Early 19th century, 183 x 168 cm, North West Persia, Azerbaijan

This nearly square rug was published by Herrmann in 1991 and identified as a Bakhshaish. It is obviously a one-off. A huge octagonal medallion with a turquoise ground and a red feathered outline lies at the centre of an empty deep blue field. Reminiscent of Khila rugs, its interior design consists of five rosettes in soft pastel shades and horizontal floral chains which form a grid in the background. The very narrow border with a light blue vine on a light brown ground seems superimposed as the blue field continues beyond it. The description published in AT & T 3 throws an entirely new light on the iconography of the design. Purchased by the collector at Eberhart Herrmann’s gallery, Munich, in 1991. – Slight signs of age and wear, somewhat low spots in the pile, the original finishes survive all around.

HERRMANN, EBERHART, Asiatische Teppich- und Textilkunst 3. Munich 1991, no. 30