and carmine red, with touches of tobacco and chestnut in the drawing, lent a crisp clarity by the high grade of the silk and of the weave.

This mid-century silk Qum carpet is in very good condition for everyday use, with its outer borders retained on all sides, and with a mellow patina to its colours.

A top end silk weaving of its era, drawing from ancient motifs and yet with an open composition and creativity that would lend itself to a wide variety of interior styles.