Antique Persian Rugs — Antique Kerman rug from Persia, nineteenth century – An exuberant area rug design pattern of undulating vines and vases sprawls across the surface of this magnificent antique Kerman. Yet however impressive the field may be, the pictorial border is even more exceptional. There, a series of standing noblemen or kings dressed in the costume of the Qajar Dynasty alternate with stylized trees of life flanked by peacocks, a design that has virtually no parallel. The lovely Kerman palette of ivories, pale greens, lavender, mauve, and soft magenta renders this a superior decorative rug despite its ornamental richness and pictorial interest. The central medallion splashes out a cornucopia of vines and vases that are engulfed by a pictorial border. Adorned with French and European motifs this antique Kerman rug is representative of the arts during the Qajar dynasty. A time of amalgamation of European and Persian thought, the rug utilizes themes central to power and nobility. Rather than maintain one focal point the maker created a rug with a specific design in mind–one that encompasses the merger between two artistic concepts. Under the Qajar dynasty came the introduction of western thought into Persia and throughout the Middle East.
Wishing to appear powerful and highly developed to European rulers and politicians the Shah imposed a series of actions that visually reinforced an orientation towards the west. However, like this rug, the Shah was obliged to show the historical splendor of the Persian empire. Incorporating western influences onto traditional forms the Shah began a hybridization of cultures. This antique Kerman replicates that same ideology, as it incorporates French and Persian design into one cohesive piece. Combining motifs from both cultures the rug maintains an inimitable quality that conjures up a stately expression. The field is reminiscent of the medallions that are particular to Kerman designs. A central medallion of vases conjures up the symmetric qualities that are particular to Islamic design.
Upon closer inspection the motifs are inconsistent with Kerman designs. Inspired by French floral rug designs, the maker combined savonnerie flowers with the more popular peony and mostowfi flowers. A combination of light and dark flowers, this pattern integrates both European and Persian designs. The field moves the eye outward towards an exquisite border that germinates a scene of the hybridization undergone during the nineteenth century. Aligning the border is a series of soldiers that face outwards. Garbed in the dressage of the Qajar dynasty, the costumes are adaptations of western military garb. However, the loose trousers, cap and facial hair are representative of the traditional Persian dress. The five buttons on each of the coats of the soldiers represent their high military status in the army.
Flanked by Trees of Life, parrots and peacocks these figures are surrounded by symbols reinforcing their power. The Tree of Life is representative of eternal paradise; the peony of rank and wealth; the parrot of protection; and the peacock of divine protection. These symbols, important in Kerman culture, emphasize the decorative purposes of this antique rug. The main border is enclosed by two bands of flowered borders that alternate between stock flowers and peonies. This style disrupts the European undercurrents as it is not typical to Western design but rather to Persian rugs. Following a typical design of Persian rugs the alternating blooms with peonies on a vine are one of the central stylistic designs on this antique Kerman. The juxtapositions portrayed on this rug create a whimsical approach to the design that portrays the private interests of the commissioner.
A muted palate of ivory, pale green, mauve, lavender and soft magenta adorns the rug. The abundance of green details on a rug meant for secular purposes strays away from its symbolism in Islam to one that is purely decorative. This transition to complying with Western tastes is representative of the dichotomy that existed in Persia at the time.
