Persia, circa 1850. Admirable and extremely rare antique tribal Serapi rug, never restored

Persia, circa 1850. Admirable and extremely rare antique tribal Serapi rug, never restored, with an extraordinarily delicate vegetal coloring, with a geometric layout with a central medallion. It measures cm. 400 x 299. Photographed specifically in full light to not alter the colors. Short work sheet Type: Antique Serapi Rug Place of origin: Northwestern Azerbaijan (Heriz/Serab area), Persia Date: full 19th century around the middle of the century (circa 1850) or in any case within the third quarter of the 1800s. Execution technique: Symmetrical knotting (Turkish), handmade on a vertical loom Structure: cotton warp and weft, hand-spun wool pile Materials: Wool on cotton Natural dyes (indigo, madder, pomegranate, walnut) Description: Rug with a central medallion on an open field, decorated with stylized floral and geometric elements. Well-developed corner pieces and a continuous vine border. Harmonious coloring with a prevalence of midnight blue, ivory, coral red and sage green accents. Design typical of the Serapi manufacture, a precursor to the more rigid commercial Heriz of the 20th century. Symbolism linked to cosmic concepts of protection and fertility. State of preservation: Decidedly good for the period, including the pile. Slight central and edge wear compatible with age. Rug in original condition, never restored, with signs of age and wear consistent with its antiquity. Original coloring preserved (except for a small portion) visible in one corner. Never restored Symbolic meaning of the work: The medallion represents cosmic unity; hook motifs symbolize protection; floral figures indicate rebirth and harmony. The entire scheme is conceived according to a mandalic vision of the world, linked to Islamic, Zoroastrian, and Caucasian tribal cultures. Reference bibliography: P.R.J. Ford, Oriental Carpet Design, Thames & Hudson Jon Thompson, Carpets from the Tents, Cottages and Workshops of Asia E. Gans-Ruedin, The Splendor of Antique Rugs and Tapestries Carpet Museum, Tabriz: Serapi-Heriz archive (catalog 1870–1880) Recommendations for optimal preservation Display on a slightly inclined platform or suspended with invisible support. UV-filtered light. Controlled humidity. If placed on the floor, walking on it is not recommended. In-depth analysis / technical data sheet of expert opinion 1. Origin and typology The design and structure of the rug is consistent with the Serapi Heriz produced in the region of Persian Azerbaijan (North-West Iran), around the 19th century. Serapi rugs are a rare and valuable subcategory of Heriz rugs, known for their use of geometric motifs and warm colors. 2. Typical stylistic elements Central medallion: the large medallion with angular arms and flame motifs is very typical of Serapi rugs. Colors: rust red, cobalt blue, and ivory are traditional colors, with natural pigments. Corners and field: the white-ivory corner cusps and stylized phytomorphic motifs indicate a refined manufacture. Stylized floral designs and "hook" motifs along the edges recall the Caucasian tribal school but reworked in a Persian key. 3. Technique and knotting Original Serapi rugs are hand-knotted with hand-spun wools and colored with vegetable dyes. The structure is generally on cotton weft and warp, with a very shiny and silky wool. 4. Age and rarity From the slight natural oxidation of the colors and also the normal wear, even contained for the period, visible in the center, as well as the type of design and colors, it appears to be a specimen from the full nineteenth century, near the middle of the century. Authentic Serapi rugs from the 19th century are very rare and collected. Specific elements that indicate a dating around the mid-nineteenth century: 1. Natural and muted colors Nineteenth-century Serapi rugs used vegetable dyes. Our rug has a beautiful rust red (obtained from madder), a light cobalt blue (fermented indigo), and natural ivory. The slightly muted and "warm" tones are typical of rugs prior to 1890. 2. Open geometric medallion design The central medallion with stylized arms, zigzag borders and "splayed" corners is typical of the pre-1880 period, when the design was still free and artisanal (before the standardization of the late century). 3. Stylized motifs and spacing The highly stylized floral and animal motifs, and especially the empty spaces between the decorative elements, indicate an older production. After 1880 the designs became denser and more symmetrical. 4. Technique and wool The shine of the wool (also visible from the photo) and the use of irregular weaves are compatible with pre-industrial manufacturing, typical until the 1880s–90s. 5. Wear and patina The natural wear in the center and the "patina" of the rug are consistent with an age of over 120–150 years. Estimation of dating: Approximately 1850–1870, with a good probability of being placed before 1870. It appears to be a piece of about 150–170 years old. Symbolism analysis: 1. Central medallion Meaning: The central medallion often represents the cosmos or divine unity. In many Persian and Turkish cultures, it also symbolizes the "eye of God" that observes and protects. In our rug: The medallion has angular geometries, typical of Serapi rugs from northwestern Azerbaijan (Heriz), and may indicate strength, stability, and cosmic order. 2. Spandrels Motif of a "flowered cross" or "lance leaves" in the four corners: represent the four elements (earth, air, fire, water) or the four corners of the world. This type of division is common in rugs with a mandalic structure, where the center represents the absolute and the corners the extension of reality. 3. Geometric motifs with hooks or "hooked branches" Often called "branches of life" or "claw motifs", these symbols represent protection against evil. Often present in Serapi rugs as fragmentations of the main design, they are a classic tribal symbol for repelling negative energies. 4. Stylized floral symbols Some of the motifs seem to represent stylized flowers or rosettes, sometimes with "star" shapes. These symbolize rebirth, fertility, harmony. In the Islamic and Persian context, flowers also represent paradise. 5. Border The multiple borders (guard stripes) and the main band often include: "Vine" or "tendril" motifs: a symbol of growth and prosperity. "Broken Greek key" or "S" motifs**: linked to the concept of eternity and continuity. The rug reflects a symbolism typical of the Serapi rugs of the tribes of northwestern Persia (region of Heriz and Serab), where the decorative language was a mixture of Turkish-Caucasian shamanic tradition (protection, spirits, nature), Islamic and Sufi influences (cosmic unity, perfection) and Zoroastrian roots (light/shadow, cosmic quadripartition) Conclusion This extraordinary rug, of museum caliber, is not only a decorative object, but a true textile narrative, a symbolic mandala that tells ideas of protection, harmony, universal order, and rebirth. In compliance with the provisions of the New Code of Cultural Heritage, the selling company provides, simultaneously with the sale, a detailed written photographic guarantee of the originality and provenance of the works sold. The data with which the works are described and then contained in the written guarantees are expressed determinations resulting from accurate and documented technical/historical/artistic investigations, including expert appraisals.