Lot 138

A HERIZ RUG

The hand-knotted solid wool rug on cotton warp presents a very classic design with a central geometric medallion (here uniquely star-shaped) and a flamboyant wide floral border, as well as highly stylized and geometrized natural motifs that have long represented a remarkable fusion of Persian and Caucasian repertoires. The design of these hard-wearing carpets became established in the second half of the 19th century and is rightly regarded as extremely timeless, suitable, among other things, for aristocratic dining rooms and reception halls, but also for any large and open interiors, where the subtle colour palette in the bold medallion composition is highly appropriate. The offered Heriz is very unusually decorated with two pairs of birds under the lower and upper contours, which effectively separate the central red field from the deep clamshell pink horns. A very unusual element in the design is also a pair of scorpions with red ornament on the back and a raised spike; these are located below the indigo border of the medallion on either side and represent protection from evil in the symbolism of the carpet.