Carpet, Oriental, Persian

DatePossibly 18th century

OriginAsia, Persia, Kurdistan or Khorassan

MediumWoolen pile, cotton warp and weft.

Dimensions79" X 150"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1968-95

DescriptionCarpet: Senna knotted on 4 warp levels (called JUFTI), natural cotton warp and weft. Approx. (10k. X 9r) 90 knots per sq. inch, 3 weft shoots. Colors: Ground: field-dark blue with abrashes, border- rose-red, guard bands- yellow. Pattern: blue, green, rose, pink, brown, yellow, coral, natural. Field design is one of rows of lotus palmettes alternating in vertical arrangement with "crab-like" motifs; vertical rows (one in center of carpet and half repeat on either side of field) show alternating palmettes and rosettes. Border design: leaf palmettes, cloudbands, serrate leaves, and pinwheel rosettes. Guard bands, both alike, show reciprocal arrangement of flowers and leaves.

Construction History
Possibly 18th century: Initial construction
Dates unknown: Repaired & reknottedLabel TextThis Persian rug's popular floral pattern is believed to have been influenced by Indian designs and colors. Though the design is found in many existing Caucasian carpets, there are fewer surviving and quality Persian examples because of the nature of the weave. Known as "jufti" construction, this weave is made with four warp ends, instead of two.ProvenancePrior to 1968, Arpad Antiques (Washington, D.C.); 1968-present, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA)