3'10" x 5'

AVANOZ 18th Century

A rare, early example of weaving from central Anatolia. It is a simple, village type of rug made with the best of local wool and dyes. Generations of use as a prayer rug has worn the field, especially where the hands and knees touched it, in addition to later wear from ordinary use on the floor. For a rug of such age, the colors are amazingly clear and fast. The strong lavender is especially striking, since in many cases it fades to a weak tea color. The Central Asiatic background of the weavers of Anatolia can be seen in their heritage of color: green, strong yellow and persimmon red.

4'8" x 6'10"

ARDEBIL VILLAGE RUG 19th Century

This rug could very easily be mistaken for a Tabriz rug. It is however one of the best early examples of weaving from Ardabil. The simple, primitive floral pattern in the center is on the same cultural level as most rural weavers in this area, with a further similarity to Tabriz design in the border. However, the treatment is somewhat more geometrical than one would expect to find in a true Tabriz. Both ends of this rug, to a depth of about one and one-half inches, have been completely restored.

KIRMAN RAHVAR Dated 1310 (about 1890)

The inscription says that it was made by an Ustad or master craftsman, Mahamad Zad Kirmani. Inside the main field opposite each other are two cypress trees. Next to the cypress trees, two rose bushes climb, meander and decoratively entwine at the top of the rug. From the bottom of the main field is a plant whose daisy-like flowers cover the field. At a quick glance it looks as if it was a peacock's tail. This rug ranks in detail with the finest Persian miniature painters. Rugs such as this were made by a master weaver who had rug making schools where students learned this very finest art form. Rahvar is a small town near Kerman in southeastern Iran, very famous for its fine rugs. The westernized name of Lavar is often used.

4'9" x 7'9"