For Sale is a beautiful and unique Persian Shahsavan Soumak Carpet. This is a very unusual geometric design with twelve medallions with stylised figures of birds and animals. The medallions on each corner are more russet in colour. It is made in an old village style with its very rich design.
This large rug shows a tightly hand spun rug with natural dyes...very unique and varied its colours. Unlike Kilims, Soumak carpets have a heavy flat weave which is washable and durable. The age is the guarantee for the colour because these rugs are washed hundreds of times by nomadic women at home or in the river by hand. It comes from a pet and smoke free home.
Over two thousand years of Soumak designs are taught from mother to daughter by this method of weaving. Every village has its own designs, colour combinations and techniques. Soumak carpets are like languages...they change through the years from generation to generation and that is why they are unique.
The underside of this carpet shows the hand knots, while the upper side displays the incredible detail and beautiful colours and flat weave. Traditionally, these spectacular flat-weave rugs are decorated with ancient symbols, tiny birds and geometric animals. In the 17th century, these influential warriors served as the personal bodyguards to Shah Abbas, according to historic legends. The Shahsavan, who used Soumak weaving techniques widely in habited modern day Azerbaihan and parts of Northwest Persian near Ardabil.
The size of this carpet is unusual in shape because it is approximately 195cm square. It only looks rectangular because of the photo perspective. It will be easy to ship anywhere in South Africa or even internationally.
The colours are neutral tones of cream, tan, russet and dark brown, and so would look great in any contemporary or traditional room and will create a statement that others will admire. The geometric design would look stunning with contemporary furnishings, Art Deco or traditional furnishings.
I am only asking R2200 or best offer. This may be worth far more than that since Soumaks, especially Shahsavans, often sell for many times that amount.