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Antique Heriz-Serapi, Persia, late nineteenth century Heriz-Serapi carpets are renowned for the graphic monumentality of their design and the quality of their color, but few achieve the perfect balance of design and color that we see in this outstanding example. Here a pale blue star medallion with elaborate finials in gold and ivory sits majestically amidst a dramatic, open black field. Ivory cornerpieces with soft blue and gold fillers frame the field and help transition into the red-ground vinescroll border. Apart from its stunning color, much of the interest in this carpet relies on the adroit counterpoint between the grand main forms, and the delicate detail that fills them, especially the gently scalloped contouring of the main elements. This, along with the relative openness of the design despite the rich detail, is what makes this Serapi truly exceptional.
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