Polonaise Rugs: Antique Persian Carpets

Early Persian Plolonaise 17th Century Carpets

Antique Polonaise Rugs – Embellished with threads in precious metals, antique Polonaise rugs are among the most elegant and lavish of the court productions made under the Safavid dynasty in Iran during the seventeenth century. Large numbers of these antique rugs were exported to Poland where they were highly prized by the aristocracy at a time of enormous political power and wealth.

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Antique 17th Century Silk Persian Polonaise Rug 40787
Size: 4 ft 11 in x 6 ft 11 in (1.5 m x 2.11 m)

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Some Plolonaise rugs were even custom made with the heraldic devices of specific Polish noble families. All this led to the erroneous opinion that these carpets were actually made in Poland, which is nowadays discredited. The soft golden coloration of the antique Polonaise rugs and carpets, supremely delicate drawing and additional detail in gold and silver make the Polonaise rug a masterpiece of bygone grandeur that is still usable as a decorative carpet today.

The term “Polonaise carpets” refers to a specific group of antique silk carpets. Some were embellished in gold and silver threads and originated from Persia in the 16th to 17th century. They are called “Polonaise” because many of these antique Persian rugs were shipped to Poland for the aristocracy to use as decoration and symbols of their wealth.

First Quarter 17th Century Silk And Metal Thread Safavid Polonaise Carpet From Isfahan Central Persia

In particular, the Count Czartoryski of Poland was among the first to exhibit them, and many of these beautiful antique Oriental carpets bare his coat of arms. The heavy ties these carpets have with the Polish aristocracy led to the common misconception, in the nineteenth century, that the rugs must have originated from Poland. This is now known to be false. The true origins of the Polonaise have now been identified as Persian, most frequently from the cities of Isfahan and Kashan.

Since the Polonaise rugs are all centuries old, few of them still have their original coloring. When they were first made, the Polonaise carpets were dyed with vibrant colors and accented with metallic threads, giving them a bright, flashy design. Due to the natural deterioration of the dyes, metal and silk, almost all Polonaise rugs now have a more muted color scheme. The few Polonaise rugs known to have weathered the centuries well enough to still have their original coloring are mostly housed in museums scattered around the world and in private collections.

Historically these rugs were exported outside of Persia, and were often brought to members of the ruling class of Europe by Persian ambassadors as diplomatic gifts from the Shah. Most of the surviving Polonaise rugs were those very same ones that were gifted to the European aristocracy, who treasured these gifts and took care to preserve them as best they could over the last several centuries.

Everything You Want to Know About Rugs from Persia

Andrew Karam

a month ago

Twenty or so years ago my father gave me a beautiful antique Persian rug - after so many years (and kids and pets) it needed some TLC, so I brought it to Nazmiyal. I just picked it up today and - wow! They got the stains out entirely and the entire rug is brighter; they also made some repairs - it's back in my living room and looks fantastic, and the bill was lower than I'd expected. Overall it was a great experience - the people are wonderful, the work was perfect, and I saw so many beautiful rugs at their store that I found myself wishing for a larger apartment. Next time I need any work done on a rug, or find an open bit of floor I know where I'll be heading.

Raven Ziegler

4 years ago

It is always a delight going to the Nazmiyal showroom. This Qashqai is one of several purchases made over the years, and mom is truly enjoying it. Jason and the staff are very knowledgeable and friendly. They listen to the customeru2019s needs. When I go to the showroom, it is like visiting my family because we have the same appreciation for the textile arts.nnOriental carpets are a rare discipline to be educated in, because you canu2019t go to a university to have certain types of training and experience, such as knowing the cultures and processes of carpet weaving. Jason has such a refined eye that he can distinguish a good rug from a great rug, and that knowledge is offered to the customer to elevate their point of view.nnComing here has been an initiation into a world of culture, art, and beauty which has sustained me, and for that I am grateful.

Emmy C.

4 years ago

Loved my runner rug purchase from Nazmiyal. Love the ability to purchase, try and return if it didn't work out! I had it shipped to California and everything worked out beautifully!

Paul Rousseas

a year ago

NAZMIYAL is the best source for antique and vintage rugs and carpets. Staff is extremely knowledgeable, Jason himself is an amazing dealer who handpicks each and every piece in his stunning collection and is happy to educate the consumer, not just make a sale. I always trust his experience and great eye for all my spaces!

Chelsea Phillips

4 years ago

I had an absolutely wonderful experience working with Nazmiyal. I was very impressed by their selection, the quality of their beautiful carpets, and their extremely reasonable prices. Really I cannot say enough about how helpful everyone at the gallery was - especially Omri, work with him if you can! - and how happy I am with my new antique rug. Five stars, highly, highly recommended!

Polonaise Rugs: Antique Persian Carpets

Early Persian Plolonaise 17th Century Carpets

Antique 17th Century Silk Persian Polonaise Rug 40787