#5903

AGE & ORIGIN:
c. 1900
Persia

OVERVIEW:
An example of what we would call a ‘transitionary’ Heriz. The late 19th C. weavings of the Heriz area brought about some of the most elegant and sought after rugs, broadly known as ‘Serapi’. True Serapi rugs have a finer weave, typically display a more pastel color palette and, on average, utilize more negative space than later Heriz pieces.

There are Heriz rugs from around the turn of the century that are clearly utilizing design elements of the previous Serapi dynasty, one of which is this rug here. The construction and even color are undeniably classical Heriz. A chunkier handle and weave, more saturated, natural colors; yet the borders show shades of Serapi with a repeating, slightly uneven and stringier Herati-style medallions.

Bubblegum, navy and light camel fields with turquoise and sky blue accents; smattered amounts of wear rounding out the old-world feel of a truly magnificent Heriz.

For more information on Heriz rugs and even a breakdown of why we love this particular Heriz so much, feel free to watch our video all about Heriz rugs here:

Unraveled 8 Heriz Rugs

CONDITION:
Some isolated wear, area of reweaving and loss of minor borders on fringe ends

NOTES:

• Fringes have been secured.

2602

AGE & ORIGIN:
2nd Half 19th C.
Caucases

OVERVIEW:
There are a certain series of, especially Kazak rugs, that illuminate the craft of the village weaves but with attention to detail and exactness of something less folky.  Of the utmost quality with uniformity in their design, and the use of high quality materials including wool and dyes.

The dyes, in general on this piece and with the best Kazaks, are fantastic. Playful and bright, sort of a crayon-core palette, which is exceptionally clear within the harshang motif on the main border, given that the kaleidoscope of dyes is set against a light cream. All that being said, there is quite a lot of aubergine in the mix within the borders, the field and main motifs, which is a slightly rarer color to see.

Finally, we’re brought to main motif on the field. What is it? What do you see? It’s somewhat up for interpretation, and it’s part of what makes this Kazak more visually interesting that many of its counterparts. Kazaks generally don’t have a lot knots to work with, going back to Kazaks being known for big, bold designs. With this design though, there is an attempt at displaying more detail. The beginning of the design seems to show a more traditional vase motif being flanked by abstracted flowers. The tree or plant then extends up the length of the field with branching motifs including what look to be boteh.

This is only one interpretation, which again makes for a more visually interesting piece. Regardless of what might really be being shown, the craft, dyes and condition are all undeniable in this latter 19th C. Kazak.

CONDITION:
Excellent

NOTES:

• Both fringe ends were professionally re-woven

• Small areas of re-piling

• Areas of lower pile

• One discolored line of red in bottom right corner of field

• There is one seemingly fugitive dye, although we think it also may be an especially fragile dye of natural origin (see the bottom left and right cross-shaped centers of the Harshang border motif. The dye is a light-blue)

• Rug was hung from a wall at some point in its history. The professionally installed loops remain installed for future use