Antique Amritsar Rug 1818

Antique Amritsar Rug, India, circa 1900 - This elegant antique Amritsar is unusual in departing from a traditional Indian repertoire; instead it was made with a classic Heriz design. But unlike most Herizes which tend to have brilliant coloration, this one has a soft, subtle palette of cinnamon and tan tones. The softness of the colors beautifully complements the delicacy of the drawing, which is also uncharacteristically fine for a Heriz. The restraint of this carpet appears not only its color, but in the way it is used. In the same way, the border does not contrast the field strongly in classic Heriz fashion. Rather, it repeats the dominant tone of the field, going for a gentle decorative effect.