74059 Late 19th Century Antique Persian Serapi Rug, 09'02 x 13'06.
From the mountainous heart of northwest Persia, where the weaving traditions of Heriz and Serapi reached their zenith in the 19th century, emerges this extraordinary hand-knotted wool antique Serapi rug—an heirloom of rarity, elegance, and cultural prestige. Belonging to one of the most exclusive categories of Persian carpets, Serapis of this period were woven in limited numbers, their bold artistry and refined palettes designed to resonate with the tastes of both tribal nobility and European patrons. Today, such rugs are among the most coveted collector’s pieces, prized for their rarity, investment value, and unmistakable presence.
At its core lies a commanding red medallion, patterned with stylized florals and serrated leaves, radiating power and balance. The richly striated blue field, alive with abrash, provides a poetic counterpoint—a sky-like expanse scattered with geometric motifs, angular vines, rosettes, and ambiguous tribal forms. This interplay of field and medallion is framed with exquisite precision: a double meander guard band encloses the design, while the classical Samovar turtle-vine scroll border anchors the composition with rhythmic grandeur. Every knot is a testament to the weaver’s ability to unite strength and refinement, geometry and grace.
The symbolic value of this Serapi extends beyond its formal beauty. The bold medallion, representing stability and protection, is set against a field of blossoming motifs that suggest abundance, growth, and continuity. The turtle border, in its endless meander, speaks to longevity and prosperity, enclosing the field like a sanctuary of harmony. This marriage of form and meaning elevates this exquisite work of art into a cultural manuscript, carrying the voices of weavers who encoded their worldviews into wool for generations to come.
Exemplifying relaxed refinement with its elevated yet approachable aesthetic, this rug’s palette of red, blue, beige, and navy also resonates symbolically with American, British, and French heritage, making it both a cultural artifact and a universal expression of patriotism and tradition. To own such a piece is to acquire more than a rug—it is to possess a woven legacy of scarcity and prestige, a textile masterpiece that embodies history, artistry, and status. Whether displayed in a grand salon, private study, or curated collection, this Serapi rug offers not just beauty, but an unparalleled experience of exclusivity and heritage.
- Rendered in variegated shades of sky blue, red, beige, royal blue, brick red, tan, navy blue and rust with other accent colors.
- Abrash.
- Hand knotted wool.
- Made in Iran.
- Measures: 09'02 x 13'06.
- Date: 1880's. Late 19th Century.
- This piece has been reduced.
