Dated 1911, 293 x 220 cm, North West Persia, Azerbaijan

The shield-shaped, dark red field, the ogival white central medallion and the white spandrels are covered in a dense design of floral stems drawn in a lively style. Large blue-and-red arabesques are the dominant motif in the floral vine of the light blue main border. The most striking feature of this magnificent silk Tabriz, produced to commission, is the two large cartouches incorporated into the main border at both ends. They contain Russian dedicatory inscriptions and the date the order was placed or the year of production. The inscription in the lower cartouches translates as follows: "For a good memory of Nikolai Iakinfievichu Chromenko" (meaning: in fond remembrance of…). Hence the carpet was a present for Mr Chromenko. The inscription in the upper cartouche tell us the name of the client: "From M.I. Ashurbenova, Baku 1911" (male name). – New overcasting along the sides, minimal signs of wear, very good overall condition.