The city of Tabriz in Northwest Persia has been known as a major centre of fine rug weaving since at least the 14th Century. Antique Tabriz carpets are distinguished by their tight weaves and remarkable adherence to the traditions of Classical Persian rug weaving design. This piece is a particularly rare and sophisticated example of its type; it bears the signature of one of the masterweavers who created carpets for the Anglo-Armenian merchant Benlian in the early 20th Century, known for their creative reinterpretations of 17th Century Safavid designs, rendered with softer colours and more open compositions, to suit the Western palette.

This handsome Tabriz carpet, dating to around the 1920s, features a wonderfully dynamic design, with large-scale scrolling motifs that lend the work a sense of carefree spontaneity. Each pattern in the central field is creatively repeated in a variety of different forms and pastel shades, across a rare ivory ground which provides a complimentary backdrop to the gracefully aged, vegetable-dyed tones in the drawing. These include cornflower blue, sage green and turqoise accents, framed by a soft terracotta border of great proportions.

This antique Tabriz carpet is in very good practical condition for everyday use, retaining its outer borders on all sides – its organic dyes have taken on a mellow, age related patina.

A very rare find in this square format, this elegant carpet would make a fine addition to any interior.