Story

One of the most incredible antique rugs we have ever had the privilege of owning. This lavish Kerman pardeh is a unique pictorial composition. Technically and aesthetically it belongs to the 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 of 𝐎𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐝 𝐀𝐥𝐢 𝐊𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐢 and his pupil and successor 𝐌𝐨𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐝 𝐢𝐛𝐧 𝐉𝐚𝐚𝐟𝐚𝐫. The quality of wool, of weave, and of the succulent natural dyes all testify to that. The figural imagery gives us a narrow window to date it with reasonable precision.

The upper half contains a shell-shaped roundel (recalling Botticell's 𝘉𝘪𝘳𝘵𝘩 𝘰𝘧 𝘝𝘦𝘯𝘶𝘴) that depicts Adam and Eve and the Forbidden Apple that caused their fall. The devilish serpent twists and coils around the Tree of Knowledge behind them, in a bubble of fantastical flowery foliage. Zoomed out, in the lower half of the carpet, we see two archangels that are most beautifully and brilliantly represented. Their wings, costumes and expressions are (excuse the pun) simply divine.

Note the total and absolute lack of symmetry in the field. Despite the density of the attractive flowery forms, the trees and birds grow and pose in unique individual ways. The range of colors is most pleasant too. The border is a tour de force of technique and dexterity as well.

Museum quality. Simply unique and a testament to the timeless skill of Kerman's artists.