Antique Heriz Serapi rug, Country of origin: Persia. The brilliant red field bears a central Ray of Life and many highly abstracted geometric shapes in this fascinating antique Heriz Serapi Persian rug. Five flower blossoms cluster at different points along the mid-line, separated by riyu symbols in the shape of arrows. The patterns are gold color, rust, and green colors. A broad blue border presents scrolled geometric shapes, with jagged ruyi symbols connecting variably multi-colored medallions composed of diamond shapes with irregular outer edges. Three separate, narrow guard borders frame the border, each carrying a geometric pattern. Heriz is a community in Northwestern Iran famed for producing extremely long-lasting carpets and rugs, items that often pass down from one generation to another for many years. These antique rugs possess a coarse, durable consistency. The type of rugs made in Heriz is also sometimes produced in other places, including Bakhshaish and Gorevan. The highest grade of rug from the Heriz area is the Serapi, which was made around the turn of the Twentieth Century. Most Heriz rugs contain prominent knots but the Serapi is described as smoother.
