AN ARDABIL DESIGN CARPET, Tehran (south Persia), first quarter 20th century.

Tehran was made the capital of Persia by the Qajar Shahs and has remained so since. Both under the Qajars and the Pahlavis, Imperial workshops were established there, the high point of whose production was under the first Pahlavi emperor, Reza the Great, who ruled from 1926 to 1942.

This magnificent carpet design is amongst the greatest examples of Tehran weaving and can be counted amongst the masterpieces of its group. The sxiteen points huge sky blue central medallion, with its cream round centre, is placed on a cream field; both medallion and field are covered with an extraordinarily beautiful floral (Ardabil) design decorated with Shah Abassi pattern of incredible density.

This Ardabil design is not only superbly coloured but exhibits draughtsman ship of the very highest order. The dark crimson four corners and ivory border are decorated with red and cream cartouche which are decorated with different elements. The outer border is also decorated with an arabesque, predominantly of crimson rumi or split palmettos with a scattering of tiny flower heads. It is certain that carpets of this quality must have been woven as special commissions and this carpet is a classic example of the Pahlavi period weaving art.