Description of Design and History
The general design approach, composition and tonality of this carpet proved so popular that almost identical works were produced in both Kashan and Isfahan; they nevertheless represent an inherently Tabrizi style. This presumably derives from a combination of a classic prototype of the two Ardabil Carpets (in the Victoria and Albert Musuem and the Los Angeles County Musuem) with a typical Tabriz adjustments in the response to prevailing Western decorative tastes of the Twentieth Century. An eight-lobed medallion mixing pastel greens, eggshell blue and soft brown with the inevitable dark indigo blue, with ornamental pendant lamp motifs extending vertically is undoubtedly a simplified, updated version of the vast Ardabil medallion construction. Four large corner palmettes make for an interesting diagonal compositional effect within the varied palmette-and-leaf secondary pattern that covers the mid-red ground. The drawing of this stem-lattice is fine and accomplished, recalling that of Isfahans from this period. An undulating vine scroll and “Abbasi” palmette main border is given a dense ornamental character by the two primrose-yellow minor borders of polychrome rosettes and arabesques.