Exceptional Early Laver Kirman Carpet

Exceptional Early Laver Kirman Carpet

4.67 x 3.03 metres

Laver Kirman carpets are among the most highly prized, and most unique, of all Persian workshop pieces. These are a high-grade subset of 19th Century Kirman carpets, known for their superior weaves, delicate drawings and unique use of colour. The workshops of Kirman won the royal patronage of the Safavid court in the 17th Century and became some of the earliest Eastern carpets to make their way into the Western market – these can be spotted in historic houses across the UK and Europe. Later on, its weavers, in turn, took a certain influence from European textile traditions, incorporating a distinct palette, inspired by the colours of Classical French carpets.

This stunning 19th Century example showcases the artistry, creative use of colour, and expressive naivety found in the finest, most sought-after Laver Kirman carpets of the period. It employs a soft ivory field, which serves as a wonderful backdrop to the variety of vegetable-dyed colours in its design, with tones of duck egg blue, sage green and maroon, muted indigo in the central medallion and soft shades of burgundy in the spandrels. Its tight weave engenders a crisp clarity in the drawing, with scrolling floral and vegetal motifs in the field, framed by a wide, decorative border.

After 150 years, this carpet is still retained in very good practical condition for everyday use, preserving its original borders on all sides, though has had some minor restoration work to ensure its longevity, which has been finished to a high standard – its organic dyes have taken on a charming patina with age.

A true work of art, this carpet is one of the most sophisticated early workshop weavings we have had the pleasure of adding to our collection in some time; we strongly recommend viewing this piece in person, to fully appreciate the depth and complexity of its colours – we can arrange this at our North London studio-showroom, or in situ at your location, anywhere in the UK.