Large Antique Persian Ardabil Design Tabriz Rug, Country of Origin: Persia, Circa Date: 1900 – This antique carpet is exceptionally rare and is a replica of one of the most famous carpets in history. The magnificent carpet was created around 1900 in Tabriz during a time when the carpet industry was enjoying a resurgence in popularity. This particular carpet has an interesting story to tell.
During the 1890s, a group of master carpet weavers decided to rebuild the carpet weaving centers into a world heritage again. To do this, they relied on innovative, new designs, but they also looked back to the weavers who came before them for inspiration. This carpet draws its inspiration from the world-famous Ardabil carpets that were created in the 16th century.
The Ardabil carpets are considered some of the best examples of carpet design to come out of the schools established by Safavid Shah Tahmasp. These carpets were kept in a mosque until 1890 when they were sold to a British carpet broker. The originals had become heavily worn and were restored by the British broker.
One of the originals was sold to the Victoria and Albert Museum, under the advice of none other than William Morris. It is on display under glass. The second carpet is now on display at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Several copies of the original were produced that ranged in size from small rugs to larger carpets. There is one copy at 10 Downing Street, the headquarters of the UK government. Several famous historical figures have also displayed Ardabil copies.
This Tabriz carpet is rare because it is handwoven in the city where the originals were produced. It uses the same technique, and the colors are similar. Many of the replicas, such as this one, did not reproduce the original exactly but used the design elements and style of the carpet. Even though this is a replica of the famous carpets produced over 500 years ago, it is still a historically significant piece. This is an extremely rare find for its place is in history and for its design and elegance that is based on pieces that are a global heritage.