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 pelmets, diamonds, step quadrangles, and a wide variety of stylized flowers and angular vines.
This is framed by an independent ivory cartouche with pelmets and vines, and frequent projections toward the main border. It is not till later broken border, but it points in that direction.
The true main border, also ivory, has a palmett and spray pattern reminiscent of the 17th century vase carpets of Kerman. Rose with blue, and black guard borders containing stylized central patterns paint the whole.
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 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.
The Abrash is subtle and just enough to give a color depth and eye-catching variation.
The weave is extremely fine and is generally seen only on smaller pictorial and other scatter size Kerman’s.
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