78338 Antique Persian Serapi Rug, 11'10 x 15'10.
Behold an exquisite and exceedingly rare hand-knotted wool antique Persian Serapi rug from the late 19th century—a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that transcends time, weaving together cultural heritage, artistic virtuosity, and a sense of sacred storytelling. This Serapi is the embodiment of prestige and purpose, captivating collectors and connoisseurs with its coveted allover garden design—a pattern seldom found in the Serapi canon, making this piece not just a carpet but an heirloom of legendary scarcity. Every precious knot speaks to the nobility of Northern Persian tribal craftsmanship, where rug weaving was an act of devotion and a celebration of life’s natural rhythms. To possess such a piece is to steward history itself—a responsibility as much as a privilege.
The madder red field forms a resplendent tapestry of stylized florals and botanical grandeur, where lush palmettes, luminous rosettes, and serrated leaves unfurl in poetic suspension from meandering, sinewy vines. These vine-scrolls, drawn with an artist’s restraint and grace, delicately balance power and precision. Lotus blossoms evoke rebirth and immortality, tulips symbolize abundance and joy, and the peony—resplendent in its complexity—speaks to majesty and strength. Detailed with fine contrasting outlines, every motif is illuminated with sculptural clarity, drawing the eye deeper into its ornamental labyrinth. The negative space breathes with elegance, framing each flower and form with reverence.
The allover layout, while visually enchanting, is also rich in symbolic narrative. Triangular amulets embedded in the field act as spiritual sentinels—ancient protective charms woven into the very soul of the rug to guard against the evil eye. The presence of stylized trees and mirrored motifs suggests the Tree of Life, a sacred symbol in Persian cosmology denoting unity between the earthly and divine. As such, this rug functions not just as floor art but as a spiritual and aesthetic compass—a harmonious balance between material craftsmanship and metaphysical wonder.
This garden of woven dreams is enclosed within a resplendent Herati border—a timeless Persian motif composed of rosettes encased in diamond forms, flanked by curving acanthus leaves that symbolize strength and tenacity. This main border is embraced by double inner and outer meandering guard bands, each adorned with rhythmic floral tracery that echoes the continuous cycle of life. Together, these borders form an elegant architectural frame that heightens the visual tension between order and organic bloom, structure and soul.
To walk upon this antique Serapi rug is to traverse a mythical garden—a living manuscript of Persian poeticism, preservation, and cultural identity. Its grandeur lies not just in scale or palette, but in the way it invites reflection, reverence, and refinement. A singular treasure, this piece belongs in the most discerning interiors: the curated halls of a Parisian hôtel particulier, the sanctuary of a contemplative retreat, or the grand salon of a collector who understands that true luxury lies in legacy, meaning, and mindful beauty.
- Rendered in variegated shades of red, sky blue, rose, navy blue, pink, tan, cerulean, and beige with other accent colors.
- Abrash.
- Hand knotted wool.
- Made in Iran.
- Measures: 11'10 x 15'10.
- Date: 1900's. Early 20th Century.
