Persia, Arak region, early twentieth century

In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries the Arak region of Persia catered especially to western markets, with the London firm of Ziegler established in Sultanabad and directly involved in the design and manufacture of the finest Mahal or “Sultanabad” carpets.  While Mahals generally follow classical Persian designs, this unusual example has a more abstract, geometric village feel.

Here the various floral elements are arranged so as to create subtle eight-pointed medallion forms in staggered vertical columns. In place of fluid arabesques or vines, the various palmettes and leaves underscore an angular diagonal sensibility which is even discernible in the vinescroll main border. The palette of golds and blues is coolly demure in effective counterpoint to the rich detail of the design.