Rug #: 18371

Type:  Kerman – Lavar Carpet

Origin: South East Persia

Size: 16’6” x 22’6”

Circa: 1870-1880

Foundation: Cotton warps and cotton wefts.

Pile: Wool

Main Colors: camel, brown, charcoal, coral red, light aqua, light blue, and ivory.

The almost black field of this very fine antique Kerman displays an imaginative, elaborate version of the classic Persian Harshang “crab” pattern of complex palmettes, diamonds, step quadrangles, and a wide variety of stylized flowers and angular vines.

This is framed by an independent ivory cartouche style border with palmettes and vines, and frequent projections toward the main border.

The true main border, also ivory, has a palmette and spray pattern reminiscent of the 17^th century vase carpets of Kerman. Rose with blue, and black guard borders containing stylized central patterns paint the whole.

The use of elaborate overall pattern on Lavar style Kermans is especially developed in this period, and this carpet is a particularly fine example with a wide color palette and rich ground color. As with almost all Kerman carpets of this period, the design is unique and was likely commissioned from a local artist specializing in one of a kind carpet patterns.  There are no other examples of any size or color way in this pattern.

The abrash is subtle – just enough to give the color depth and eye-catching variation, and the weave is extremely fine – generally seen only on smaller pictorial and other scatter size Kerman’s.

To view this rug on our website, click here.

*written by Dr Peter Saunders