A rare Heriz carpet,

Persia, circa 1890s.

10ft 7in x 10ft 1in   :   324cm x 307cm

With the new emergence of the western markets at the end of the nineteenth century, there was a revival in the production of Persian carpets to supply this demand. Heriz carpets, from the area of northwest Persia, made by villagers rather than workshops in towns, became popular for their hard wearing structure, geometric bold patterns and their natural period colouring which complemented the western furniture made of wood.

The present carpet, with an exceptionally wide border and medallion design of bold archaic forms, creates a lyrical movement to the whole. The border, of light colour rather than the customary dark blue, creates a harmonious balance as does the excessive use of white.

Many country houses in England were supplied with Heriz carpets, when Liberty's department store in London, started to sell all manner of household furnishings especially those imported from the colonies and other exotic places.

Heriz carpets of this nature, with a balanced colour combination thus creating a harmony, can be used in both traditional and modern interior design schemes. Of rare squarish format and unusual colours of burnt cinnamons and greys.