This carpet is a fine example of the eccentric and imaginative Serapi quality Heriz carpets woven at the end of the 19th century. The attractive madder red field has lobate corner extensions and centers a blue outer medallion enclosing ivory, red and salmon layered six lobed irregular motives. At the very focus is an octagon of several pile colors. The field and corners display a geometric formal vine with blossoms and floral elements. The main border, in palest pistachio green, employs the popular rosette and bent leaf pattern in a rendition characteristic of the late 19th century. The rug is of medium weave with a flat back and has an all-cotton foundation with symmetric pile knotting. There are no other Serapi Heriz carpets of the period resembling this unusual example, indicating that it is the imaginative artistic creation of a gifted master weaver rather than one who followed a pre-existing design. The overall effect is unquestionably bold and striking. This carpet enhances both formal and more rustic decorative schemes, and it works especially well in contemporary settings.
